2020 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, showcased a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its tough and durable reputation. The Adventure trim from the previous year improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. For 2020, the TRD Off-Road trim took these capabilities further with smaller, lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a special TRD suspension setup. The TRD Off-Road trim also featured unique TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with the otherwise high-quality interior materials.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, positioned as a premium brand, came in various trims including the luxurious Denali. The Denali trim featured a flat, blunt face with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille, conveying its upscale aspirations. Inside, changes were subtle with new electronic transmission shift switches, a redesigned center console, and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. The cabin mixed soft surfaces with hard plastic panels, and while the leather upholstery and wood trim added a premium feel, the overall interior did not significantly distinguish itself from competitors.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant delivered 219 horsepower and up to 40 mpg in combined driving, though it was not available in the TRD Off-Road trim. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain in the test vehicle provided adequate performance, especially in Sport mode, but a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multiple terrain-specific driving modes, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable on various surfaces. The test vehicle averaged 23.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

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. The V6 engine, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia AT4 featured an exclusive dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires, emphasizing its rugged personality. The test vehicle's powertrain included automatic engine stop/start and cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy, averaging 20.1 mpg in combined driving. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a balanced driving experience, though it lacked distinctive driving character.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit with well-placed seating hip points. The driver's seat was 8-way adjustable, providing a low and sporty driving position, while the front passenger seat, though lacking height adjustment, offered 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. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The RAV4 provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The test vehicle also had a robust roof rack and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, depending on the trim, seated five, six, or seven passengers. The Denali trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort for long trips. The test vehicle had heated second-row captain’s chairs, air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet for rear passengers. Though smaller inside than previous versions, the third-row seat was roomier than expected, though the cargo space behind it was limited to 12.1 cubic feet. With the third-row seat folded, cargo space increased to 41.7 cubic feet, and with the second-row seats folded, it expanded to 79 cubic feet, providing ample room for road trips.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, though it suffered from glare. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot with a 3-month free trial. The TRD Off-Road trim's 8-inch system was easy to use, with menu shortcut buttons and knobs for volume and tuning. The test vehicle had the optional Technology Package, adding wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable camera settings.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included essential infotainment features such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims offered a higher resolution display, simplified user experience, and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle's system included navigation and a Bose premium sound system, though voice recognition occasionally required multiple attempts. Additional technology upgrades for 2020 included new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror providing an unobstructed wide-angle view.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. The systems operated smoothly and accurately, encouraging drivers to keep them activated. Toyota also included a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights qualified.

The 2020 GMC Acadia's standard safety features included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. GMC Connected Services offered automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling, though the free trial period was short. Standard ADAS features included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were available only on higher trims and as part of a Driver Alert Package. The NHTSA awarded the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests but lacking headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection for the front passenger.