GMC Acadia vs. Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Acadia and 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 GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander.
When we compare the GMC Acadia's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the GMC Acadia has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the GMC Acadia's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander is a better car than the GMC Acadia.
Pricing: A used 2026 GMC Acadia ranges from $42,665 to $56,055 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander is priced between $42,944 to $56,895. For a new model, the GMC Acadia's price is between $46,271 and $65,046, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $44,569 and $56,389.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Acadia loses 53.1 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 11.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the GMC Acadia.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Acadia is 7.8 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the GMC Acadia being ranked 8 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 3 out of 33. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia is ranked 10 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 1. The GMC Acadia is also ranked 16 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 4 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Acadia is 7.7 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.1 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 GMC Acadia’s base engine makes 328 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
46271 - 65046
Starting MSRP:
43700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
44569 - 56389
Starting MSRP:
40320
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
51009
Price Range:
42665 - 56055
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49825
Price Range:
42944 - 56895
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
23312
Depreciation %:
0.53346162
Resale Value $:
20388
Residual Value %:
0.46653838000000003
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.51651297
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.36117337 - 0.54113436
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17002
Depreciation %:
0.4216697
Resale Value $:
23318
Residual Value %:
0.5783303
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Acadia
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.191
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.387
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.499754929635315
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
GMC Acadia Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 33Ranking
8 out of / 33Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 26Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 54Ranking
48 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 54Ranking
58 out of / 66Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 54Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 54Summary 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.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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
GMC Acadia Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, Elevation
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Cargo Space:
23 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
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:
38.7 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:
157.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4502 lbs
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
204 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4155 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
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Gray
Crystal Metallic / Sterling Metallic
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Glacier White Tricoat / Summit White
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Blue
Blueprint
Green
Cypress
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
After Dark
Gray
Gideon Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
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