2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$42,900 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $7,905 MSRP difference, with the Acadia starting at $42,900 compared to the Outback's $34,995. This price gap aligns with performance metrics; the Acadia boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, dramatically overpowering the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, efficiency favors the Subaru, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating against the Acadia's 23 MPG combined. Regarding utility, the larger Acadia measures 204.0 inches long and offers 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly less than the Outback's superior 34.6 cubic feet capacity despite being 12.3 inches shorter overall. These measurable differences position the Acadia toward power and size, while the Outback prioritizes fuel economy and space efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the preferred commuter due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Acadia's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback provides substantially more utility with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Acadia's 23.0 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia offers vastly greater performance figures, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the superior value proposition, costing $7,905 less while offering better fuel economy and cargo volume.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

Absolute power is a priority, as the Acadia delivers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
A larger physical presence is desired, with the Acadia measuring 204.0 inches in length.
A traditional 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over a continuously variable transmission.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by the Outback's 31 MPG highway rating.
Maximum interior storage is needed, evidenced by the Outback's 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
The acquisition price must be kept lower, given the Outback's $34,995 MSRP compared to $42,900 for the Acadia.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Subaru Outback
Length	204.0"	191.7"
Width	79.6"	74.0"
Height	70.1"	67.5"
Wheelbase	120.9"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Subaru
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	12.1 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	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	GMC	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	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
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Subaru
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	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Subaru
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much more powerful is the 2025 GMC Acadia than the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The Acadia possesses a significant power advantage, producing 328 horsepower, which is 148 hp more than the Outback's 180 horsepower rating. This power translates to 326 lb-ft of torque for the Acadia versus only 178 lb-ft for the Subaru.

Which vehicle offers better long-term running costs based on fuel economy?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is expected to have lower fuel expenses, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the 2025 GMC Acadia's 23 MPG combined rating. The Outback also manages 31 MPG on the highway.

Is the 2026 Subaru Outback roomier inside despite being smaller externally?

Yes, the Outback surpasses the Acadia in usable space, offering 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Acadia's 23.0 cubic feet. However, the Acadia is physically larger overall, measuring 204.0 inches in length versus the Outback's 191.7 inches.

What is the exact difference in initial purchase price between the two crossovers?

There is a $7,905 price difference between the two models at their respective starting points. The 2025 GMC Acadia has an MSRP of $42,900, while the 2026 Subaru Outback is listed at $34,995.

What drive type configurations do these vehicles utilize?

The standard setup for the 2025 GMC Acadia is front-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback utilizes a standard all-wheel drive system mated to a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.