VS
At a Glance
Power
328hp @ 5500
395hp @ 5500
Torque
326lb-ft @ 3500
406lb-ft @ 2000
Towing
—
8200lbs
Engine
—
3.0 L/183cc
Choosing between the GMC Acadia and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The GMC Acadia delivers 328hp @ 5500 while the Land Rover Defender produces 395hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $52,500 for the Acadia and $63,500 for the Defender. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
328hp @ 5500
395hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
326lb-ft @ 3500
406lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.0 L/183cc
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.7gal
23.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
203.96in
197.5in
Width (in)
79.95in
79.1in
Height (in)
72.03in
77.7in
Wheelbase (in)
120.93in
119in
Curb Weight (lbs)
Coming Soonlbs
5035lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
8200lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Acadia
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
GMC Acadia
Lower starting price ($52,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Land Rover Defender
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Acadia or Defender?
The Acadia produces 328hp @ 5500 and 326lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Defender delivers 395hp @ 5500 and 406lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Acadia and Defender?
The Acadia starts from $52,500 and the Defender from $63,500. The Acadia is cheaper by $11,000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Acadia or Defender?
The Acadia has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Defender can tow 8200lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Acadia or the Defender?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.