Choosing a new car is a personal choice that requires forethought, and not only a financial investment, but a time investment as well. Deciding between two similar models, like the 2019 GMC Acadia vs the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, may seem easy, but due to the large financial investment required to purchase a new model car, it is important to do your research before heading out to the lot. Being fully prepared by knowing what features you are looking for and what you are willing to pay for them will ensure that you get your needs met while staying within your allotted budget.
There are many factors to consider when making your decision. While both the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder and 2019 GMC Acadia are crossover SUVs of a similar size and style, there are also variances in their pricing, ratings, and other options that make the best choice vary from person to person. Researching these ahead of time, and then test driving, is the very best way to make the most of your investment. Let’s take a closer look at the 2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Nissan Pathfinder comparison.
Specs Worth Mentioning
While the 2019 GMC Acadia and the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder have similar body styles, there are some personalized style choices to consider. Most newer model vehicles now come equipped with intelligent mobility, standard built-in Bluetooth, and advanced color options. Color selections, sizing, cargo space, and towing capacity are just a few of the differences between the two SUVs. Though most of the differences in these two SUVs may seem insignificant, they can mean the difference between satisfaction and buyer’s remorse.
The first difference between the 2019 GMC Acadia and the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is that of size. Overall, the Nissan Pathfinder is the slightly larger of the two options, seating seven comfortably. Being larger than the Acadia, which seats six to seven passengers, does allow for more leg and shoulder room, as well as an additional 0.5 cubic inches of cargo space. However, unless you are traveling with seven fully grown people, that small amount of space may not make a difference. The lightweight drivability of the 2019 GMC Acadia more than makes up for the minor difference in size.
Although the 2019 GMC Acadia is marginally smaller, it does come equipped with useful storage options like the rear console drawer. Not to mention the added safety feature of the rear seat reminder, which is an excellent addition for families. Many consumers also enjoy the lightweight maneuverability of the Acadia. Plus, it comes with 15 different configurations, so the options seem endless.
Another benefit of the Pathfinder’s size, however, is its towing capacity. The Nissan model has a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. The Acadia offers a towing capacity of around 4,000 lbs. Although the towing capacity is less than that of the Pathfinder, the 2019 GMC Acadia is still more than capable of pulling small boats and trailers, which means you get a lightweight, easily pilotable crossover SUV without sacrificing your lifestyle.
You want to make sure the SUV you decide on suits your lifestyle. If your lifestyle is on-the-go, gas mileage should also be a factor. Both the 2019 GMC Acadia and the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder average about 20 MPG city drive and between 26 and 27 MPG on the highway. This does vary based on passengers and cargo, as well as the driver, usage of cruise control, etc.
Ratings
Even though the Acadia and Pathfinder have many similarities, they do differ in their ratings. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Acadia had a consumer rating of 3.8 out of 5, whereas the Pathfinder scored 3.9 out of 5. While the Pathfinder did score higher overall, it wasn’t by much, again showing that it comes down to personal needs and preference.
Expert ratings also differed slightly, with the 2019 GMC Acadia scoring a 4.1 compared to the Pathfinder’s 4.2 rating. The Pathfinder again scoring higher due in large part to its towing capacity and Nissan’s award-winning V-6 engine, as well as the Pathfinder’s easy-to-use intelligent mobility systems and safety monitoring. It comes equipped with rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency brakes. While most new model cars are being outfitted with this technology, user-friendly models allow for a wider range of use. Experts agreed that the 2019 GMC Acadia is a “standout” due to its urban appearance, as well as its advanced safety and infotainment technologies.
Pricing
Pricing is often the most influential factor in the car buying process. You can’t spend what you don’t have (or get approved for). Pre-approval information is a great tool to utilize. Once you know what you can spend, you can narrow down your “must-haves” to help you make a decision on which car best suits your wants and needs.
Seeing as the 2019 GMC Acadia and 2019 Nissan Pathfinder offer such similar options, their pricing is also fairly evenly matched. Both SUVs have a starting MSRP, or manufacturer’s suggested retail price, of around $31,000. Pricing does vary based on location, though. This is where your research comes into play. The internet can help you find out pricing in your area (Kelley Blue Book online is a great resource) and offer you a bargaining tool when going to your local dealership. You can also find deep discounts on gently used 2019 models, like those that have been driven and returned or repossessed not long after purchasing. These cars will have low mileage but have depreciated in value, meaning you get a better deal on the price.
While car savvy people excel at all the things that go into buying a quality car, that’s not the standard. Many people get stuck settling for a car that either doesn’t meet their needs or is far beyond their price range. Arming yourself with information prior to shopping is your best defense against getting taken advantage of. Fortunately for the car buying novice, the internet can give you easy access to tons of information.
Choosing the right car for you does come down to a very personal choice between style, meeting your needs, and your available budget. Doing your research can prepare you so that you do not walk away with a car that isn’t meeting the requirement in each of those categories. Overall, the 2019 GMC Acadia and the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder are pretty evenly matched. Deciding between the two will very likely come down to personal preference over any real difference in performance or price. For more information on the 2019 GMC Acadia vs the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, you can visit the manufacturers’ websites to get a complete list of options for both the Nissan Pathfinder and GMC Acadia. Kelley Blue Book will also give you more localized pricing information for each. Finally, you can visit your local GMC and Nissan dealerships if you have any questions, prefer talking to a sales representative in person, or want to test drive either vehicle.
It may require a little more time investment, but it will make the car buying process a lot less painful in the long run and will help you decide whether the 2019 GMC Acadia or the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is the right option for you.
