2019 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2019 GMC Acadia presented itself as a stylish SUV with a shorter wheelbase that contributed to its athletic stance. Its upright grille added an upscale appearance, making it comparable to more expensive models like the Buick Envision. Despite being categorized as a midsize SUV, the Acadia felt closer in size to compact competitors, offering a broader appeal beyond its GM counterparts. The Acadia's trim levels ranged from the base SL to the luxurious Denali, with each level adding more features and options, such as the SLT-1 AWD with the Black Edition appearance package, which enhanced its aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs, emphasizing its utilitarian attitude. The 4Runner's design was functional, with flared wheel wells for off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The trim lineup included options like the SR5, TRD Off-Road, and Limited, with special editions like the Nightshade and Venture adding unique aesthetics. The Limited trim focused on comfort, featuring leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic elements.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engine options: a 193-horsepower inline 4-cylinder and a more powerful 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6 was available in higher trims and provided impressive acceleration, with a 6-speed automatic transmission directing power to either the front wheels or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system included GMC's Active Twin Clutch, allowing drivers to switch between different modes for varied driving conditions. The V6 Acadia could tow up to 4,000 pounds and delivered a balanced driving experience, with fuel economy figures of 17 mpg city, 25 highway, and 20 combined for the SLT-1 AWD.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner, built on a truck chassis, featured a 4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than fuel efficiency, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, it offered poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined.

The 2019 GMC Acadia provided ample space for front passengers, with deep trays and bins for storage. It offered 7-passenger seating in lower trims, while the SLT-1 AWD featured captain's chairs, reducing capacity to 6. The third row was cramped, suitable only for children, and accessing it was easier from the passenger side. Cargo space was limited, with 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 79 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Rubberized floor mats made it practical for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius. Inside, it featured large, easy-to-use controls and a high seating position, though climbing in and out could be challenging without running boards. The 4Runner offered an optional third row, but it was best for short, occasional use due to its narrow and thin design. The third row's design limited legroom and comfort, making it less suitable for long journeys.

The 2019 GMC Acadia came with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC's IntelliLink system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen, with the Denali adding navigation. The SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims featured a 4.2-inch color information display, while the Denali offered an 8-inch display, creating a semi-digital instrument panel. A color head-up display was also available, providing essential information to the driver.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant update for the model. However, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone-based options. The 4Runner also supported Amazon Alexa and offered Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and subscription services like Sirius XM Radio. While the technology was improved, it still lagged behind competitors in terms of features and usability, with the most advanced features focused on off-road capabilities.

The 2019 GMC Acadia included standard airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1 and optional on the SLE-2, added features like blind-spot warning and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim included the Driver Alert Package 2, offering additional safety features such as low-speed forward automatic braking and lane-departure warning. However, many of these features were standard on base trims of other vehicles.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It also featured eight standard airbags. The 4Runner received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test. The IIHS rated it Good in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the high center of gravity and imprecise steering made a more active lane-keeping assist system desirable.