2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 GMC Acadia
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander bursts onto the scene with sensible efficiency, offering a solid 265 hp and achieving a combined 24 MPG, making it the pragmatic choice for the long haul. In contrast, the commanding 2026 GMC Acadia delivers a potent 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, injecting serious muscle into the three-row segment, though its efficiency dips slightly to 23 MPG combined. The Acadia boasts superior physical presence at 204.0 inches long and offers a larger 23 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft. While the Toyota undercuts the GMC on entry price by nearly $3,000 ($40,860 vs $43,700), the Acadia provides a significant 63 hp advantage for those prioritizing outright acceleration above all else in their large crossover.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander wins for commuters due to its marginally better fuel economy rating of 24 MPG combined.
2026 GMC Acadia
The 2026 GMC Acadia takes the family win by offering superior maximum cargo capacity at 23 cubic feet.
2026 GMC Acadia
Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 GMC Acadia for its significantly higher output of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander presents better initial value, starting at an MSRP of $40,860 compared to the Acadia's $43,700.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Your budget is strictly managed, as the Grand Highlander starts at $40,860.
- You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 28 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a standard FWD setup with a proven 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- You demand maximum on-demand power, benefiting from 328 horsepower.
- You need the absolute largest cargo area, boasting 23 cubic feet behind the third row.
- You want a more commanding road presence due to its larger dimensions (204.0 inches in length).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 204.0" |
| Width | 78.3" | 79.6" |
| Height | 70.1" | 71.0" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 120.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 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 | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Digital Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 12 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 GMC Acadia.
What is the performance gap between the 2025 Grand Highlander and the 2026 Acadia?
The 2026 GMC Acadia holds a decisive power advantage, generating 328 horsepower compared to the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander's 265 horsepower. This 63 hp difference translates to noticeably quicker acceleration for the Acadia.
Which vehicle is more economical for daily driving based on MPG figures?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the more economical choice, delivering a combined 24 MPG versus the 2026 GMC Acadia's 23 MPG combined rating. For highway commuters, the Toyota also holds a slight edge with 28 MPG versus 27 MPG.
Is there a meaningful difference in size and utility between these two crossovers?
Yes, the 2026 Acadia is physically larger in every dimension and offers more utility; it measures 204.0 inches long and provides 23 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the Grand Highlander is 201.4 inches long with 20.6 cubic feet of storage.
How much more expensive is the higher-powered 2026 Acadia at entry level?
The 2026 GMC Acadia carries a premium MSRP of $43,700, making it $2,840 more expensive than the starting price of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander at $40,860.
Do either of these models require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 GMC Acadia are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps running costs predictable despite the performance difference.
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