Choosing the right midsize SUV isn’t easy, especially when you’re comparing two capable and popular models like the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Both bring strong reputations and appealing features to the table.
But if you’re driving through Erie’s snowy streets or navigating the scenic routes of Western New York, which one truly delivers more value, comfort, and performance?
If you’ve been weighing the pros and cons of the 2025 Acadia vs Toyota Highlander, this detailed comparison from Larry Spacc GMC will help you make the right decision.
Read on to find out which SUV better suits your lifestyle—and why shoppers from Buffalo to Western New York are exploring the advantages of the Acadia.
Eye-Catching Design That Makes a Statement
First impressions count—and the exterior design of your SUV speaks volumes. The 2025 GMC Acadia carries a bold, rugged appearance that stands out in suburban driveways and rural roads alike. From its upright grille to its sculpted body panels, the Acadia has been crafted to command attention.
Notable GMC Acadia exterior features include:
- Signature Galvano Silver accents (Denali trim)
- Unique off-road-ready AT4 trim with all-terrain tires
- 20-inch wheels with premium finishes
- LED lighting and an available panoramic sunroof
By comparison, the Toyota Highlander features a sleeker, curvier silhouette. Trims like the XSE include a sport mesh grille and gloss-black accents, giving it a slightly aggressive edge, but it lacks the robust off-road style of the Acadia AT4.
In Erie and Western New York, where harsh winters are the norm, the Acadia’s higher ride height and off-road styling are a practical win.
Interior Comfort and Cabin Technology for Western New York Families
Inside, both SUVs aim to deliver comfort, but the 2025 GMC Acadia offers a more upscale environment, especially in higher trims. Whether you’re commuting across Buffalo or heading out for a family trip to Lake Erie, comfort and tech are essential.
Let’s compare some cabin features head-to-head:
| Feature | GMC Acadia (2025) | Toyota Highlander (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15-inch touchscreen | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Driver Display | 11-inch digital display | 12.3-inch optional display |
| Seat Comfort | Leather, ventilated, heated seats | Available leather, ventilated front |
| Third-Row Access | One-touch folding, power seat | Manual seat adjustments |
Families in Western New York love how the Acadia simplifies third-row access. The spacious cabin, large touchscreen, and intuitive controls also make daily driving more enjoyable.
Plus, with more emphasis on safety and infotainment, the Acadia edges out the Highlander in driver engagement and family-friendly convenience.
Power and Performance That Elevate Everyday Driving
When it comes to what’s under the hood, power matters. The 2025 Acadia makes a bold statement with a turbocharged 2.5L engine that delivers 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft. of torque. Whether you’re merging onto I-90 or towing gear upstate, the Acadia doesn’t hesitate.
The Highlander’s 2.4L turbocharged engine delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque—a decent output, but notably less powerful than the Acadia.
Powertrain Breakdown:
| Feature | 2025 GMC Acadia | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo | 2.4L Turbo |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb.-ft. | 310 lb.-ft. torque |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
Both vehicles support up to 5,000 lbs. of towing, but the Acadia offers better acceleration and trailering confidence, especially important when hauling snowmobiles or boats across the region.
Also, the Acadia AT4 trim includes off-road suspension and torque control AWD, making it the better choice for off-pavement travel around Western New York.
For drivers who prioritize everyday control, power, and AWD versatility, the Acadia has a clear edge.
Midsize SUV Cargo Capacity and Everyday Practicality
No SUV comparison is complete without looking at cargo capacity. Whether you’re stocking up at a Buffalo warehouse store or packing for a weekend at Lake Ontario, space is key.
Cargo and Seating Convenience:
- The Acadia’s power-folding third row is fast and easy to use.
- The Highlander’s third row must be folded manually, which can be tricky in tight spots.
- Both SUVs offer seating for up to 8, but the Acadia’s flat-folding seats create a more usable load floor.
Cargo Volume Comparison:
- GMC Acadia: Approx. 79 cubic feet max cargo space
- Toyota Highlander: Approx. 84 cubic feet max cargo space
While the Highlander technically offers more total cargo volume, the Acadia’s layout and ease of access make it feel roomier in real-world use. Its combination of space and practicality is ideal for growing families.
Advanced Safety and Semi-Autonomous Driving Capabilities
Safety is a top concern for Erie and Buffalo drivers, especially during icy commutes and long road trips. The 2025 GMC Acadia shines here, offering more standard and available features.
Key Safety Features in the Acadia:
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Super Cruise™ hands-free driving tech
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite includes pre-collision warnings, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane tracing. It’s solid, but lacks advanced tech like hands-free driving.
Which model offers more safety and infotainment innovation? The Acadia, with over 15 standard driver-assist features and Super Cruise™, wins for those prioritizing peace of mind on long drives.
Technology That Keeps You Connected and Entertained
Entertainment and connection are more important than ever. Long drives need to feel shorter, and that’s where the Acadia’s cabin technology shines.
Acadia Wins Big on Tech:
- Bose® 12-speaker system standard on most trims
- Massive 15” infotainment screen
- Head-Up Display for safer, eyes-up driving
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
Toyota offers similar smartphone integration and an available JBL® audio system, but its interface feels more reserved and less customizable.
When comparing 2025 Acadia Highlander tech setups, GMC offers a more immersive experience, especially for Western New York drivers who love premium features.
Trim Options and Standout Features That Make the Difference
Trim selection plays a big role in your buying decision. GMC and Toyota take different approaches to packaging features.
GMC Acadia Trim Levels:
- SLT: Well-equipped entry point with comfort-focused features
- AT4: Off-road-ready with lifted suspension and all-terrain tires
- Denali: Top-of-the-line with upscale finishes, tech, and comfort
Toyota Highlander Trims:
- LE: Base model with solid tech and comfort
- XLE: Mid-tier with synthetic leather and upgraded displays
- XSE: Sportier design with performance styling
- Limited: Near-luxury with premium trim details
In Western New York, the AT4’s all-weather capability is a huge plus. Denali delivers top-tier refinement, while Highlander trims often require extra packages to match what Acadia offers standard.
Which SUV Offers More for Erie and Buffalo Area Drivers?
The verdict is clear: the 2025 GMC Acadia consistently provides more for your money. From performance to safety to cabin design, it’s built with today’s drivers in mind.
Why Acadia is better for Erie and Western NY drivers:
- Stronger turbocharged engine with smoother power
- More standard driver-assist tech
- Easier third-row access and flexible seating
- Bold styling for every season
- Super Cruise™ and advanced infotainment
Larry Spacc GMC invites shoppers from Buffalo, Erie, and Western New York to test drive the Acadia today. Whether you want adventure, comfort, or capability, this SUV checks every box.
FAQs: 2025 gMC Acadoa vs Toyota Highlander
How do towing specs compare between Acadia and Highlander?
The 2025 GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and so can the 2025 Toyota Highlander. However, the Acadia’s 328-hp turbocharged engine provides more confident towing performance and stronger acceleration, especially when fully loaded.
Which offers more interior cargo space?
The 2025 GMC Acadia offers more usable cargo volume, especially with its power-folding third-row seats. The Toyota Highlander provides decent space but has manual third-row operation and less total cargo capacity compared to the Acadia.
How do their hybrid or powertrain options differ?
The Acadia comes standard with a 2.5L turbocharged engine producing 328 horsepower, while the Highlander uses a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 265 horsepower. Currently, the Acadia does not offer a hybrid, while the Highlander offers a hybrid option, appealing to fuel-conscious buyers. However, for drivers focused on power, the Acadia leads.
What safety and driver-assist suites are standard?
The 2025 Acadia includes 15+ standard safety features, such as Blind Zone Steering Assist, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. It also offers Super Cruise™ hands-free highway driving on select trims.
The Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which includes similar core features like Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure Alert, but lacks semi-autonomous driving technology like Super Cruise.
How do their trim-level price tiers compare?
The Acadia is offered in trims like SLT, AT4, and Denali, while the Highlander comes in LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited. While pricing varies by trim and options, the Acadia generally includes more upscale features at comparable or slightly higher price points, particularly in the AT4 and Denali models, which offer advanced off-road and luxury technology not found on Highlander trims.
Explore Financing, Inventory, and More from Larry Spacc GMC
Choosing between the 2025 GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander isn’t just about comparing specs—it’s about finding the right SUV for your lifestyle in Western New York. From the icy winters of Erie to the busy roads of Buffalo, the Acadia stands out with its bold design, powerful performance, and driver-first technology.
Whether you’re a parent managing after-school pickups or a weekend explorer heading to the lake, this midsize SUV offers the kind of capability and comfort you’ll want on your side.
Larry Spacc GMC proudly serves drivers across Erie, Buffalo, and nearby towns with a full lineup of new vehicles, including the latest trims of the Acadia. If you’re looking for a vehicle that meets your needs for performance, cargo space, and advanced safety, we invite you to explore our wide selection and see why so many local drivers choose GMC.
Ready to take the next step? You can check out our new vehicle inventory online any time to view current models, trims, and colors. If you’ve got your eye on a specific Acadia, it’s easy to complete a quick finance application online and start the process from the comfort of your home.
As you’re narrowing down your options, you may also want to understand how your current vehicle’s trade-in status could impact your upgrade. For drivers who still owe money on their vehicle, it’s helpful to learn the pros and cons of trading in a car that’s still being financed. If your current SUV has been in a recent fender bender, it’s worth considering how trading in after an accident can affect your deal. And if you’re holding off on trading in, you might be wondering whether now’s the right time or if trade-in values will rise soon—we’ve covered that as well.
Contact us online or in person today to get expert help with your next SUV decision. From financing to trade-in evaluations, our team is here to help you drive home in a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget.
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