2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 GMC Acadia
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the proven reliability of the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the freshly redesigned 2026 GMC Acadia can be tough. Many buyers struggle to balance upfront cost versus tangible gains in space and power. The Highlander starts favorably at $40,320, offering a respectable 25 MPG combined, which beats the Acadia's 23 MPG combined figure. However, the Acadia brings a substantial performance upgrade with 328 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp, alongside a much larger 23 cu ft of cargo space versus the Toyota's 16 cu ft. While the Highlander is slightly more efficient on fuel, the Acadia is significantly larger in every dimension—it's over 3 inches taller and almost 4 inches longer. If budget and fuel economy nudge you toward dependability, the Highlander shines; if maximum passenger space and power for only a $3,380 difference matters most, the Acadia presents a compelling modern alternative.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Highlander wins for commuters due to its slightly better 25 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 GMC Acadia
The 2026 Acadia is the clear family choice, offering a commanding 23 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2026 GMC Acadia
Enthusiasts will favor the Acadia for its superior power output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers better fuel economy and a lower starting price of $40,320, giving it a slight edge in pure purchase value.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel stops with a combined 25 MPG rating.
- You are strictly adhering to a lower budget, as the starting MSRP is $40,320.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, with the Highlander measuring 194.9 inches long.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- You need the maximum available hauling capability, featuring 23 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want significantly better acceleration thanks to 328 hp.
- You need a larger overall vehicle, with the Acadia being 79.6 inches wide and 71.0 inches tall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 204.0" |
| Width | 76.0" | 79.6" |
| Height | 68.1" | 71.0" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Digital Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | 41.2 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 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 | 39.4 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
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 Highlander and 2026 GMC Acadia.
What is the key trade-off when choosing between the 2025 Highlander and 2026 Acadia?
The main trade-off involves space versus efficiency. The 2026 Acadia provides much more cargo room (23 cu ft vs. 16 cu ft) and more power (328 hp vs. 265 hp), but the 2025 Highlander counters with better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined versus 23 MPG combined.
Is the $3,380 price difference for the Acadia worth the extra horsepower?
For drivers seeking performance, yes, the difference is noteworthy. You gain 63 more horsepower for that extra cost, moving from the Highlander's 265 hp to the Acadia's 328 hp, making highway merging feel stronger.
How much larger is the 2026 Acadia physically compared to the 2025 Highlander?
The Acadia is substantially larger; it is nearly 4 inches longer (204.0 inches vs. 194.9 inches) and over 3 inches taller (71.0 inches vs. 68.1 inches), which contributes directly to its increased interior volume.
If I use regular unleaded fuel, which SUV is cheaper to run day-to-day?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander will generally be cheaper to run day-to-day because its 25 MPG combined rating beats the Acadia's 23 MPG combined rating, and both use regular unleaded fuel.
Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Highlander and the 2026 Acadia utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for power delivery.
Which car is better for someone worried about fitting into tight city parking spots?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the better choice for tight city maneuvers as it is narrower (76.0 inches vs. 79.6 inches) and shorter in overall length than the redesigned Acadia.
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