GMC Acadia Vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison

If you are shopping for a family-friendly three-row SUV and weighing your options, then a GMC Acadia vs. Toyota Highlander comparison is in order. These two stalwarts of the midsize three-row crossover segment are popular because they both offer spacious cabins, advanced safety systems, and excellent technology.

However, there are benefits of the GMC Acadia compared to Toyota Highlander models. Let’s look at how these two SUVs stack up to help drivers like you determine the best option. The Nimnicht Buick GMC team is excited to help you pick the right vehicle for you and your loved ones.

Toyota Highlander vs. GMC Acadia: Trims

The new GMC Acadia for sale is available in the following trims for the 2024 model year:

• Acadia Elevation
• Acadia Elevation Premium
• Acadia AT4
• Acadia Denali

For an all-terrain SUV option, see the new GMC Acadia AT4, sporting 18-inch gloss black wheels with all-terrain tires and an Active Torque Control AWD System.

The Toyota Highlander is offered in these trim levels for 2024:

• Highlander LE
• Highlander XLE
• Highlander XSE
• Highlander Limited
• Highlander Platinum
• Hybrid LE
• Hybrid LE Nightshade
• Hybrid XLE
• Hybrid XLE Nightshade
• Hybrid Limited
• Hybrid Platinum

Both of these vehicles offer well-equipped trims; however, several features make the GMC Acadia lineup shine more than the Toyota Highlander selection.

For example, the base Elevation trim comes with a standard 15-inch diagonal premium infotainment touch screen and 11-inch Driver Information Center display, whereas the LE trim from the Toyota lineup only features an 8-inch infotainment screen and 7-inch Multi-Information display. You also get wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel standard on the GMC Acadia, none of which are found on the base Toyota Highlander model.

GMC Acadia vs. Toyota Highlander: Engine Specs and Performance

The GMC Acadia has been redesigned for the 2024 model year and features a brand-new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. We do not have EPA estimates for the vehicle’s fuel economy as of this writing but expect the car to surpass the 2023 front-wheel drive base model’s rating, which is an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹

The new Toyota Highlander comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the only powertrain available under the hood of the standard Highlander model. Or, you can consider the Highlander Hybrid.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander offers up to an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)² fuel economy rating. The lone Highlander engine cranks out 265 horsepower, which is significantly less impressive than the 328 horsepower of the new GMC Acadia turbocharged engine. Both vehicles are available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Compare Toyota Highlander vs. GMC Acadia: Interior Dimensions

Next, in our Toyota Highlander vs. GMC Acadia comparison, we’re looking at how these SUVs stack up inside their cabins. Both models have roomy three-row interiors and a seven- or eight-passenger seating configuration. This is new for the GMC Acadia, which previously came in six- or seven-seat setups.

The Toyota Highlander boasts up to 84.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. The 2023 GMC Acadia was close behind at 79 cubic feet of maximum cargo area, but the new model is expected to be even more spacious. We do not yet have the exact 2024 dimensions for the vehicle; however, as of this writing, according to the manufacturer, the new 2024 GMC Acadia is 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the previous model year – so we can expect that it will be significantly roomier.

Which Should You Choose: GMC Acadia or Toyota Highlander?

Now that we’ve covered key aspects of the GMC Acadia vs. Toyota Highlander, which model do you prefer? There certainly are some similarities – but also enough differences to pick a favorite.

If you want to benefit from higher maximum horsepower, more luxurious standard features, or an available all-terrain version of your next SUV, you will want to choose the new GMC Acadia over the Toyota Highlander.

Shop for a New GMC Acadia for Sale

See your local GMC dealer when you are ready to upgrade to the style, performance, comfort, and versatility of a new GMC Acadia SUV for sale. With competitive pricing and favorable financing and lease deals available, now is a great time to trade up to a new GMC model.

Still need to decide on your preferred SUV? See our GMC Terrain vs. Ford Edge comparison to see how these five-seater SUVs compete with one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard features of the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander?

Standard features of the new GMC Acadia midsize three-row SUV include 18-inch wheels, a 15-inch touch-screen infotainment system, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. Both the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander crossover SUV models come standard with a turbocharged engine, an advanced safety suite, and a spacious three-row interior. Explore standard and available Acadia features at your local GMC dealer.

Which has more room: the Toyota Highlander or GMC Acadia?

Currently, we cannot confirm which model has more room. The exact dimensions for the 2024 GMC Acadia have yet to be released as of this writing in January 2024; however, according to the manufacturer, it is 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the 2023 model, bringing more space and comfort for passengers. Please reach out to the Nimnicht Buick GMC team for the latest details.

What are the key differences between the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander?

The new GMC Acadia midsize SUV for sale comes with a brand-new turbocharged engine that produces 328 horsepower. In contrast, the Toyota Highlander enjoys just 265 horsepower. The new GMC three-row SUV model is available in the rugged GMC Acadia AT4 all-terrain trim level. The Toyota brand does not offer a similar all-terrain version of its new Highlander crossover SUV.

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¹EPA-estimated 22 city/29 hwy mpg (FWD) for the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine with 9-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated 22 city/27 hwy (AWD) mpg for the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine with 9-speed automatic transmission.