Acadia vs Grand Highlander
The Acadia and the Grand Highlander are two different answers to the same three-row suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 1 of 3 areas go to the Acadia, and the gap is widest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Acadia wins
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality7.1
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Space & Practicality8.5
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Acadia has 63 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The Acadia lists 328 hp for total system output, while the Grand Highlander lists 265 hp. The Acadia’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Acadia has 12% more cargo space
The Grand Highlander isn’t far behind at 20.6 cu ft, but the Acadia’s 23 cu ft still comes out ahead. The Acadia’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Grand Highlander has room for 8 seats
A narrow win for the Grand Highlander. With 8 seats to 7 seats, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The Acadia has 16 lb-ft more torque
Close, but not identical: the Acadia lists 326 lb-ft and the Grand Highlander lists 310 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 116.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Acadia leads
In this area the Acadia has a lead the Grand Highlander can’t close. Point to the Acadia for 63 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the Acadia gets the nod.
Total system output
Acadia: 328 hp Grand Highlander: 265 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Acadia: 326 lb-ft Grand Highlander: 310 lb-ft The Acadia’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
In the space & practicality category, the Acadia counts 12% more cargo space in its favor, and the Grand Highlander answers with room for 8 seats. Which car wins on space & practicality depends on which of those strengths you’ll actually use.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Acadia: 23 cu ft Grand Highlander: 20.6 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Seats
Acadia: 7 seats Grand Highlander: 8 seats The Grand Highlander has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Acadia and the Grand Highlander each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Acadia | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Acadia | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Acadia | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 20.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 97.5 cu ft | 97.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Acadia | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Acadia | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 15 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 116.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Acadia | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,000 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Acadia if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 265 hp)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23 cu ft vs 20.6 cu ft)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Grand Highlander if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you already know your way around Toyota’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Acadia or the Grand Highlander?
For most people, the Acadia is the stronger choice, unless you know that room for 8 seats would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
GMC or Toyota? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Acadia versus the Grand Highlander. What tips it for me is that the Acadia has 63 hp more power. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Acadia has 12% more cargo space. I don’t want to sell the Grand Highlander short, though: it has room for 8 seats.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the Acadia. If passenger space is what you’d miss, go with the Grand Highlander.
My pick: the Acadia is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you value room for 8 seats above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.