2020 GMC Acadia vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium SUV, offering a range of trims from the basic SL to the luxurious Denali. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared many components with its Chevrolet siblings, yet aimed to present a more upscale image. The Denali trim, in particular, featured a distinctive front design with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the cabin retained a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastics, with the Denali model adding leather upholstery and wood trim. However, despite these enhancements, the Acadia struggled to fully establish itself as a premium choice, with only subtle design elements differentiating it from less expensive models.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. The X5's design was unmistakably BMW, with its signature kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights. The SUV offered a range of trims, including the sporty M Sport styling, which added aggressive design elements. Inside, the X5's interior was characterized by a familiar BMW layout, with an abundance of leather and soft-touch materials. While the design was consistent with other BMW models, it maintained a luxurious feel, albeit with some criticism for its sameness. The M Sport models featured unique styling cues, enhancing the sporty appeal of the X5.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options, starting with a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for lower trims. The SLT trim introduced a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AT4 and Denali variants featured a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. However, the SUV's driving character was considered forgettable, lacking the engaging dynamics found in some competitors. The Denali AWD model offered a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 BMW X5 provided a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, achieving 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M offered even more power, with 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model delivered 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of up to 30 miles. Despite its power, the X5's driving dynamics were criticized for lacking the connected experience expected from BMW, with steering issues at higher speeds. The X5 xDrive45e achieved a combined fuel economy of 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. The Denali trim featured standard second-row captain’s chairs, providing 6-passenger seating, with an option for a bench seat. The front seats were wide and supportive, with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, offering comfort for rear passengers. Despite being smaller than previous models, the Acadia's third-row seat was relatively roomy. Cargo space was limited to 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with cupholders positioned at the front of the center console. The seating was spacious and comfortable, though the front seats could feel hard on long trips. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The X5 retained its split liftgate, offering full power functionality and vehicle height adjustment for easier loading. The cargo area was spacious without the third row, though the xDrive45e model offered slightly less space. Moving cargo and passengers in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the limited door opening width.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came equipped with essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution display and improved voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with additional technology upgrades such as USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless charger, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were limited, with features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking available only on higher trims. The Acadia received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control functionality. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.