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2021 GMC Acadia vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 GMC Acadia and 2021 Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 GMC Acadia and the 2021 Toyota Highlander.

When we compare the 2021 GMC Acadia's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2021 GMC Acadia has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. The 2021 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 GMC Acadia and 2021 Toyota Highlander have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2021 GMC Acadia's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2021 GMC Acadia.

Pricing: A used 2021 GMC Acadia ranges from $24,373 to $37,992 while a used 2021 Toyota Highlander is priced between $28,476 to $41,439.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 GMC Acadia loses 50.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota Highlander retains 11 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 GMC Acadia.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Acadia is 8.5 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the GMC Acadia being ranked 12 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 9 out of 39. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia is ranked 14 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10. The GMC Acadia is also ranked 19 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10 out of 67.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Acadia is 8.4 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the GMC Acadia.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 GMC Acadia’s base engine makes 193 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 295 horsepower. Both the Acadia and the Highlander are rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 513 and 501 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 GMC Acadia has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear head room. The 2021 GMC Acadia and 2021 Toyota Highlander are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has higher safety ratings than the 2021 GMC Acadia, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.88 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 GMC Acadia
2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 GMC Acadia
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2021 GMC Acadia for Sale

2021 Toyota Highlander
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2021 Toyota Highlander for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$29,800

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,000 - $37,580

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$35,085

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,000 - $37,580

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$30,487

Price Range:

$24,373 - $37,992

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,840 - $46,487

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

742

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

49,095

# Good or Great Deals:

268

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$34,853

Price Range:

$28,476 - $41,439

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,840 - $46,487

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,560

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

48,744

# Good or Great Deals:

354

GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.5 / 10

Reliability:

8.4 / 10

Retained Value:

7.4 / 10

Safety:

9.8 / 10

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.9 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 GMC Acadia

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

26.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota Highlander

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

67.9%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.4

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 32.1

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 32.1

GMC Acadia Rankings

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

1 / 67

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 39

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

1 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

2 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

2 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

5 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

9 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

10 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

11 / 67

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

12 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

12 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

12 / 16

Safest Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

13 / 21

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

14 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs

14 / 32

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

16 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

18 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

18 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

18 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

22 / 34

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

22 / 32

Safest Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

26 / 28

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

27 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

27 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

27 / 30

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

31 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

33 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

33 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

58 / 59

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

62 / 67

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

3 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

5 / 17

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

6 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

6 / 21

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

9 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

9 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

10 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

Best Family Crossover SUVs

11 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

11 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

13 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

15 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

16 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

16 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

17 / 30

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 32

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

18 / 28

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

19 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

21 / 39

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

26 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 32

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

28 / 39

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

30 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

31 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

38 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

52 / 59

Summary Review

GMC’s Acadia is a crossover SUV that offers seating from five to eight passengers, depending on model year and trim. Shoppers will find the Acadia is a bit like an upscale version of the Chevy Traverse. 

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Summary Review

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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Pros and Cons

  • Near-luxury trims available
  • Off-road-focused trims available
  • Three engine choices

  • No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain available
  • Advanced active safety systems are optional, not standard

Pros and Cons

  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • No disappointing base engine
  • Legendary reliability

  • Third-row space a bit cramped

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 GMC Acadia Trim Levels

AT4, Denali, SL, SLE, SLT

2021 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.88 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

188 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.049 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

295 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

263 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.071 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / 4X4

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


21 / 27 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

399 / 513 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 28 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

358 / 501 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40 inches

Front Leg Room:

41 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.4 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

12.8 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

79 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

156.6 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

42 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

16 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

84.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

157.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3923 lbs

Width:

75.4 inches

Height:

66.7 inches

Length:

193.4 inches

Wheelbase:

112.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.2 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4145 lbs

Width:

76 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

194.9 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Exterior Colors

White

Summit White

Black

Not available

Blue

Not available

Brown

Not available

Gray

Not available

Silver

Not available

Exterior Colors

White

Blizzard Pearl

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Brown

Opulent Amber

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Jet Black

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Graphite

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