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Gmc acadia vs toyota highlander: diesel vs hybrid, fuel efficiency face-off

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV that combines versatility, performance, and comfort, the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander stand out as two formidable contenders.
  • Both the Acadia and the Highlander come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
  • However, the Highlander offers more standard features and a higher resale value, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV that combines versatility, performance, and comfort, the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander stand out as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a spacious cabin, ample cargo space, and a range of advanced features. However, there are subtle differences that may sway your decision towards one over the other.

Exterior Design

The GMC Acadia boasts a bold and muscular exterior with sharp lines and a prominent grille. The Highlander, on the other hand, exudes a more refined and conservative look with a sleek profile and understated design. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal aesthetic preferences.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Acadia and the Highlander offer ample seating for seven passengers. The Acadia’s cabin is slightly more spacious, providing more headroom and legroom in the third row. However, the Highlander’s seats are more comfortable and supportive, especially on long journeys.

Cargo Capacity

The Acadia and the Highlander offer comparable cargo space. Behind the third row of seats, the Acadia offers 12.8 cubic feet of space, while the Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet. When both rows of seats are folded down, the Acadia’s cargo capacity increases to 79 cubic feet, while the Highlander’s increases to 84.3 cubic feet.

Powertrain and Performance

The Acadia comes standard with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander also comes standard with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, but it produces slightly more power at 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles offer optional V6 engines, with the Acadia’s 3.6L V6 producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, and the Highlander’s 3.5L V6 producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Economy

The Acadia’s standard four-cylinder engine offers superior fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Highlander’s standard four-cylinder engine is slightly less efficient, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Both the Acadia and the Highlander come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Acadia offers a few additional safety features as standard, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Technology and Connectivity

The Acadia and the Highlander both offer user-friendly infotainment systems with large touchscreens and smartphone integration. The Acadia’s system is slightly more intuitive, while the Highlander’s offers more features, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot and a premium audio system.

Cost and Value

The GMC Acadia has a slightly lower starting price than the Toyota Highlander. However, the Highlander offers more standard features and a higher resale value, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Which Vehicle is Right for You?

The GMC Acadia is a good choice for those who prioritize bold styling, a spacious interior, and affordable pricing. The Toyota Highlander is a better choice for those who value comfort, fuel efficiency, and a high resale value. Ultimately, the best way to decide which vehicle is right for you is to test drive both and see which one meets your specific needs and preferences.

FAQ

1. Which vehicle has a larger third-row seat?
The GMC Acadia has a slightly larger third row than the Toyota Highlander.

2. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
The GMC Acadia’s standard four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Highlander‘s standard four-cylinder engine.

3. Which vehicle offers more standard safety features?
The GMC Acadia offers a few more standard safety features than the Toyota Highlander, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

4. Which vehicle has a higher resale value?
The Toyota Highlander has a higher resale value than the GMC Acadia.

5. Which vehicle is better for off-roading?
Neither the GMC Acadia nor the Toyota Highlander is particularly well-suited for off-roading.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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