2019 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2019 GMC Acadia was a handsome SUV with a shorter wheelbase that provided an athletic stance and an upright grille that gave it an upscale appearance. Despite not being marketed as a luxury SUV, it was as nice as, if not nicer than, the more expensive Buick Envision. The Acadia had broader appeal than other GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Envision. Although considered a midsize SUV, it felt closer in size to compact competitors like the Nissan Rogue.

The Acadia came in several trims: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and Denali. The base SL trim included 17-inch wheels, 7-passenger seating, remote keyless entry, 3-zone climate control, and heated power side mirrors. Higher trims added features like LED headlights, power liftgate, fog lights, premium stereo systems, and various driver-assistance features. The range-topping Denali trim added luxury touches like a hands-free power tailgate, unique 20-inch wheels, and leather-appointed seating.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, redesigned for the 2019 model year, had a bolder and more angular appearance, making it look as tough as it was durable. The Adventure trim improved off-roading capability with a torque-vectoring AWD system, multiple driving modes, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The new TRD Off-Road trim took things further with matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a special TRD suspension setup.

Inside, the TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The cabin had quality construction with plush padding and soft-touch materials. The RAV4's trim levels ranged from the base LE to the top-tier Limited, with the TRD Off-Road near the top. The XLE trim offered a good blend of equipment and value, while the test vehicle, fully loaded, cost $42,902.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engines: a 193-horsepower inline 4-cylinder and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6 was not available in the base SL or SLE-1 trims but was optional in the SLE-2 and standard in higher trims. The V6 provided fantastic acceleration and could chirp the tires from a quick takeoff. Power was sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or available AWD. The AWD system featured GMC’s Active Twin Clutch system, allowing drivers to switch between FWD, AWD, Sport mode, and All-Terrain mode. The V6 Acadia could tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy for the base 4-cylinder FWD was 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined, while the V6 AWD returned 17/25/20.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid, a separate model, delivered 219 horsepower and up to 40 mpg in combined driving but was not available in the TRD Off-Road trim. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain felt energetic, especially in Sport mode, but a turbocharged engine would have been preferable at high altitudes. An 8-speed automatic transmission handled power delivery, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with multiple terrain settings and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Fuel economy averaged 23.4 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg combined.

The 2019 GMC Acadia provided ample space for the driver and front passenger, with deep trays and bins for small items. The SL, SLE-1, and SLE-2 trims featured 7-passenger seating, while the SLT-1 AWD had 6-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. The second-row seats were comfortable and provided decent head- and legroom, but the third-row seats were cramped and suitable only for kids. Cargo space was 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 79 cubic feet with both rows down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with a low and sporty driving position in an 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided good thigh support. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap sweat on hot days, but the Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat had generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 69.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The test vehicle also had a robust roof rack and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

The 2019 GMC Acadia's base SL trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The SLT-1 trim upgraded to an 8-inch screen, and the Denali trim added standard navigation. Higher trims also featured a 4.2-inch color information display within the gauge cluster, with the Denali offering an 8-inch display. The Acadia was available with a color head-up display showing vehicle speed, engine rpm, radio station, and safety alerts.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's infotainment system, depending on the trim, came with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple connected services packages. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was free for 3 months or 2GB of data. The system had menu shortcut buttons and knobs for volume and tuning, making it easy to use. Upgrades included an embedded navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road trim impressed with superb voice-recognition technology and an optional Technology Package that added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2019 GMC Acadia came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1 and optional on the SLE-2, added a blind-spot warning system, lane-change alert, and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim included the Driver Alert Package 2, which added low-speed forward automatic braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, forward-collision alert, adaptive headlights, and high beams, as well as rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) as standard, featuring Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, front and rear parking assist with automated braking, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. Toyota also offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, including automatic collision notification, an activated SOS emergency assistance button, and enhanced roadside assistance. The IIHS awarded the 2020 RAV4 a Top Safety Pick rating for models equipped with full LED, curve adaptive headlights.