2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Jeep Compass

GMC Acadia

$42,900 · Crossover

vs
Jeep Compass

$30,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the burly 2025 GMC Acadia and the nimble 2026 Jeep Compass often boils down to prioritizing size and power versus budget and efficiency. If you need maximum hauling capability, the Acadia is substantially larger, measuring 204.0 inches long compared to the Compass’s 173.4 inches. However, that size comes at a cost: the Acadia starts at an MSRP of $42,900, while the Compass undercuts it significantly at $30,595. Power enthusiasts will lean toward the Acadia’s robust 328 hp engine, a hefty 128 hp advantage over the Compass's 200 hp. Yet, the smaller Compass boasts a notable advantage in fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Acadia’s 23 MPG combined, which translates to meaningful savings over ownership.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Jeep Compass

The 2026 Jeep Compass wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG, offering better daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The larger 2025 GMC Acadia offers greater peace of mind regarding space, despite its lower 23 cu ft cargo capacity (relative to the Compass's slightly larger listed space, its overall body size suggests better passenger comfort).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The Acadia offers significantly more muscle, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Compass's 200 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass offers exceptional value, starting at $30,595, which is $12,305 less than the entry price of the Acadia.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

  • You frequently need significant on-road performance, leveraging the 328 hp engine.
  • You need the larger physical footprint for passengers, as the Acadia is over 30 inches longer than the Compass.
  • You prioritize maximum torque (326 lb-ft) for towing or hauling tasks.

Choose the Jeep Compass if...

  • Keeping the purchase price down is critical, given the $12,305 MSRP difference.
  • You want better daily fuel efficiency, thanks to its 27 MPG combined rating.
  • Off-road capability or adverse weather traction is a must, as the Compass comes standard with Four Wheel Drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension GMC Acadia Jeep Compass
Length 204.0" 173.4"
Width 79.6" 73.8"
Height 70.1" 64.8"
Wheelbase 120.9" 103.8"

Features Comparison

Safety
Feature GMC Jeep
Blind Spot Monitor ✓ ✓
Lane Departure Warning ✓ ✓
Lane Keeping Assist System ✓ ✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert ✓ ✓
Pre-Collision Safety System ✓ ✓
Post-Collision Safety System ✓ ✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags ✓ ✓
Front Head Airbags ✓ ✓
Rear Head Airbags ✓ ✓
Third Row Head Airbags ✓ —
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation ✓ ✓
Electronic Stability Control ✓ ✓
Traction Control System ✓ ✓
LATCH System ✓ ✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks ✓ ✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) 4-Wheel 4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes ✓ ✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes ✓ —
Brake Assist ✓ ✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ✓ ✓
Automatic Headlights ✓ ✓
Headlight Delay-Off ✓ ✓
LED Headlights ✓ ✓
Daytime Running Lights ✓ ✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors ✓ —
Front Headrests 2 2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests ✓ ✓
Rear Headrests 2 3
Rear Fixed Headrests ✓ —
Engine Immobilizer ✓ ✓
Driver Attention Alert — ✓
Brake Drying — ✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes — ✓
Brake Preparation System — ✓
Cornering Lights — ✓
Front Fog Lights — ✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests — ✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt — ✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) — ✓
Engine
Feature GMC Jeep
Base Engine Displacement 2.5 L 2.0 L
Number of Cylinders inline 4 inline 4
Base Engine Type gas gas
Horsepower 328 hp @ 5500 rpm 200 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm 221 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
Number of Valves 16 16
Camshaft Type Double overhead cam (DOHC) Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing Variable Variable
Fuel Injection Type ✓ ✓
Drive Train
Feature GMC Jeep
Transmission Type 8-speed shiftable automatic 8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type front wheel drive four wheel drive
4WD System Type — On Demand
Fuel
Feature GMC Jeep
Fuel Type regular unleaded regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) 20/27 MPG 24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) 23 MPG 27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) 0/0 mi. 324.0/432.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity — 13.5 gal.
Comfort & Convenience
Feature GMC Jeep
Push Button Start ✓ ✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel ✓ ✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel ✓ ✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel ✓ ✓
Electric Power Steering ✓ ✓
Rear View Camera ✓ ✓
Rear Parking Sensors ✓ —
Wireless Charging Pad ✓ —
Adaptive Cruise Control ✓ —
Universal Remote Transmitter ✓ —
Front Cupholders ✓ ✓
Rear Cupholders ✓ ✓
3rd Row Cupholders ✓ —
Front Door Pockets ✓ ✓
Front Seatback Storage ✓ ✓
Heated Steering Wheel ✓ ✓
Three Zone Climate Control ✓ —
Rear Ventilation Ducts ✓ ✓
Sun Sensor ✓ —
Dual Vanity Mirrors ✓ ✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror ✓ —
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors ✓ —
Cruise Control — ✓
Rear Door Pockets — ✓
Overhead Console with Storage — ✓
Steering Wheel Material — Leatherette/Simulated Alloy
Single Zone Climate Control — ✓
Interior Air Filtration — ✓
Cargo Floor Mats — ✓
In Car Entertainment
Feature GMC Jeep
Infotainment Display 15.0 in 8.4 in
AM/FM Stereo ✓ ✓
Premium Speaker Brand Bose —
Speaker System 12 6
Subwoofer Count 1 —
Android Auto (Wireless) ✓ ✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless) ✓ ✓
USB Port ✓ ✓
Auxiliary Audio Input ✓ —
USB Port with External Media Control ✓ ✓
Satellite Radio ✓ ✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period 3 months —
Speed Sensitive Volume Control ✓ —
Power Feature
Feature GMC Jeep
One-Touch Power Windows 4 2
Keyless Entry ✓ ✓
Heated Mirrors ✓ ✓
Frontseats
Feature GMC Jeep
Front Head Room 42.6 in. 39.2 in.
Front Leg Room 44.3 in. 41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room 62.0 in. 56.7 in.
Front Hip Room 59.2 in. 54.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette ✓ —
Front Seat Type: Bucket ✓ ✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments 8-way —
Driver Seat Height Adjustment ✓ ✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support Power —
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments 6-way —
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment ✓ ✓
Driver Seat Heating Multi-level Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating Multi-level Multi-level
Front Seat Material — ✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments — 6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments — 6-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability — ✓
Rearseats
Feature GMC Jeep
Rear Head Room 40.0 in. 38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room 41.5 in. 38.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room 62.0 in. 55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room 58.4 in. 49.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback ✓ ✓
Reclining Rear Seats ✓ —
Folding Center Armrest ✓ ✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat ✓ —
Tires and Wheels
Feature GMC Jeep
Wheel Finish Painted Alloy Painted Alloy
Wheel Size 18 x 7.5 in 18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type All Season All Season
Tire Size 255/65R18 225/55R18
Spare Tire Type Temporary —
Spare Tire Location Underbody Mounted —
Suspension
Feature GMC Jeep
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension ✓ ✓
Front Stabilizer Bar ✓ ✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar ✓ ✓
Warranty
Feature GMC Jeep
Basic Warranty 3 yr./ 36000 mi. 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty 5 yr./ 60000 mi. 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty 6 yr./ 100000 mi. 5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance 5 yr./ 60000 mi. 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance 1 yr./ unlimited mi. —

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Jeep Compass.

Is the extra cost of the 2025 Acadia worth the extra power?

That depends on your needs; the Acadia has 128 more horsepower (328 hp vs. 200 hp). If you value brisk acceleration and power for highway merging, yes. If budget is tight, saving $12,305 with the Compass might be more valuable.

How does the size difference between these two crossovers affect usability?

The Acadia is substantially larger at 204.0 inches long, suggesting more generous cabin space, while the Compass is much more compact at 173.4 inches. This means the Compass will be easier to maneuver and park in tight city settings.

Which vehicle will cost less to run week-to-week?

The 2026 Jeep Compass will generally be cheaper to run, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the Acadia's 23 MPG combined. It also uses the same regular unleaded fuel type for both.

Why does the smaller Jeep Compass have Four Wheel Drive while the larger Acadia is Front Wheel Drive?

Jeep leans heavily into its off-road heritage, making Four Wheel Drive standard on the Compass for better traction in varied conditions. The 2025 Acadia focuses more on on-road cruising efficiency with its standard Front Wheel Drive setup.

Are there significant differences in cargo space despite the size disparity?

Surprisingly, the smaller 2026 Compass lists 27.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is slightly more than the 23 cu ft noted for the larger 2025 Acadia. However, the Acadia’s physical length likely translates to more usable space overall, especially with seats folded.

If I need maximum horsepower, which fuel type should I consider?

Both vehicles run happily on regular unleaded fuel. The performance disparity comes entirely from the engine tuning; the Acadia produces 326 lb-ft of torque while the Compass offers 221 lb-ft.

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