2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the newly redesigned 2025 GMC Acadia and the highly efficient 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid often boils down to prioritizing immediate power versus long-term running costs. If you need instant gratification behind the wheel, the Acadia boasts a strong 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp. However, that power comes at a price, both upfront—the Acadia starts at $42,900 compared to the Toyota’s $47,020—and at the pump. The Highlander Hybrid achieves a stellar combined 35 MPG, leaving the Acadia in the dust with only 23 MPG combined. While the Acadia is physically larger at 204.0 inches long and offers 23 cu ft of cargo space versus the Toyota's 16 cu ft, the 12 MPG efficiency gap is a significant factor for daily drivers looking to save money over the vehicle's lifespan.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 GMC Acadia
The 2025 GMC Acadia offers greater utility with its larger 204.0-inch length and 23 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 GMC Acadia
Enthusiasts will prefer the Acadia's significant 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque over the Hybrid's output.
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Despite a higher MSRP of $47,020, the Highlander Hybrid's massive 12 MPG efficiency advantage translates to better long-term value.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- You need maximum brute force, evidenced by the Acadia’s 328 horsepower output.
- Maximizing usable space is critical, as the Acadia provides 23 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You want the lowest initial cost of entry at an MSRP of $42,900.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel economy is your top priority, thanks to the Hybrid's 35 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer the security of All-Wheel Drive standard, which the Highlander Hybrid provides.
- You prefer a slightly smaller, more maneuverable vehicle at 194.9 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Acadia | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 17.1 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid than the 2025 GMC Acadia?
The Highlander Hybrid has a $47,020 MSRP, making it $4,120 more expensive than the Acadia's starting price of $42,900. While the upfront cost is higher, consider the fuel savings over time.
Which crossover is significantly better on gas?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is significantly better on gas, achieving 35 MPG combined. The 2025 GMC Acadia trails substantially with a combined rating of only 23 MPG, a 12 MPG difference.
If I want the most powerful engine, which one should I pick?
If raw power matters most, the 2025 GMC Acadia is the clear winner, generating 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander Hybrid offers considerably less output at 243 horsepower.
Does the size difference between these two vehicles affect cargo room?
Yes, the Acadia is physically longer at 204.0 inches, and this translates to more space; it offers 23 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft.
Do both models use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, fortunately, both the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid utilize regular unleaded fuel, making refueling simple and cost-effective at the pump for both vehicles.
Which vehicle comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. The 2025 GMC Acadia comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, offering AWD as an upgrade.
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