In recent months, sales of light pickup trucks and SUVs have been steadily increasing. Lower gas prices and increased technology in fuel efficiency has helped Americans see these vehicles as smart purchases. Two SUVs that are currently available are the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and the GMC Acadia SL. With slightly different configurations, each vehicle has characteristics that appeal to different buyers. Here are some of the specs that set the two vehicles apart.
Engine Specs
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo comes with an impressive engine configuration that comes standard with a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine that can churn out up to 2936-horsepower. The engine is paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission and buyers have the option of front-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive capability. The Grand Cherokee Laredo is capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds.
The 2016 GMC Acadia SLE-1 is equipped with a 3.6-liter, V6 engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 6-cylinder engine can produce as much as 281-horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Similar to the Grand Cherokee, buyers have the option of two different drivetrains, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, which is significantly less than that of the Grand Cherokee.
Fuel Economy
As far as fuel economy is concerned, the Grand Cherokee Laredo is slightly more fuel efficient than the GMC Acadia. The Grand Cherokee Laredo gets an average fuel economy of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.The GMC Acadia receives about 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
Interior features
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has a lavish interior décor complete with modern technological elements, like a 5-inch touchscreen display that provides access to Uconnect.The SUV also has three auxiliary power outlets, a USB charging port, a 6-speaker sound system and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Acadia by GMC comes with sliding second-row seats, GMC IntelliLink functionalities for smartphone integration, and touch-operated controls for safety and entertainment. There is a rearview backup camera and a 6-speaker sound system.
Price and Warranty
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is priced more affordably than the GMC Acadia SL. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has a price of $29,995 and the GMC Acadia starts at $30,975. Both vehicles have a 3-year or 36,000-mile limited basic warranties and 5-year or 60,000-mile limited powertrain warranties.
