2020 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Subaru Forester

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 aimed to deliver a professional-grade experience. The Denali trim, in particular, featured upscale elements like Satin Steel Metallic paint and a Technology Package, with a price tag of $52,385. The design updates for 2020 were most evident in the front, with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille, enhancing its upscale aspirations. Inside, changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and open-pore wood trim for the Denali, but the cabin still mixed soft surfaces with hard plastics, lacking distinct premium features beyond leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, despite its 2019 redesign, retained a familiar look with its boxy, upright shape, appealing to SUV shoppers seeking practicality. The Forester Sport model added visual flair with orange striping and black alloy wheels, enhancing its rugged appeal. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester shared underpinnings with other Subaru models, maintaining its rugged SUV image. Inside, the Forester offered a no-nonsense mix of materials, with the Sport trim adding orange accents. The interior was practical, with cloth upholstery on lower trims and leather on higher ones, and an All-Weather Package added comfort features like heated seats and mirrors.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims featured a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the SLT came with a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The AT4 and Denali trims boasted a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia provided a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with the AT4 featuring a dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine delivered smooth power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, though its driving character was considered forgettable.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The engine's boxer configuration offered a lower center of gravity. The Forester's towing capacity was 1,500 pounds, with Trailer Stability Assist as standard. While power was adequate, the engine lacked thrust for highway merging. The suspension was softly tuned, resulting in poor body control and a bouncy ride. The Forester's AWD system was standard, with X-Mode for different surfaces, and Sport models featured Dual X-Mode. The Forester's ground clearance was 8.7 inches, suitable for light off-roading.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim featuring six-passenger seating with captain's chairs. The front seats were wide and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, and rear passengers had access to air vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though cargo space was limited to 12.1 cubic feet behind it. Folding the third row expanded cargo space to 41.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Subaru Forester provided above-average headroom and legroom, thanks to its tall roofline. The cabin felt roomy with excellent visibility, though sunlight could raise the temperature. Cargo space was generous, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. The Forester lacked a sliding second-row bench but offered a power liftgate on higher trims. The interior featured decently sized cupholders and a reasonably sized center console, though the phone-storage cubby was small. A power-adjustable driver's seat was available on higher trims, and the controls were user-friendly.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution and improved voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with navigation and a Bose sound system available. Additional tech included USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, a surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM radio. Sport models added an 8-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio, while higher trims included navigation and rear USB ports. The system was easy to use, though the screen was slow to boot. The Forester also had a secondary screen for additional information, though it seemed overly complex.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on base trims, but advanced features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking required higher trims and additional packages. The Acadia received a 5-star rating from NHTSA in most tests but had incomplete IIHS data.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a 5-star NHTSA rating. It came standard with EyeSight, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Forester also featured a driver-monitoring system, unique among mainstream brands. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.