Suv Smackdown: Toyota Highlander Vs Gmc Acadia – Which One Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- If you prioritize fuel efficiency, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and a reputation for reliability, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice.
- On the other hand, if you seek a more rugged and powerful SUV with a bold exterior and a focus on off-road capability, the GMC Acadia is a compelling option.
- The GMC Acadia offers more powerful engine options and a more robust towing capacity, making it a better choice for those who need to tow heavy loads or tackle challenging off-road terrain.
In the competitive world of family-friendly SUVs, two renowned contenders stand out: the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia. Both vehicles boast spacious interiors, impressive performance, and a plethora of features designed to keep families safe and entertained on the road. But which one is the ultimate choice for discerning SUV buyers? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of the Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
Stylish Profiles and Interior Comforts: A Tale of Two SUVs
The Toyota Highlander exudes a sleek and sophisticated presence with its bold grille, sharp lines, and available 20-inch alloy wheels. In contrast, the GMC Acadia emanates a more rugged and muscular aura, featuring a prominent front fascia, sculpted body panels, and available 19-inch wheels.
Inside, both SUVs offer ample seating for up to eight passengers, ensuring comfortable journeys for the entire family. The Highlander’s cabin is renowned for its intuitive layout, high-quality materials, and impressive attention to detail, while the Acadia’s interior boasts a modern design, user-friendly infotainment system, and spacious cargo area.
Performance and Capability: A Battle of Power and Efficiency
When it comes to performance, the Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two potent powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The GMC Acadia, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, generating 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid takes the lead with an impressive 36 mpg combined, while the Acadia with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine achieves 22 mpg combined and the V6 engine gets 21 mpg combined. Both SUVs offer all-wheel drive as an option for enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions.
Safety and Technology: A Commitment to Protection and Connectivity
The Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia prioritize the safety of their occupants, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, both SUVs feature user-friendly infotainment systems with large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and premium audio systems.
Trims and Pricing: A Range of Options to Suit Every Budget
The Toyota Highlander is available in five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Pricing starts at $35,850 for the base L trim and goes up to $49,980 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim.
The GMC Acadia offers six trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Premium. Pricing starts at $34,995 for the base SL trim and reaches $50,995 for the range-topping Denali Premium trim.
Which SUV Reigns Supreme? The Verdict
Choosing between the Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and a reputation for reliability, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you seek a more rugged and powerful SUV with a bold exterior and a focus on off-road capability, the GMC Acadia is a compelling option.
Deciding Factors: Key Considerations for Your Choice
Before making a final decision, consider these key factors:
- Fuel Efficiency: If fuel economy is a top priority, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner with its impressive 36 mpg combined fuel efficiency rating.
- Interior Space and Comfort: Both SUVs offer spacious interiors, but the Highlander’s cabin is generally regarded as more refined and comfortable, with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design.
- Performance and Capability: The GMC Acadia offers more powerful engine options and a more robust towing capacity, making it a better choice for those who need to tow heavy loads or tackle challenging off-road terrain.
- Safety and Technology: Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of safety features and user-friendly infotainment systems, so there’s no clear advantage in this area.
- Price: The Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia are priced competitively, with similar starting prices and a range of trim levels to suit different budgets.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which SUV has a better towing capacity?
A: The GMC Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, while the Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Q: Which SUV offers more cargo space?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers slightly more cargo space than the GMC Acadia, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Acadia offers 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 79 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia come with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.