2024 Cadillac LYRIQ vs 2024 GMC Acadia

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that captured attention on the streets. Its long hood and low ground clearance gave it the appearance of a sleek sedan rather than a traditional SUV. The design drew inspiration from the classic Seville, featuring a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track. The front end was adorned with vertical light bars and a solid grille that incorporated lighting effects, creating a dramatic presence. The interior was meticulously crafted, with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display that blended seamlessly into the cabin. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2024 GMC Acadia emphasized its increased size with a more upright front end and broad grille, reminiscent of GMC's full-size SUVs and trucks. The vehicle's design included distinctive LED headlights and quad exhaust tips inspired by the C8 Corvette. The Acadia was available in various trims, including the base Elevation, off-road AT4, and luxurious Denali. Each trim offered unique styling features, such as intricate grille detailing for the Denali and rugged elements for the AT4. Inside, the Acadia's redesigned interior provided a sense of spaciousness, with a low dashboard and ample glass. The third-row passengers benefited from an unobstructed view, and the available panoramic sunroof added to the airy feel.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured a dual-motor powertrain producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, with an optional all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery offered a claimed range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the ability to top up to 80% in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the overall chassis needed refinement.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous V6 option and provided ample power for the Acadia's size. The vehicle's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, matching other midsize crossovers. The Acadia featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on Elevation and Denali models, and all-wheel drive standard on the AT4. The AT4 trim included off-road enhancements like a twin-clutch system, ride height lift, and skid plates. While the Acadia excelled on dirt roads, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to more rugged models. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, but the vehicle's size and steering made it feel larger than it was.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray were notable issues. The glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited storage space. The rotary selector for the touchscreen was less intuitive than direct touch controls. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2024 GMC Acadia excelled in interior space and utility. Its low dashboard and ample glass created a spacious feel, with more headroom than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Kia Telluride. The Acadia offered 23 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. An underfloor storage bin and a presence-based power liftgate added to its practicality. Small-item storage was reasonable, though the headlight controls were less intuitive, requiring touchscreen interaction.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen divided into three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The available Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 GMC Acadia boasted an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with an optional 16-speaker setup. The infotainment system featured Google built-in apps, providing familiar navigation and voice control options. The touchscreen layout was logical, with high-quality graphics and easy access to important menus. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, including a map view.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2024 GMC Acadia, also untested by NHTSA and IIHS, offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assist features. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Acadia also featured a rear-seat reminder and vibrating safety alert seat. The optional Super Cruise system allowed for hands-free driving on certain roads.