GMC Acadia
VS.
Kia Telluride

GMC Acadia vs. Kia Telluride: Performance

The 2026 GMC Acadia is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that cranks out 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It can be optioned with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and it has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2027 Kia Telluride is also powered by a 2.5-liter turbo, but it creates 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, making it somewhat underpowered compared to the Acadia. It can also be optioned with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and despite its slower acceleration, it can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.

There’s also a 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid available, and it has improved acceleration thanks to its hybrid system that puts out 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. But the tradeoff is a lower towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

GMC Acadia vs. Kia Telluride: Fuel Economy

The GMC Acadia and Kia Telluride have nearly identical gas mileage ratings. With front-wheel drive, they both get an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Acadia gets about 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the Telluride gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, giving the Acadia a slight edge.

However, the Kia Telluride Hybrid takes the cake for best fuel economy. It’s capable of up to 34 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

GMC Acadia vs. Kia Telluride: Size and Dimensions

Three-row SUVs cater to shoppers near Dentsville and Blythewood largely because they offer seating for up to eight people, plus some truly impressive cargo space to boot. Here’s a side-by-side look at how these two stack up:

The Telluride stands out by offering a bit more second-row leg room, but in every other category, the Acadia gives shoppers more space, especially for cargo storage, making it a more comfortable option for large families and long trips in the car.

GMC Acadia vs. Kia Telluride: Interior

All Acadia models come standard with an 11.0-inch driver information system and a giant 15.0-inch GMC Infotainment System, which comes with a variety of standard features, including Google built-in compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, a wireless charging pad, in-vehicle Wi-Fi, a Bose® audio system, multiple USB ports, a 120-volt power outlet, and premium upholstery and cabin materials. Overall, the interior gives shoppers a true luxury vehicle experience.

The Telluride comes standard with a 12.3-inch center touch screen and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster. A larger 12.3-inch digital cluster is available, but only in the upper-level trims. Other features like name-brand sound systems and a 115-volt power inverter also require you to buck up for a pricier version, but other features like wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, wireless device charging, and multiple USB ports are standard equipment.

In short, the Telluride has plenty of swanky features and a stylish cabin, but the Acadia offers a bit more class and more standard equipment, giving shoppers more bang for their buck.

GMC Acadia vs. Kia Telluride: Safety

The Acadia comes with a massive list of standard driver assistance features, including Forward Collision Alert, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Teen Driver, HD Surround Vision, and more. All trims can also be optioned with Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology that assists in highway driving and trailering.

The Telluride also gets a solid list of ADAS, including Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Land Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Park Distance Warning. But, as with the comfort and tech amenities, some upgraded features like Surround View Monitor only come with higher-level trims, and the Telluride lacks any level 2 hands-free driving capability at all.

GMC Acadia vs. Kia Telluride: Price and Trims

Finally, let’s take a look at their selection of trims to see which one gives you the most bang for your buck.

2026 GMC Acadia trims and pricing:

• Elevation: $43,800
• AT4: $52,500
• Denali: $55,900
• Denali Ultimate: $63,100

2027 Kia Telluride/Telluride Hybrid trims and pricing:

• LX: $39,190
• S: $42,090
• EX: $43,790
• Hybrid EX: $46,490
• X-Line EX: $47,290
• SX: $48,790
• Hybrid SX: $51,490
• X-Line SX: $51,790
• X-Pro SX: $53,690
• SX Prestige: $53,890
• Hybrid X-Line SX: $54,490
• X-Line SX Prestige: $54,890
• Hybrid SX Prestige: $56,590
• X-Pro SX Prestige: $56,790
• Hybrid X-Line SX Prestige: $57,590

The GMC Acadia starts out a bit more expensive and has a slightly higher top-end price. However, many shoppers may be overwhelmed by the Telluride’s sheer number of trims with similar names, which can cause some significant confusion when you visit your local dealership.

GMC Acadia FAQs

Is the GMC Acadia a good SUV for Lake Murray and weekend trips from Columbia?

Yes, the 2026 GMC Acadia is well-suited for Lake Murray trips and Midlands weekend adventures. With a properly equipped Trailering Package, the Acadia tows up to 5,000 lbs, which is enough for most ski boats, jet skis, small pontoons, and utility trailers used at Dreher Island State Park or the Lake Murray Marina. It also offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, giving families plenty of room for coolers, paddleboards, fishing gear, or camping equipment for trips to Sesquicentennial State Park.

Which GMC Acadia trim is best for South Carolina families?

For most Columbia-area families, the Acadia Elevation offers the best balance of price and features, while the Denali is the top pick for buyers wanting luxury and Super Cruise hands-free driving. The four trims are:

• Elevation — value-focused, great for daily school runs and Northeast Columbia commutes
• AT4 — off-road ready with all-terrain tires and a factory lift, ideal for hunters heading to the Lowcountry or trips through the Sumter National Forest
• Denali — premium leather, advanced tech, and available Super Cruise
• Denali Ultimate — top-tier luxury with Super Cruise standard

All trims seat up to 8 passengers and come standard with a 15-inch portrait infotainment screen.

Does the GMC Acadia have Super Cruise for highway driving?

Yes — Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance is available on the Acadia Elevation and AT4 trims and comes standard on the Denali Ultimate. Super Cruise works on more than 750,000 miles of compatible North American roads, including most of I-77 between Columbia and Charlotte, I-26 toward Charleston or Spartanburg, and I-20 toward Augusta or Florence. The system also works while towing, which is useful for Columbia drivers hauling a boat to Lake Murray or a camper to the mountains.

Find the GMC Acadia for Sale in Columbia, SC

Now that you know all the key differences between the new Acadia and Telluride, you’re ready to visit your local dealership and make an informed decision. Of course, we always recommend a test drive.

At Jim Hudson Buick GMC, we have an excellent selection of new Acadia models that you can take for a spin today, plus new vehicle specials and exclusive lease deals to lower your monthly payments significantly. Contact us online or call us at (803) 462-4475 to learn more.