2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the newly redesigned 2025 GMC Acadia and the updated 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport often comes down to balancing power and price against luxury presence and cargo flexibility. Right now, the main dilemma facing buyers is whether to save $7,000 upfront by opting for the Acadia or lean into the premium badge of the Land Rover. The Acadia boasts significantly more raw power, offering 328 hp compared to the Discovery Sport's 246 hp, which should translate to punchier acceleration. However, the Discovery Sport, despite being smaller at 180.9 inches long versus the Acadia's 204.0 inches, offers substantially more usable space, carrying 32.4 cu ft of cargo versus the Acadia's 23 cu ft. Furthermore, the Acadia delivers slightly better fuel economy at a combined 23 MPG, versus the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG, making it friendlier on weekly fuel costs while running on regular unleaded in both cases.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 GMC Acadia
The 2025 Acadia wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG and lower upfront cost.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport is superior for families needing maximum capacity, offering 32.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Acadia's 23 cu ft.
2025 GMC Acadia
Enthusiasts will prefer the Acadia because it produces significantly more power with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2025 GMC Acadia
The Acadia represents better value, providing substantially more horsepower for a $7,000 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- You prioritize horsepower, as the Acadia delivers a robust 328 hp.
- You need to keep initial purchase costs down, starting at $42,900.
- You want slightly better fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG on the highway.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- Maximum utility is required, as the Land Rover boasts 32.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the finer control of a 9-speed automatic transmission.
- All-wheel drive capability is a mandatory feature for your driving needs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Acadia | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.0" | 180.9" |
| Width | 79.6" | - |
| Height | 70.1" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 in | 11.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 12 | 11 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 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 | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | N/A |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Is the power difference between the two crossovers noticeable in daily driving?
Absolutely; the 2025 Acadia offers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, creating an 82 hp advantage over the Land Rover's 246 hp. This means the Acadia will feel much stronger when merging onto highways or passing slower traffic.
Which vehicle is better for hauling gear or luggage?
The 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport is the clear winner for cargo hauling, providing 32.4 cu ft behind the second row. The 2025 Acadia only offers 23 cu ft in the same configuration.
How big is the price gap between these two models?
There is a $7,000 difference in starting MSRP, with the 2025 Acadia beginning at $42,900 and the 2026 Discovery Sport starting at $49,900.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the GMC Acadia and the Land Rover Discovery Sport are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable.
How do the sizes compare, as the Acadia is listed as significantly longer?
The Acadia measures 204.0 inches in length, making it substantially longer than the Discovery Sport at 180.9 inches. This length difference likely contributes to the Acadia's slightly larger body structure but smaller reported cargo volume.
What is the advantage of the Discovery Sport's drivetrain setup?
The Land Rover comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the base Acadia comes with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). For drivers frequently dealing with slick roads or needing better traction in various conditions, AWD offers inherent stability advantages.
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