2019 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2019 GMC Acadia was a handsome SUV with a shorter wheelbase that provided a more athletic stance. Its upright grille gave it an upscale appearance, making it as nice as, if not nicer than, the more expensive Buick Envision. Despite being considered a midsize SUV, it felt closer in size to compact competitors like the Nissan Rogue. The Acadia offered various trims, from the base SL to the luxurious Denali, each adding more features and options, such as 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, 7-passenger seating, and remote keyless entry in the base model, to heated leather-appointed seating and a unique Denali grille in the top-tier Denali trim.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV, aside from a subtle “P400e” badge, looked identical to other versions of the SUV. The charging port was cleverly integrated with the grille, maintaining the vehicle's sleek design. Starting at $79,000, the PHEV included HSE trim and could reach over $160,000 with all options. My test vehicle, priced at $93,200, featured Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, quality materials were evident, reflecting the high price tag, although some functionality issues were noted.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engines: a 193-horsepower inline 4-cylinder and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6 was available in higher trims and provided fantastic acceleration, even chirping the tires from a quick takeoff. Power was sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or available AWD. The AWD system featured GMC’s Active Twin Clutch system, allowing drivers to switch between FWD, AWD, Sport mode, and All-Terrain mode. The V6 Acadia could tow up to 4,000 pounds and offered a balanced driving experience, with fuel economy figures of 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined for the 4-cylinder FWD model.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, my test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop. The Range Rover Sport PHEV provided quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, making smooth stops difficult. The SUV retained its off-roading capability, with multiple traction settings and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water.

The 2019 GMC Acadia provided ample space for the driver and front passenger, with deep trays and bins for small items. The SL, SLE-1, and SLE-2 trims featured 7-passenger seating, while the SLT-1 AWD had 6-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seats were suitable only for kids. Cargo space was limited, with 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 79 cubic feet with both rows down. Rubberized floor mats made it easy to clean after outdoor activities.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had a compromised cargo area due to the battery beneath the raised cargo floor, reducing the space to less than the standard 27.5 cubic feet. The SUV could comfortably transport five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The test vehicle included 4-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof, enhancing the interior experience. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin.

The 2019 GMC Acadia's base SL trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The SLT-1 trim upgraded to an 8-inch screen, and the Denali added standard navigation. Higher trims also included a 4.2-inch color information display within the gauge cluster, with the Denali featuring an 8-inch display. A color head-up display was also available, providing various vehicle information.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and could be frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, I experienced occasional trouble accessing features and unexpected system behavior. The lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the difficulty. While the system provided easy access to primary stereo and climate functions, it required patience and familiarity to operate smoothly.

The 2019 GMC Acadia came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1 and optional on the SLE-2, added a blind-spot warning system, lane-change alert, and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim included the Driver Alert Package 2, with additional features like low-speed forward automatic braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, forward-collision alert, and adaptive headlights and high beams.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and an optional Driver Assist Package with a new steering-assist system. The SUV's heavy battery and electric motor helped lower its center of gravity, but it still suffered from head-toss over uneven pavement. The lane-keeping assist system worked too abruptly, leading me to shut it off. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.