2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$42,900 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the power output, with the Acadia boasting 328 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp, representing a 63 hp advantage. The Acadia, starting at an MSRP of $42,900, undercuts the Highlander's $45,270 entry point by $2,370. Dimensionally, the Acadia is substantially larger, measuring 204.0 inches in length compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches, which translates directly to a superior cargo capacity of 23 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft. However, the smaller Highlander achieves marginally better fuel economy with 24 combined MPG compared to the Acadia's 23 combined MPG, despite both vehicles running on regular unleaded fuel and utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. Torque ratings are closely matched at 326 lb-ft for the Acadia and 310 lb-ft for the Highlander.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the superior commuter choice due to its slightly better fuel efficiency of 24 combined MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia wins for families by offering 7 cubic feet more cargo space (23 cu ft vs 16 cu ft) and superior passenger volume afforded by its larger exterior dimensions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia provides a definitive performance edge with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Highlander's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Acadia

The Acadia offers $2,370 lower entry MSRP ($42,900 vs $45,270) while simultaneously providing 63 more horsepower.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

Maximum power output is a priority, as the Acadia produces 328 hp compared to 265 hp in the Highlander.
You require the largest possible storage area, as the Acadia offers 23 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, with the Acadia's MSRP starting $2,370 lower than the Highlander.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Optimized fuel consumption is critical, as the Highlander achieves 24 combined MPG versus 23 for the Acadia.
You live in an area requiring year-round traction, given the Highlander includes All-Wheel Drive standard.
A smaller overall footprint is preferred for easier maneuverability, as the Highlander is nearly 5 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Toyota Highlander
Length	204.0"	194.9"
Width	79.6"	76.0"
Height	70.1"	68.1"
Wheelbase	120.9"	112.2"

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	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	17.9 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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Toyota
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Toyota
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	57.2 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	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	58.4 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	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

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 Highlander.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Acadia and the 2026 Highlander?

The 2025 GMC Acadia holds a significant performance advantage with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more than the 2026 Toyota Highlander, which generates 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover offers more interior storage capacity?

The 2025 GMC Acadia is substantially larger, providing 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making the Acadia the winner for hauling bulkier items.

How do the starting prices compare for these two crossovers?

The 2025 GMC Acadia has a lower starting MSRP of $42,900. The 2026 Toyota Highlander is priced higher, beginning at $45,270, establishing the Acadia as the more affordable entry point.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy?

The difference is minimal, but the 2026 Toyota Highlander achieves slightly better efficiency with 24 combined MPG (21 city/28 highway). The 2025 GMC Acadia is rated at 23 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway).

Do both vehicles come with the same drivetrain configuration?

No, the base configurations differ: the 2025 GMC Acadia is listed with Front Wheel Drive, while the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes standard with All Wheel Drive, which is a key differentiator for traction control.

Are the physical dimensions comparable?

No, the Acadia is considerably larger; it is 204.0 inches long, while the Highlander measures 194.9 inches. The Acadia is also taller and wider than the Highlander.