2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. It wasn't flashy or exotic, but its subtle design choices became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. The dished hood, for instance, was not just a design statement but a functional feature that improved forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the smooth sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, signaling its readiness for adventure. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by a sea of buttons and knobs, while the instrument panel featured old-school analog gauges. Overall, the interior was comfortable and functional, though a bit dull.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, positioned as a premium brand, offered a range of trims from the SL to the luxurious Denali. The Denali trim, with its Satin Steel Metallic paint and Technology Package, aimed to convey upscale aspirations. The Acadia's design changes were most noticeable at the front, with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, the cabin featured a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, with controls laid out logically. The Denali trim added leather upholstery and wood trim, but aside from some contrast stitching and bronze-tinted accents, it struggled to establish itself as a premium choice. The Acadia's cabin changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and a redesigned center console. Despite these updates, the Acadia's interior remained largely unchanged from previous models.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability. It was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was estimated at 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. Its off-road prowess was supported by a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Multi-Terrain Select control, and a Torsen limited-slip center differential. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was designed to conquer various terrains. Its command driving position and excellent visibility made it a comfortable cruiser, while body roll was well-controlled.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive available. The Acadia AT4 featured a dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. The V6 engine provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a comfortable driving experience. The EPA rated the Acadia's fuel economy at 21 mpg combined, and the test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in FWD mode. While the Acadia's driving character was unremarkable, it delivered a competent and predictable performance.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual personality as a commuter and overlander was evident in its design. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it suitable for both city and countryside. The standard model offered a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser's interior boasted four-zone automatic climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim providing six-passenger seating with captain's chairs. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, ensuring comfort on long trips. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, and rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. The Acadia's cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided 41.7 cubic feet of space. Maximum cargo volume with the second row folded was 79 cubic feet, offering ample room for road trips.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface was functional but appeared small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera provided selectable views for navigating challenging terrain.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution display and improved voice recognition. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with additional technology upgrades like USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a high-definition surround-view camera. The rear camera mirror provided an unobstructed view, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its robust body structure and weight provided an advantage in vehicle-to-vehicle encounters. It featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also had 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, among other safety features.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. However, advanced driving assistance systems were limited, with features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking available only on higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments, while IIHS data was incomplete. The Acadia's safety features were adequate but lagged behind competitors.