What To Know
- The Acadia boasts its own intuitive infotainment system, with a large touchscreen and a range of connectivity options.
- Both the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia have earned a reputation for safety and reliability.
- If you value a more luxurious interior, a more powerful engine, and a refined driving experience, the Acadia could be the perfect fit.
Choosing the perfect three-row SUV can be a daunting task, especially when considering popular options like the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, capable performance, and a range of features, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Toyota Highlander vs. Acadia, helping you make an informed decision for your family’s next adventure.
Interior Comfort and Space: A Close Contest
Both the Highlander and Acadia excel in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The Highlander boasts a slightly larger interior, offering more legroom and headroom for all three rows. The Acadia, however, makes up for its slightly smaller footprint with clever design elements, like its sliding second-row seats, which allow for easier access to the third row.
Highlander:
- Pros: More spacious interior, comfortable seats, generous cargo space.
- Cons: Third-row access can be tight for adults.
Acadia:
- Pros: Sliding second-row seats for easier third-row access, comfortable seats, decent cargo space.
- Cons: Slightly less spacious than the Highlander.
Power and Performance: A Tale of Two Engines
The Highlander and Acadia offer a choice of engines, catering to different driving styles and needs. The Highlander’s standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power for daily commutes, while its optional 3.5-liter V6 provides more punch for towing or spirited driving. The Acadia, on the other hand, offers a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, known for its efficiency and responsiveness, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 for those seeking more power.
Highlander:
- Pros: Available V6 engine for more power, smooth and responsive handling.
- Cons: Base engine can feel underpowered at times.
Acadia:
- Pros: Turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers good fuel economy and performance, smooth ride.
- Cons: V6 engine is less powerful than the Highlander’s V6.
Technology and Features: A Modern Touch
Both SUVs are equipped with a plethora of modern tech features, aiming to enhance comfort, safety, and entertainment. The Highlander comes standard with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The Acadia boasts its own intuitive infotainment system, with a large touchscreen and a range of connectivity options. Both vehicles offer a wide array of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Highlander:
- Pros: User-friendly infotainment system, comprehensive driver-assistance features.
- Cons: Some features may require optional packages.
Acadia:
- Pros: Large touchscreen display, intuitive infotainment system, optional premium sound system.
- Cons: Some features may require optional packages.
Fuel Efficiency: A Tight Race
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many SUV buyers. The Highlander and Acadia both offer impressive fuel economy figures, making them suitable for daily commutes and long road trips. The Highlander’s base four-cylinder engine delivers better fuel efficiency than the Acadia’s turbocharged four-cylinder, while the Acadia’s V6 engine offers slightly better fuel economy than the Highlander’s V6.
Highlander:
- Pros: Better fuel economy with the base four-cylinder engine.
- Cons: V6 engine’s fuel economy is slightly less than the Acadia’s V6.
Acadia:
- Pros: Turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers good fuel economy.
- Cons: Base engine’s fuel economy is slightly less than the Highlander’s base engine.
Safety and Reliability: A Strong Foundation
Both the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia have earned a reputation for safety and reliability. The Highlander consistently ranks high in safety ratings, thanks to its robust construction and advanced safety features. The Acadia also performs well in safety tests and has a solid history of reliability.
Highlander:
- Pros: Excellent safety ratings, reliable and durable build quality.
- Cons: Some features may require optional packages.
Acadia:
- Pros: Good safety ratings, reliable and well-built.
- Cons: Some features may require optional packages.
The Final Verdict: Choosing Your Perfect Match
The choice between the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize spaciousness, fuel efficiency, and a reputation for reliability, the Highlander might be the better option. If you value a more luxurious interior, a more powerful engine, and a refined driving experience, the Acadia could be the perfect fit.
Beyond the Comparison: A Deeper Dive into Each SUV
Toyota Highlander:
- Strengths: Spacious interior, reliable and durable, good fuel economy, comprehensive safety features.
- Weaknesses: Base engine can feel underpowered, third-row access can be tight for adults.
GMC Acadia:
- Strengths: Luxurious interior, smooth ride, powerful engine options, intuitive infotainment system.
- Weaknesses: Slightly less spacious than the Highlander, less fuel-efficient than the Highlander’s base engine.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What is the starting price of the Toyota Highlander vs. the GMC Acadia?
A: The starting price of the Toyota Highlander is slightly lower than the GMC Acadia. However, the price can vary depending on trim level and optional features.
Q: Which SUV is better for towing?
A: The Toyota Highlander with the V6 engine offers a higher towing capacity than the GMC Acadia.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: While both SUVs are capable of handling light off-road conditions, the Toyota Highlander with its available all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance is better suited for off-road adventures.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia are excellent family SUVs, offering spacious interiors, comfortable seating, and a wide range of safety features. The Highlander’s slightly larger interior and more spacious third row might be preferred by families with larger children or those who frequently carry multiple passengers.
Q: Which SUV offers better resale value?
A: The Toyota Highlander generally holds its value better than the GMC Acadia, thanks to its reputation for reliability and durability.
By carefully considering your needs and priorities, you can choose the perfect three-row SUV for your family’s adventures. Whether you opt for the spacious and reliable Toyota Highlander or the luxurious and powerful GMC Acadia, both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and technology.
