2026 GMC Acadia vs Toyota Grand Highlander

New 2026 GMC Acadia vs Toyota Grand Highlander in Dover, OH

The 2026 GMC Acadia and Toyota Grand Highlander are both three-row midsize SUVs built to give Ohio families all of the flexibility and space they may need. Each one offers seating for multiple passengers, plenty of cargo room, and features designed to make daily driving easier.

While they share a similar purpose, they take different approaches when it comes to design, comfort, and overall feel behind the wheel.

For drivers in Dover, Canton, and New Philadelphia, comparing these two SUVs side by side can help you decide which family SUV fits your needs best.

Performance and Capability: 2026 GMC Acadia vs Toyota Grand Highlander Near Canton

The 2026 GMC Acadia and Toyota Grand Highlander both offer strong performance for families who need a capable three-row midsize SUV, but they take different approaches when it comes to power and driving feel. The Acadia focuses on stronger standard output and a more traditional SUV setup, while the Grand Highlander offers multiple powertrain options, including hybrid choices.

GMC Acadia Highlights

• 2.5L turbo engine

• 328 horsepower

• 326 lb-ft of torque

• 8-speed automatic transmission

• Up to 5,000 lbs maximum towing capacity

• Traction Select System with multiple drive modes:

• Normal

• Sport

• Snow

• Off-Road

• AWD

• Tow/Haul

• Terrain (AT4-exclusive)

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more variety with gas, hybrid, and Hybrid MAX powertrains. The standard gas engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, with up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped. While it matches towing strength in its gas configuration, its base engine is less powerful than the Acadia’s standard setup.

Interior Space and Technology: 2026 GMC Acadia vs Toyota Grand Highlander Near New Philadelphia

Three rows of seating and flexible cargo space make both of these SUVs a practical choice for families, but they differ in how the cabin is laid out and how technology is integrated for the driver.

The GMC Acadia offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded and seating for up to eight passengers. Inside, the layout keeps key information easy to access while still giving the driver a clear, focused view of the road.

GMC Acadia Highlights

• Up to 97.5 cu. ft. of max cargo space

• Seating for up to 8 passengers

• 15” diagonal Premium GMC Infotainment System

• Available Head-Up Display with key driving information

• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility

The Toyota Grand Highlander also provides seating for up to eight and up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. It uses a dual-screen setup with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for driver information and media access.

Toyota Grand Highlander Highlights

• Seating for up to 8 passengers

• Up to 97.5 cu. ft. of cargo space 

• 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen

• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster

• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility

For drivers in Ohio, the Acadia stands out with a larger center display and available Head-Up Display that keeps driving information more directly in view.

Exterior Design: 2026 GMC Acadia vs Toyota Grand Highlander in Dover

The GMC Acadia pairs bold style with practical features for everyday use. Its AutoSense power liftgate adds convenience for loading and unloading, and the SUV’s tall, wide stance with a longer wheelbase gives it a commanding presence. It’s available in a range of exterior colors, including Glacier White Tricoat, Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Sterling Metallic, Crystal Metallic, Riverstone Metallic, and Downpour Metallic.

The Toyota Grand Highlander also delivers a modern, sharp design with a larger silhouette and available 20-inch alloy wheels. It comes in a variety of colors as well, including Heavy Metal, Cement, Celestial Silver Metallic, Storm Cloud, Wind Chill Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, and Blueprint.

Between the two, the Acadia balances eye-catching style with features that make everyday driving and family tasks easier.

Safety Features: 2026 GMC Acadia vs Toyota Grand Highlander Near Canton

The 2026 GMC Acadia comes equipped with more than 19 safety and driver assistance features designed to help support awareness, confidence, and control in a wide range of driving situations. Take a look at some of the features below.

GMC Acadia Safety Highlights

• Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking

• Blind Zone Steering Assist

• Forward Collision Alert

• HD Surround Vision

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

• Rear Park Assist

• And many more

Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

• Lane Tracing Assist

• Road Sign Assist

• Automatic High Beams

• Proactive Driving Assist

When comparing the two, the Acadia stands out for offering a wider range of safety features, including some advanced systems. Both SUVs are designed to provide peace of mind, but the Acadia gives Ohio families a more comprehensive set of tools to stay protected in a variety of driving situations.

Trim Options: 2026 GMC Acadia vs Toyota Grand Highlander Near New Philadelphia

The 2026 GMC Acadia and Toyota Grand Highlander both offer four gas-powered trim levels, giving drivers a clear range of options to choose from. Where they differ is that Toyota also expands its lineup with additional electrified hybrid trims, while GMC keeps the Acadia lineup more focused on its core gas-powered models. 

While the Grand Highlander starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $41,860 compared to the Acadia at $43,800, GMC takes a more streamlined approach with fewer total configurations, making it easier to move through the lineup without navigating multiple powertrain paths.

2026 GMC Acadia Trims

Elevation:

• Starting at $43,800

• 2.5L turbo engine with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque

• Bose Premium 12-speaker audio system

• Over 19 safety and driver assistance technologies

• 15” diagonal Premium GMC Infotainment System

AT4:

• Starting at $52,500

• Active Torque Control AWD system

• Off-road tuned suspension

• 18” dark machined aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires

• Lifted ride height

Denali:

• Starting at $55,900

• Unique Denali grille and badging with Galvano Silver accents

• Premium interior with leather-appointed first- and second-row seats

• Configurable 8” diagonal Head-Up Display

• 20” machined aluminum wheels with Pearl Nickel finish

Denali Ultimate:

• Starting at $63,100

• Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology with 3-year OnStar® One plan

• Exclusive Denali Ultimate interior design

• Heated and ventilated Woodland Mahogany full-leather massaging front seats with plaited contrast stitching

• Vardar Chrome grille and GMC emblems

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Trims

Gas:

• LE: Starting at $41,860

• XLE: Starting at $44,630

• Limited: Starting at $49,360

• Platinum: Starting at $55,045

Electrified:

• Hybrid LE: Starting at $45,210

• Hybrid XLE: Starting at $46,380

• Hybrid Limited: Starting at $52,710

• Hybrid Nightshade: Starting at $53,690

• Hybrid MAX Limited: Starting at $55,690

• Hybrid MAX Platinum: Starting at $59,775

Test Drive the 2026 GMC Acadia at Dover GMC Today!

If you are deciding between the 2026 GMC Acadia and Toyota Grand Highlander, seeing the Acadia in person can make the differences a lot clearer. You can visit Dover GMC at 135 W Broadway, Dover, OH 44622, or call (330) 343-7781 to schedule a test drive.

We carry a full selection of new GMC models along with used vehicles from a variety of other manufacturers like Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, and Honda. If you are planning to trade in your current vehicle, we can help you get a value and apply it toward your next SUV. Financing options are also available to help you move forward with your purchase.

We look forward to helping you find your next Acadia!