Subaru Forester vs. GMC Acadia
In comparing the Subaru Forester to the GMC Acadia, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The GMC Acadia has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester versus the GMC Acadia, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the GMC Acadia.
Subaru Forester versus GMC Acadia Pricing
A used 2023 Subaru Forester ranges from $28,810 to $39,018 while a used 2023 GMC Acadia is priced between $37,326 to $56,221. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $28,930 and $38,941, with the GMC Acadia priced between $38,052 and $56,785.
Subaru Forester versus GMC Acadia Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.7 out of 10 while the GMC Acadia's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 61 Best Crossover SUVs and the GMC Acadia being ranked 16 out of 61.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the GMC Acadia base engine makes 228 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The Acadia is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 563 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The GMC Acadia, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and trunk space. The Subaru Forester and GMC Acadia are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance, while the GMC Acadia has the advantage of offering higher payload capacity.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the GMC Acadia, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.73 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$28,930 - $38,941
Used Asking Price:
$28,810 - $39,018
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.4%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$38,052 - $56,785
Used Asking Price:
$37,326 - $56,221
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
52.8%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
9.5 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 24Most Reliable Small SUVs
Ranking
4 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 24Small SUVs with Best Resale Value
Ranking
8 out of / 24Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value
Ranking
11 out of / 61Ranking
11 out of / 61Ranking
16 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 25Ranking
11 out of / 15Ranking
12 out of / 25Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 61Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 28Ranking
15 out of / 25Ranking
16 out of / 61Ranking
16 out of / 31Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value
Ranking
24 out of / 25Ranking
29 out of / 61SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value
Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
37 out of / 61Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value
Ranking
60 out of / 61Summary 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
Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, SLE, SLT
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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.73 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
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):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
427 / 563 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
12.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
156.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4155 lbs
Width:
75.4 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
193.4 inches
Wheelbase:
112.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum with painted accents
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
