Fuel Efficiency and Engines
In recent years, SUVs have made remarkable strides when it comes to fuel efficiency. These vehicles are no longer the gas hogs they were for so many years after initially hitting the market. In furtherance of that growing trend, both the Acadia and the Pathfinder do quite well in terms of the miles per gallon they use. In fact, they are essentially identical in that regard. One thing to note is that the Acadia has two different engine options and each will have different fuel efficiency. Ranging from 17 to 21 MPG city and 25 to 26 MPG you can decide exactly what level of efficiency will be best for your lifestyle. The Pathfinder comes in at a remarkably similar fuel economy of 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway with its one available engine. Though the slight advantage here will be lost when we start talking about the available power in each engine.
In short, you’ll do pretty well with either of these vehicles when it comes to fuel efficiency, and it’s really not a differentiating factor when it comes to completing the 2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Nissan Pathfinder analysis.
Fuel efficiency is obviously important, but it’s the engine that makes every vehicle go, whether you’re talking about fuel efficiency or some other type of performance. While once again both vehicles perform quite well in regard to their power levels, the GMC Acadia comes out with a slight edge. This is thanks to the two available engines, the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder offers 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque and the 3.6L V6 which offers 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. If we’re comparing a V6 to a V6 the Acadia manages to just squeak by the Pathfinder’s engine, a 3.5L V6 with 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.
Overall, the 2019 GMC Acadia appears to offer a bit more in terms of power and performance when it comes to the engine, and as said above, the engine is the most important aspect of any vehicle. If it’s running smoothly, everything else tends to fall into place.
Safety
While the engine is the most important aspect of driving a car, safety is the most important factor in deciding whether or not to drive one in the first place, at least in our opinion. Fortunately, the 2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Nissan Pathfinder analysis shows that both of these vehicles are safe for their occupants, which is a purchasing requirement for almost every would-be driver. However, once again, it appears that the 2019 GMC Acadia comes out slightly ahead in terms of overall and specific safety ratings. Based on a slew of safety tests done by the NHTSA the 2019 GMC Acadia received 5-stars in almost every category which resulted in an overall 5-star rating. While still performing well, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder was more evenly split between 4 and 5-stars across many of the categories resulting in an average/overall rating of 4-stars.
Both vehicles are considered safe, but in our opinion every star matters, so if it were up to us we’d recommend the Acadia if safety was the most important consideration in your purchasing decision. In addition to the crash rating, each vehicle also comes standard with several different and important safety features. There’s no reason to break them down separately, as these models are identical in terms of what they offer every driver and passenger, which we think is the way to go when putting any vehicle on the market these days.
One of the major differentiators between these two vehicles is the fact the the Acadia comes with Teen Driver technology which allows owners to set speed and volume restrictions, as well as others, so that new drivers can focus on the road. It also provides a report card with the overall driving experience and places that could be improved upon. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer a comparable technology which will certainly be a deciding factor for anyone with new drivers.
Bells, Whistles and Options
For some automobile buyers, the little extras are extremely important, and we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t provide you with some necessary information regarding those extras, or bells and whistles as they were, right here and now. As you can imagine, each of these models comes standard with a lot of intricacies that can provide comfort to those riding in them.
Both come with your standard power windows, power locks etc., though the additional options which many are sure to enjoy. Quite a few people out there, whether they’re conducting a 2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Nissan Pathfinder analysis or rthey’re comparing two different vehicles, want to build their own driving machine. That’s when option packages come into play, and a look at the available option packages reveals that you have more to choose from when you look into the 2019 GMC Acadia. With the Pathfinder there are about 4 optional packages that can be applied depending on the trim selected. With the Acadia you’ll have over 9 optional packages depending on which trim you select. Between both vehicles these range from adding running boards to premium audio systems to new wheels and navigation systems. Needless to say you can customize your vehicle just how you’d like it.
A quick look at these numbers reveals that you will have more choices available to you if you decide to go with the 2019 GMC Acadia. Of course, to be fair, the sunroof comes standard on the Pathfinder, but you still seem to be able to do a lot more different things with the Acadia should you want to go that route.