2026 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the revamped 2026 GMC Acadia and the dependable 2026 Subaru Outback often boils down to size versus savings. If your priority is maximizing interior space and outright performance, the Acadia is the choice; it offers a commanding 328 hp, easily besting the Outback's 180 hp. However, that power comes at a cost, as the Acadia starts at a substantial $43,700 compared to the Outback's $34,995—a difference of $8,705. For the daily drive, the Outback delivers better efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the Acadia's 23 MPG. While the Acadia is longer at 204.0 inches, providing a bolder road presence, buyers must weigh this against the Outback's superior cargo capacity of 34.6 cubic feet versus the Acadia's 23 cubic feet for hauling needs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and lower initial cost.
2026 GMC Acadia
The 2026 GMC Acadia is the winner for families needing maximum passenger and cargo volume, reflected in its larger dimensions.
2026 GMC Acadia
The Acadia is the clear choice for driving fun, thanks to its significantly higher output of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Outback offers significantly better overall value, costing $8,705 less while providing better gas mileage.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- You prioritize high-output performance, as the Acadia boasts 328 hp.
- You need maximum physical presence, given the Acadia's 204.0-inch length.
- You desire a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the Outback starts $8,705 below the Acadia.
- You value fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG combined versus 23 MPG.
- You need more usable storage space, with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity available.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Acadia | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.0" | 191.7" |
| Width | 79.6" | 74.0" |
| Height | 71.0" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Digital 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: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
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 2026 GMC Acadia and 2026 Subaru Outback.
How much more expensive is the 2026 GMC Acadia compared to the 2026 Subaru Outback?
The 2026 GMC Acadia has a significant price jump; its starting MSRP of $43,700 is $8,705 more than the Outback's $34,995.
Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway driving in terms of fuel costs?
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the more efficient choice for long hauls, offering 31 MPG on the highway compared to the Acadia's 27 MPG highway rating.
If I need to haul a lot of gear, which crossover has more space?
The 2026 Subaru Outback provides considerably more cargo volume at 34.6 cubic feet, while the 2026 GMC Acadia offers 23 cubic feet.
Is the power difference between the two noticeable for daily driving?
Yes, the Acadia delivers 328 hp, giving it a significant advantage over the Outback's 180 hp, which enthusiasts will certainly feel.
Do these models come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?
The 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the base model 2026 GMC Acadia features Front Wheel Drive.
Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2026 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Subaru Outback are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.
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