2026 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$43,700 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant difference is the power output, with the 2026 GMC Acadia delivering 328 hp, an increase of 63 hp over the 2026 Toyota Highlander's 265 hp, alongside superior torque at 326 lb-ft compared to 310 lb-ft. While the Acadia is substantially larger, measuring 204.0 inches in length versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches, this size contributes to its greater utility, offering 23 cu ft of cargo space against the Highlander's 16 cu ft. Conversely, the Highlander edges out the Acadia slightly in efficiency, achieving a combined 24 MPG compared to the Acadia's 23 MPG, which is supported by its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system against the Acadia's FWD setup. Pricewise, the Acadia starts $1,570 lower at an MSRP of $43,700, making it the more accessible entry point into this segment despite the Highlander's better city fuel economy (21 MPG vs. 20 MPG).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG and standard AWD configuration.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Acadia

The 2026 GMC Acadia is superior for families, offering 7 cubic feet more cargo capacity at 23 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 GMC Acadia

Enthusiasts will prefer the Acadia for its measurable performance advantage, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 GMC Acadia

The Acadia offers better raw output and significantly more space for a lower entry price of $43,700.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You prioritize straight-line performance, benefiting from 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum utility is necessary, as the Acadia provides 23 cubic feet of cargo space compared to 16 cubic feet.
You seek the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $43,700.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is a priority, with the Highlander achieving 24 MPG combined.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is required for varied driving conditions.
A more compact exterior footprint (194.9 inches long) is preferred for easier urban maneuverability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Toyota Highlander
Length	204.0"	194.9"
Width	79.6"	76.0"
Height	71.0"	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	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Digital Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

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 2026 GMC Acadia and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Which crossover offers better acceleration based on specifications?

The 2026 GMC Acadia offers superior acceleration potential due to its 328 hp engine and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the 2026 Toyota Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft.

How does the increased size of the Acadia affect usability?

The Acadia's substantial size difference (204.0 inches long vs. 194.9 inches) translates directly into greater cargo volume, giving it 7 additional cubic feet (23 cu ft vs. 16 cu ft) behind the rear seats.

Is the Highlander’s AWD worth the higher MSRP and lower power?

The Highlander includes AWD standard, which is a measurable advantage for traction over the Acadia's FWD configuration, potentially justifying the higher entry cost for buyers prioritizing all-weather capability over raw power.

How closely matched are their fuel economy ratings?

The ratings are very close; the Highlander achieves 24 MPG combined (21 City/28 Highway), while the Acadia is rated at 23 MPG combined (20 City/27 Highway), suggesting minimal running cost differences.