2020 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium brand, intended to be nicer than Chevys but not as luxurious as Cadillacs. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The 2020 Acadia came in various trims, including the SL, SLE, SLT, rugged AT4, and luxurious Denali. The Denali trim, with its all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and Technology Package, had a sticker price of $52,385. The design changes for 2020 were most noticeable in the front, with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, the cabin featured new electronic transmission shift switches, a redesigned center console, and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. However, the mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, along with some contrast stitching and bronze-tinted plastic metallic accents, did not fully establish the Acadia as a premium choice.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander, from the side, could be mistaken for any SUV. Compared to the previous model, it had a more slanted tailgate glass and exaggerated body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme defined various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. All trims except the base L had projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, with the Limited and Platinum trims featuring prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch wheels. The Highlander's cabin was where it truly shined, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim had a three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures. The Highlander's interior quality was unmatched by competitors like the Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot, with only the Kia Telluride coming close. The leatherette had a perforated texture, and the Platinum trim featured diamond quilting on the seat backrests. While the exterior styling was less inviting, the Highlander excelled in interior comfort and quality.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims had a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Acadia SLT featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 230 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AT4 and Denali variants came with a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, which was also available in other trims. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and the Acadia was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the AT4, which had a dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 and nine-speed automatic combination provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The test vehicle's powertrain included automatic engine stop/start and cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a balanced driving experience, though it lacked memorable driving character.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in FWD or AWD. This engine, also used in the Lexus RX, delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft with too much rebound, leading to a floaty ride. Despite the new chassis shared with the Toyota RAV4, the Highlander lacked the expected control and steering feel. However, the vehicle's muted inputs and outputs provided a calming and isolating driving experience, ideal for long road trips. The Limited and Platinum trims featured torque vectoring on the rear axle for AWD models and selectable driving modes. Fuel economy was impressive, with the FWD model rated at 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The AWD model achieved 20/27/23 mpg, and the hybrid variant offered up to 36 mpg combined.

The 2020 GMC Acadia could seat five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. The Denali trim offered 6-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs, with a bench seat available as a no-cost option. The front seats were wide, supportive, and 10-way power-adjustable, with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated and comfortable, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet for rear passengers. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though the distance between the seat and the back of the SUV was limited. Interior storage space improved with new electronic transmission controls and a reconfigured center console. Cargo volume was 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded, offering ample space for road trips.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander could seat eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs, standard on Limited and Platinum trims and optional on the XLE. The Platinum model exclusively featured captain's chairs, while the L and LE trims had bench seats. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The rear doors opened wide, making ingress and egress exceptional. The Highlander’s ergonomics were designed for comfort, with three-zone climate control standard and upper trims offering a 120-volt outlet, side window shades, and a heated second row. The Platinum trim included a large panoramic moonroof. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Highlander featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash for additional storage. Controls were simple and legible, with an easy-to-use infotainment interface.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included essential infotainment features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution display, a simplified user experience, and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle featured navigation and a Bose premium sound system, with voice-recognition technology that performed well. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror were added for 2020. The rear camera mirror provided an unobstructed wide-angle view, useful when the cargo area was packed.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander’s infotainment system felt outdated, with less detailed maps, no onboard apps, and low-resolution screens and cameras. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, did not fully utilize its size, with climate and fuel economy information always present. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The Highlander featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, both crisp and informative. The semi-automated driving system was effective, with adaptive cruise control, road sign detection, and automatic high beams standard. The optional JBL audio system had 11 speakers and was decent. Standard features included SiriusXM, HD radio, WiFi, and four USB-A ports, with a one-year trial for Safety Connect. Trims with factory navigation had three years of traffic data and remote control features via smartphone or smartwatch.

The 2020 GMC Acadia needed to improve its safety features. Standard equipment included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and GMC Connected Services with automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. The base Acadia SL and up had a standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning system. However, forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available on SLT or AT4 trims and cost extra. The Denali trim had an enhanced automatic emergency braking system. The NHTSA gave the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests but no ratings for headlight performance or small overlap frontal-impact protection for the front passenger.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. A driver's knee airbag and a cushion airbag for the front passenger were standard. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2020 Highlander, but the IIHS awarded it a 2020 Top Safety Pick for top ratings in all six crash tests, optional headlights, and emergency braking performance.