2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2024 GMC Acadia

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a significantly modified version of its predecessor's platform, resulting in a larger and more imposing vehicle. It was 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the 2023 model, with styling that emphasized its increased size. The front end featured a more upright design and a broad grille, reminiscent of GMC's full-size SUVs and trucks, framed by distinctive LED headlights. The wheel arches and door skins had intricate detailing that added definition to the vehicle's bulk, although this was mostly visible in specific lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips, inspired by the C8 Corvette, added a sporty touch.

The 2024 Acadia was available in three trims: the base Elevation, off-road AT4, and luxe Denali. The Elevation came with standard 18-inch wheels, while the Denali offered standard 20-inch wheels with optional 22s. The AT4 featured model-specific 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Unique styling elements were present in the Denali and AT4 models, with the Denali grille featuring intricate detailing inspired by bridge trusswork, and the AT4 showcasing red tow hooks and blacked-out trim. Inside, the Acadia's interior was redesigned to accommodate larger screens and create a sense of spaciousness, with a panoramic sunroof available to enhance the light-filled cabin.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer received a refresh four years into its lifecycle, maintaining its upright stance, low belt line, and large windows. The new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence gave it a modern vibe, inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The new Upland trim added front recovery hooks that increased utility without compromising the elegant design. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer featured a clean design with strong horizontal lines, and while the 12-inch infotainment screen seemed small for such a large vehicle, it was complemented by redundant HVAC and audio controls. The seats were comfortable and highly adjustable, making long drives pleasant.

The Grand Wagoneer's interior boasted premium materials, with solid metal gearshift dials and available Nappa and Palermo leather in upper trims. The overall fit and finish were impressive, with doors that closed with a solid thwap and a sturdy armrest closure. The Grand Wagoneer was a spacious people mover, with three rows offering ample leg and hip room. The optional bench seat in the second row allowed for up to eight passengers, and the third row could comfortably accommodate three people of small to average stature. Cargo space was generous, with 27.9 cubic feet available behind the third row, and a long-wheelbase version offered even more capacity.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and 3.6-liter V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6 option, the turbo-four provided strong and consistent performance, enabling a 5,000-pound towing capacity with an available towing package. However, the engine note was coarse and unattractive, particularly in the high-end Denali trim. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with front-wheel drive available on Elevation and Denali models, and all-wheel drive standard on the AT4.

The AT4 featured a twin-clutch system for off-road driving, a 1.2-inch ride height lift, special suspension tuning, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode for low-speed off-road cruise control. While the Acadia AT4 was marketed as the "most capable Acadia AT4 ever," it was more of a light off-roader, suitable for dirt roads but not as capable as other GMC AT4 models. The Acadia's suspension tuning varied with wheel-and-tire combinations, with a "premium" tune for Denali models equipped with 22-inch wheels. Despite the comfortable suspension, both the Denali and AT4 felt larger than they were due to wallowing and bouncing over road undulations.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even in the 6,000-pound vehicle, surpassing the performance of the previously available 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The Grand Wagoneer also offered a range-extended electric powertrain with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, delivering an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, with a total range of over 500 miles.

Despite its large proportions, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with large windows and squared-off corners providing excellent visibility. The SUV absorbed bumps from construction grooves and city potholes well, and while there was some tire and wind noise, it remained relatively quiet. The seats were comfortable for long drives, accommodating a wide range of passenger sizes.

The 2024 GMC Acadia offered a spacious interior with a low dashboard and generous glass, providing a sense of openness. It had more headroom across all three rows than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Acadia also boasted more first-row legroom, although the Kia and Toyota offered more legroom in the second and third rows. Cargo space was impressive, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. An underfloor storage bin and a "presence based" power liftgate added to its utility.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, with three rows offering ample leg and hip room. The optional bench seat in the second row allowed for up to eight passengers, and the third row could comfortably accommodate three people of small to average stature. Cargo space was generous, with 27.9 cubic feet available behind the third row, and a long-wheelbase version offered even more capacity. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped, and it featured three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and power-operated driver and front passenger seats.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports in each row were standard. An 8-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Bose system were available. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, with a logical setup and high-quality graphics. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, although small drive-mode icons could be difficult to see.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a wireless phone charger, and a hands-free power liftgate. Higher trims offered a front console cooler, digital rearview mirror, a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system, and four-zone climate controls. While the tech generally worked well, the wireless phone charger overheated an iPhone 16, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size. Adjustable pedals were no longer available for the 2026 model year.

The 2024 GMC Acadia included standard driver-assist features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. An optional rearview camera mirror and surround-view camera system provided up to nine camera views. The Acadia was the first GMC model to offer the Super Cruise driver-assist system as an option on all trim levels, allowing for hands-free driving on some surface roads.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with safety features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. Available features included automated parking assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received fair ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with a mix of Good and Marginal scores in crash tests and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.