Subaru Forester vs. GMC Acadia
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Forester and GMC Acadia contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Forester and the GMC Acadia.
In comparing the Subaru Forester's and the GMC Acadia's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The GMC Acadia has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the GMC Acadia's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the GMC Acadia.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value and the GMC Acadia loses 53.1 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 15.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the GMC Acadia.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the GMC Acadia's quality rating is 7.8 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the GMC Acadia being ranked 14 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.0 out of 10. For the GMC Acadia the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the GMC Acadia.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the GMC Acadia base engine makes 328 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Forester and the GMC Acadia have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
46271 - 65046
Starting MSRP:
43700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
51009
Price Range:
42665 - 56055
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
14.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Acadia
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.191
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 54Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 54Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66GMC Acadia Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 33Ranking
8 out of / 33Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
23 out of / 26Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 54Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 54Ranking
59 out of / 66Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Summary Review
GMC’s Acadia is a crossover SUV that offers seating from five to eight passengers, depending on model year and trim. Shoppers will find the Acadia is a bit like an upscale version of the Chevy Traverse.
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Pros and Cons
- Near-luxury trims available
- Off-road-focused trims available
- Three engine choices
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain available
- Advanced active safety systems are optional, not standard
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
GMC Acadia Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, Elevation
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Cargo Space:
23 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3510 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
183.3 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4502 lbs
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
204 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Exterior Colors
Blue
Daybreak Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
White
Crystal White Pearl
Black
Not available
Exterior Colors
Blue
Not available
Gray
Crystal Metallic / Sterling Metallic
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Glacier White Tricoat / Summit White
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Gideon Gray
Black
After Dark
