When you’re shopping for a sporty, capable, three-row crossover, you might find yourself choosing between the 2020 Dodge Durango and GMC Acadia. Which should you ultimately drive home? Our comparison guide is here to help you weigh your options.
Trim Models and Configurations: 2020 Dodge Durango
Speaking of options, the 2020 Dodge Durango offers major versatility. This three-row crossover SUV is available as five trim models, with three engine options. You can also choose between standard seven-passenger seating and optional second-row captain’s chairs (reducing capacity to six). As you climb the trim levels, there are more and more features to love – including an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, ventilated front seats, and simulated-suede leather upholstery.
The 2020 GMC Acadia earns an honorable mention in this category. It, too, gives you plenty of options, with five trim levels and three engine options. (Though, as we’ll see, those engines aren’t quite as sporty as the Durango offerings.) Like the Durango, the Acadia comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. And though it’s not quite as luxurious, the Acadia does offer upscale options like leather upholstery and heated seats.
Premium Power: 2020 Dodge Durango
If you’re looking for sporty performance, look no further than the 2020 Durango. This rugged crossover offers three muscular engine options. The SXT, GT, and Citadel trim models feature the base engine, a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 295 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T upgrades your experience with a 5.7-liter V8 that’s good for 360 horses and 390 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the top-of-the-line Durango SRT blazes past segment competitors. Its 6.4-liter V8 engine churns out 475 horses and 470 pound-feet of torque.
With the GMC Acadia, you can choose between two four-cylinder engines and a V6. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 193 horses and 188 pound-feet of torque. It’s reasonably fast, if not as fast as the Durango base engine. For a better balance of speed and fuel economy, you can check out the Acadia’s optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 230 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque and helps you earn the Acadia’s best EPA ratings (see below). However, this GMC crossover has the most potential with its optional V6 engine, which improves capabilities with 310 horses and 271 pound-feet of torque.
Best Towing Capabilities: 2020 Dodge Durango
The Durango offers best-in-class towing capabilities, making it the right choice for drivers with hefty toys. Depending on powertrain and equipment, the Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds. That’s enough muscle to move a camper or even a gang of Jet Skis.
The GMC Acadia can also tow some hefty toys, though it can’t move nearly as much weight. Equipped with the V6 engine, the Acadia can tow max loads of 4,000 pounds. With any of the other engine options, this SUV maxes out at 1,000 pounds.
Thriftiest Performance: 2020 GMC Acadia
While the 2020 GMC Acadia has its high points – namely, thriftier fuel mileage – the 2020 Dodge Durango is the better choice for sporty families. Dodge’s three-row crossover SUV delivers best-in-class towing performance, premium power, and a wealth of modern comfort options.