2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2024 GMC Acadia

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its iconic design, reminiscent of its debut at the 1992 Detroit auto show. Its extended length did not compromise its classic style, offering a bold and upscale appearance. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, enhancing its modern aesthetic. Inside, the upper trims boasted impressive interiors with a mix of luxurious materials, although not all components matched the quality of high-end brands. The cabin was well-appointed, with features like a polished black dash, metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching, providing a classy atmosphere.

The 2024 GMC Acadia, built on a modified platform, grew significantly in size, emphasizing its robust presence. Its design included an upright front end and broad grille, reflecting GMC's full-size SUVs. The wheel arches and door skins added definition, while quad exhaust tips at the rear drew inspiration from the C8 Corvette. The Acadia offered various trims, each with unique styling features. Inside, the redesigned cabin accommodated larger screens and improved spaciousness, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the airy feel. The AT4 model's interior, reminiscent of outdoor gear, contrasted with the Denali's less impressive materials.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, was considered outdated and lacked low-end torque. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and sound. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension enhancing cornering and ride comfort. In Canada, 4WD was standard, with three different systems available, offering varying levels of off-road capability.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous V6 and 2.0-litre turbo options, offering more power. Despite the lack of a V6, the turbo-four performed well, achieving a 2,268-kilogram towing capacity. The Acadia's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada contributed to its performance. The AT4 model included off-road features like a twin-clutch system, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode. However, its off-road capability was limited compared to more rugged models.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, creating a spacious interior. Standard second-row captain's chairs and optional bench seating offered flexibility. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's interior featured a well-organized dashboard with accessible controls, although some infotainment graphics were difficult to read.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's low dashboard and abundant glass created a spacious feel, with more headroom across all rows compared to competitors. It offered 651 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, 1,623 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,761 litres with both rows folded. These improvements provided more cargo space than the Grand Cherokee L. The Acadia included an underfloor storage bin and a "presence based" power liftgate for added convenience. Small-item storage was reasonable, although headlight controls were less intuitive.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The infotainment system was generally user-friendly, despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system and night vision were notable features, while the Active Driving Assist offered semi-automated control. The passenger screen allowed independent media playback and navigation control, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2024 GMC Acadia boasted a standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice control, offering a familiar interface. The infotainment system's layout was logical, with high-quality graphics. The Acadia also featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 16-speaker upgrade. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, although drive-mode icons were small.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras.

The 2024 GMC Acadia received an Acceptable rating from the IIHS for its collision prevention system and a Marginal score for headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Acadia also offered Super Cruise as an option, allowing for hands-free driving on certain roads.