2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. The exterior design was practical, prioritizing function over luxury. Inside, the cabin maintained a modern look without sacrificing utility. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, all featuring standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, positioned as a premium SUV, came in SL, SLE, SLT, new rugged AT4, and luxurious Denali trims. The Denali trim, tested with optional all-wheel drive and a Technology Package, featured a redesigned front with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. The cabin had a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, with logical control layouts. Despite leather upholstery and wood trim, the Denali lacked distinctive premium features beyond some contrast stitching and bronze-tinted plastic metallic accents.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride with a low center of gravity but lacked adequate torque for quick acceleration. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance. Subaru's SI-Drive system, standard across trims, offered Intelligent and Sport modes to enhance throttle response and power delivery. The X-Mode terrain-management system, available on higher trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Despite its underwhelming acceleration, the Forester excelled in ride quality and handling, with a fuel economy of 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a balanced driving experience. The test vehicle's powertrain included automatic engine stop/start and cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. However, the Acadia's driving character was considered forgettable, lacking distinctive performance traits.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive cargo space, with the base trim providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet and other trims offering 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance were beneficial for off-road conditions and ease of entry for older buyers. The cabin emphasized functionality, with numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided excellent visibility and a commanding driving position with ample legroom and headroom.

The 2020 GMC Acadia accommodated five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim. The Denali trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though cargo space behind it was limited to 12.1 cubic feet. With the third-row seat folded, cargo volume increased to 41.7 cubic feet, and maximum cargo volume with the second-row seats folded was 79 cubic feet. The Acadia's reconfigured center console improved interior storage space.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen, was responsive and intuitive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's high resolution and seamless transition between Starlink and CarPlay were notable. Subaru’s EyeSight suite included Lead Vehicle Alert, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 GMC Acadia featured Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution and improved user experience. The test vehicle included navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and voice-recognition technology. Additional upgrades for 2020 included USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror, providing an unobstructed wide-angle view.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with EyeSight driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Other standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera. The Forester's excellent visibility further enhanced safety.

The 2020 GMC Acadia's standard safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. However, advanced driving assistance systems like forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available on higher trims. The Acadia received 5-star ratings in most NHTSA crash tests and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests.