2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 GMC Acadia: Three-Row SUV Space and Power in Ontario
Ontario shoppers cross-shopping three-row SUVs often land on two very different personalities: the 2026 Dodge Durango and the 2026 GMC Acadia. One offers a range of V-6 and V-8 engines built for towing and performance. The other runs a single turbocharged four-cylinder tuned for smoother daily driving. If power and towing numbers matter for your next family hauler, the differences are worth a close look.
| Spec | Dodge Durango | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) (R/T 392) | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Horsepower range | 295-710 hp | 328 hp |
| Torque range | 260-645 lb-ft | 326 lb-ft |
| Engine options | V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.4L V-8, supercharged 6.2L V-8 | 2.5L turbo four-cylinder only |
| Premium audio (top trim) | 19-speaker Harman Kardon (R/T 392 Premium) | 16-speaker Bose (Denali Ultimate) |
| Touchscreen | 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 | 15-inch infotainment |
| City fuel economy | 13.5 L/100km (V-6 GT AWD) | 12.1 L/100km |
| Seating capacity | up to 7 | 7-8 |
| Powertrain warranty | 60 mo / 100,000 km | 60 mo / 100,000 km |
1. Engine Options: V-6 Power to Supercharged V-8 Muscle
The Acadia runs one engine across its entire lineup: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. That number edges past the Durango's entry-level 3.6-litre V-6, which makes 295 hp and 260 lb-ft on the GT AWD trim.
But the Acadia's single engine is also its ceiling. The Durango GT HEMI V-8 AWD steps up to 360 hp. The R/T 392 delivers 475 hp and 470 lb-ft from its 6.4-litre HEMI V-8, with a 4.4-second 0-60 mph time. The SRT Hellcat tops the lineup at 710 hp and 645 lb-ft from a supercharged 6.2-litre V-8, paired with an 8-speed automatic across every trim.
2. Towing Capacity: The Real Separator for Three-Row Shoppers
Towing is where the gap widens further. The Durango GT AWD, with its standard V-6, already tows up to 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg), ahead of the Acadia's 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) at any trim. Add the Tow N Go package and its two-speed electronically shifted transfer case, and the Durango R/T 392 reaches 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg).
That's 3,700 lbs (1,678 kg) more than the Acadia can pull, regardless of trim. An electronic limited-slip differential comes standard on SRT models and is available on GT AWD with Tow N Go. For Ontario drivers hauling boats, campers, or work trailers, that spread decides which SUV handles the job without a second vehicle.
3. Cockpit and Technology: Driver-Focused vs Hands-Free
The Acadia leans into hands-free convenience. Its 15-inch infotainment screen is larger than the Durango's standard 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 display, and Super Cruise offers hands-free driving on compatible highways.
The Durango answers with a cockpit built around the driver instead of the system. Standard dual exhaust and 20-inch wheels set the tone, and the R/T 392 adds Nappa leather and suede seats with SRT performance bolsters, heated second-row captain's chairs, and an eight-speed automatic that can be run manually through paddle shifters or the centre-console M-gate shifter. The Durango also offers up to 50 seating configurations across its three rows.
4. Which Durango Trim Is Right for You?
The GT AWD's V-6 suits buyers who want three-row space and 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) of towing without stepping up to a V-8. Buyers who tow heavier trailers or want more low-end grunt should look at the GT HEMI V-8 AWD's 360 hp.
The R/T 392 is built for drivers who need real towing headroom, at 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg), alongside a 4.4-second 0-60 time. The SRT Hellcat, at 710 hp, is for buyers who want the most powerful gas-engine SUV on the market. None of those needs are answered by the Acadia's single 328 hp turbo four, which caps out at 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of towing no matter the trim chosen.
Book a Durango Test Drive at Wellington Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Visit Wellington Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Guelph to sit in the Durango's driver-focused cockpit and compare the V-6, HEMI V-8, and SRT Hellcat trims yourself. Ask about the Tow N Go package and find the engine that matches your trailer weight. Our team can walk you through the Durango's configuration options and towing packages to match your specific hauling needs. Schedule your drive today.
