Jeep Cherokee vs GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium SUV, aiming to bridge the gap between Chevrolet and Cadillac. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, it shared powertrains and assembly origins in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The Acadia Denali, with its all-wheel drive and Satin Steel Metallic paint, showcased GMC's upscale aspirations. The design updates were most evident in the front, with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and open-pore wood trim in the Denali. Despite its premium positioning, the cabin mixed soft surfaces with hard plastics, lacking distinct luxury elements beyond leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling evolved over time, becoming more proportionate since its debut. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition. Jeep's design prowess was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its visual appeal. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded SUV market, resembling the larger Grand Cherokee from the front. Its design was practical, with a focus on functionality rather than luxury, offering a straightforward and businesslike interior.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. The base models featured a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the SLT trim introduced a 230-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The AT4 and Denali trims boasted a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The Acadia AT4 had a dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. The V6 engine provided smooth power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. Fuel economy was aided by automatic engine stop/start and cylinder deactivation, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee also offered three engines. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus had a 180-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A 3.2-liter V6 engine delivered 271 hp, while the top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produced 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Cherokee's nine-speed automatic transmission was praised for its fuel-saving capabilities. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. While the Cherokee was available in front-wheel drive, its off-road prowess was a highlight, especially in the Trailhawk trim.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim featuring six-passenger seating. The front seats were wide and supportive, ideal for long trips. The second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort, with amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Despite being smaller than previous models, the Acadia's third-row seat was surprisingly roomy. Cargo space was limited to 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 79 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. This was less than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The Cherokee's interior was simple and functional, with trim levels affecting material quality. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale finishes like suede and Nappa leather.

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 improved resolution and user experience. The Denali trim included navigation and a Bose sound system. New technology features included USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a high-definition surround-view camera.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Cherokee offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2020 GMC Acadia needed improvements in safety features. Standard equipment included a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings were standard, but advanced features like forward collision warning required higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Acadia high ratings, but the IIHS had incomplete data.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.