2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The showdown between the ruggedly refreshed 2025 GMC Acadia and the efficient 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander pits raw power against everyday sensibility. The Acadia thrills drivers immediately with its potent 328 hp engine, offering 63 more horsepower than the Grand Highlander’s 265 hp output, hinting at a more engaging drive despite both being front-wheel-drive crossovers. Design-wise, the Acadia is larger at 204.0 inches long, potentially translating to a more commanding presence. Conversely, the Grand Highlander champions efficiency, achieving a slightly better combined 24 MPG compared to the Acadia's 23 MPG, alongside a lower starting MSRP of $41,360 versus the Acadia's $42,900. While the Acadia boasts superior torque at 326 lb-ft against Toyota's 310 lb-ft, the Grand Highlander compensates with marginally better fuel economy figures like 28 MPG highway. This battle truly boils down to whether you prioritize the Acadia’s energetic performance or the Grand Highlander’s economical approach.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Acadia's 23 MPG.
2025 GMC Acadia
The 2025 GMC Acadia offers more physical space, boasting 204.0 inches in length and 23 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft.
2025 GMC Acadia
The 2025 GMC Acadia is the clear enthusiast choice, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Grand Highlander's 265 hp.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers better baseline value with a lower starting MSRP of $41,360.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- You demand spirited acceleration, as the Acadia throws down a muscular 328 horsepower.
- You need maximum usable space, leveraging the Acadia’s generous 23 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the assurance of higher torque figures (326 lb-ft) for highway merging maneuvers.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Minimizing fuel stops is critical, thanks to its better 21/28 City/Highway MPG rating.
- Staying under a tighter initial budget is necessary, as the Grand Highlander starts at $41,360.
- You prefer a slightly more nimble footprint, evidenced by its shorter 201.4-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Acadia | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.0" | 201.4" |
| Width | 79.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 70.1" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 12 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What is the primary performance advantage of the 2025 Acadia over the 2026 Grand Highlander?
The 2025 GMC Acadia holds a significant advantage in pure engine output, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more energetic than the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, which offers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander wins on fuel economy, achieving a combined 24 MPG compared to the Acadia's 23 MPG combined. The Grand Highlander also edges out the GMC with 28 highway MPG versus 27 MPG highway.
Are there significant differences in size between these two vehicles?
Yes, the Acadia is physically larger; it measures 204.0 inches long, making it almost three inches longer than the Grand Highlander's 201.4 inches. However, both vehicles share the same 70.1-inch height.
How does the starting price compare for these two large crossovers?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a lower entry point for buyers, starting at an MSRP of $41,360. The 2025 GMC Acadia commands a slightly higher starting price of $42,900 before options.
Do these vehicles offer different transmissions or fuel requirements?
Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission setup and both require regular unleaded fuel for operation. The Acadia specifies a 'shiftable automatic,' whereas the Grand Highlander lists a standard 'automatic' transmission.
Is the Acadia more spacious inside for hauling cargo?
The Acadia provides more dedicated storage volume for families, featuring 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Grand Highlander trails slightly with 20.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.
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