2024 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a significantly modified version of its predecessor's platform, resulting in a larger and more imposing vehicle. It was 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the 2023 model, with styling that emphasized its increased size. The front end featured a more upright design and a broad grille, reminiscent of GMC's full-size SUVs and trucks, framed by distinctive LED headlights. The wheel arches and door skins had intricate detailing that added definition, though this was mostly visible in specific lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips drew inspiration from the C8 Corvette, adding a sporty touch.

The Acadia was available in three trims: Elevation, AT4, and Denali. The Elevation trim came with standard 18-inch wheels, while the Denali offered 20-inch wheels with an option for 22s. The AT4 featured model-specific 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The Denali's grille was toned down compared to previous models, featuring intricate detailing inspired by bridge trusswork. The AT4 had red tow hooks and blacked-out trim. Inside, the dashboard was lowered for better visibility, and the third-row passengers benefited from a repositioned rear roof pillar. The AT4's interior materials were preferred over the Denali's, which, despite its leather seats and unique stitching, did not feel luxurious.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was offered with a standard turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid powertrain achieving up to 36 mpg, and a powerful Hybrid Max configuration with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD. Trim levels included LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $43,855 to $61,770. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, reviewed in Storm Cloud paint, had no options, bringing its MSRP to $61,770.

Toyota's design for the Grand Highlander was conservative, drawing inspiration from the RAV4. This resulted in a vehicle that resembled a larger RAV4, with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a layer of luxury. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had a small volume knob and lacked a tuning knob. The Grand Highlander offered a comfortable ride, though road undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure, but the tires squealed early when pushed around curves.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and 3.6-liter V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6, the turbo-four provided strong and consistent performance, enabling a 5,000-pound towing capacity with an available towing package. However, the engine note was coarse, particularly in the high-end Denali trim. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with FWD available on Elevation and Denali models, and AWD standard on the AT4. The AT4 also featured a twin-clutch system for off-road driving, a 1.2-inch ride height lift, special suspension tuning, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode. Despite these features, the Acadia AT4 was more of a light off-roader, suitable for dirt roads but not as capable as other GMC AT4 models. The suspension tuning varied with wheel-and-tire combinations, with the Denali offering a comfortable ride despite its large wheels.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate quickly, with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoiding the droning common in CVTs. The Hybrid Max traded some fuel efficiency for power, achieving 27 mpg compared to the Hybrid's 36 mpg. It also offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route and 26 mpg on a level city-highway route. The powertrain provided rewarding acceleration, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause some movement. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire squeal and wide nose pushes around curves. Visibility was excellent, aided by cameras, though the front camera's frequent takeover of the infotainment screen was intrusive.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's low dashboard and ample glass created a spacious feel, supported by its specifications. It offered more headroom across all three rows than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Acadia also had more first-row legroom, though the Kia and Toyota offered more legroom in the second and third rows. Cargo space was significantly improved, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This made the Acadia competitive in cargo space, with an underfloor storage bin and a presence-based power liftgate for added convenience. Small-item storage was reasonable, though the headlight controls were less intuitive, requiring touchscreen interaction.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered comfortable seating in all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. However, many storage locations were unlined, potentially contributing to noise and vibration. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and supportive cushions. The rear doors were long and had sharp corners, making child seat installation challenging. The second-row captain's chairs with a removable center console allowed for easy third-row access. The third-row seats were comfortable for adults and tall teens, with ample space from the head restraint to the rear liftgate. Cargo space included 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded, nearly matching the Sienna minivan.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured a standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports for each row were standard. An 8-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Bose system were available. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience. The touchscreen layout was logical, with climate control readouts and physical buttons below. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, though drive-mode icons could be hard to spot.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 7-inch digital driver display with analog gauges in LE and XLE trims, while Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum trims had a 12.3-inch digital panel. All models had a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, collision notification, and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it couldn't display two main-menu screens simultaneously, and the font was low-contrast. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system. The JBL audio system exceeded expectations in sound quality.

The 2024 GMC Acadia, being newly redesigned, lacked crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA at the time of publication. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. The Acadia also featured a rear-seat reminder and vibrating safety alert seat. An optional rearview camera mirror and surround-view camera system offered up to nine camera views. The Acadia was the first GMC model to offer Super Cruise as an option, allowing for hands-free driving on certain roads, though it required driver attention at intersections.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. It included lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, though not hands-free like some competitors. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be irritating in certain situations. The safety tech operated accurately, though the lane-keep assist occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and frontal-impact protection.