2025 GMC Acadia vs Toyota Sequoia: Which SUV Is Right for You in Western New York?
Choosing the right SUV is about more than just horsepower or cargo space—it’s about finding the vehicle that fits your lifestyle, daily routine, and the roads you drive most. The 2025 GMC Acadia and 2025 Toyota Sequoia both offer three rows and advanced tech, but they serve very different needs. This guide compares these two SUVs across key categories like towing, performance, technology, seating, and safety—giving Buffalo and Erie drivers a clear look at which model fits best in Western New York.
Here’s the takeaway: the 2025 Acadia is a well-rounded midsize SUV with strong towing, premium features, and third-row seating, ideal for families needing all-season capability without the bulk of a full-size model. The Sequoia, with its hybrid powertrain and large footprint, delivers maximum towing and interior space for those with bigger demands. Whether you’re comparing GMC vs Toyota SUVs or deciding between midsize and full-size, Larry Spacc GMC is here to help you make the right choice.
Visit Larry Spacc GMC today to explore our wide selection of new GMC vehicles, take a test drive, and speak with our team about current offers. We’re ready to help you find the perfect SUV for your lifestyle.
How Do the 2025 GMC Acadia and Toyota Sequoia Compare on Power and Performance?
When it comes to choosing an SUV that fits both your lifestyle and your drive, power matters. The 2025 GMC Acadia and Toyota Sequoia offer very different approaches to performance. One is lean and nimble. The other is big and bold. But which one is the better fit for your roads in Western New York?
Let’s break it down.
Engine Power and Everyday Driving
Both SUVs bring strong engines to the road, but in different ways:
| Specs | 2025 GMC Acadia | 2025 Toyota Sequoia |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged engine | i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 horsepower | 437 horsepower |
| Torque | 326 lb.-ft. of torque | 583 lb.-ft. of torque |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission | 10-speed automatic transmission |
The Sequoia delivers more raw power. But the Acadia offers strong acceleration in a smaller, more nimble package. That makes it easier to park, turn, and weave through traffic in Erie or Buffalo.
Handling Winter Roads and Weekend Trails
Both the Acadia and the Sequoia offer available all-wheel drive (AWD). For drivers facing snowy roads or dirt trails, that’s a must-have.
GMC Acadia AT4 features:
- Active torque control AWD system
- Off-road-tuned suspension
- Lifted ride height
- All-terrain tires
Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro includes:
- Off-road shocks with FOX components
- Locking rear differential
- Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select
The Sequoia leans into full-size off-road power. But the Acadia AT4 gives you real capability without the bulk. That’s a win for Western New York drivers who want trail grip and city comfort.
Fuel Use and Range
Fuel cost adds up fast, so how these SUVs use gas matters:
| Vehicle | Fuel Type | Estimated MPG (City/Hwy) |
| 2025 Acadia | Gasoline | Up to 27 Hwy MPG |
| 2025 Sequoia | Hybrid | Up to 24 Hwy MPG |
The Acadia edges out the Sequoia in fuel savings—especially if you drive long distances for work or travel. It’s built to balance power with smart gas use.
When it comes to the GMC Acadia vs Toyota Sequoia, both offer serious strength. But their approach is very different. The Sequoia is built for drivers who need big towing, heavy off-road strength, and more seats. The Acadia is for those who want fast, strong midsize power with better gas use and sharp AWD options like the AT4.
If you’re driving through Buffalo snow or heading upstate for the weekend, the Acadia can more than keep up.
Which SUV Offers the Best Towing and Payload for Buffalo-Area Drivers?
If you live in Buffalo or Western New York, towing power may be a key part of your SUV choice. Whether you’re hauling gear to the lake, pulling a small trailer for work, or taking the family camper out for a weekend, the 2025 Acadia Sequoia comparison shows clear differences in what each SUV can handle.
Towing Power: How They Compare
Here’s how the two models stack up in towing strength:
| SUV | Max Towing | Transmission | Drivetrain Options |
| 2025 GMC Acadia | Up to 5,000 lbs. | 8-speed auto | FWD or AWD |
| 2025 Toyota Sequoia | Up to 9,520 lbs. | 10-speed auto | RWD or 4WD |
The Sequoia offers more raw towing power. It’s made for big trailers, boats, and campers. If you tow heavy loads often, Sequoia may fit better.
But the Acadia with third-row seating is still a strong choice. For many Buffalo-area drivers, 5,000 pounds is more than enough. It’s perfect for smaller boats, pop-up trailers, or moving gear around town.
Payload and Everyday Hauling
Payload is how much weight your SUV can hold inside. That includes people, gear, and cargo.
- 2025 Acadia is a midsize SUV, built to balance comfort and utility. Its size makes it easy to load and drive in city areas like Erie or Buffalo.
- 2025 Sequoia, as a full-size SUV, can hold more inside—but it also takes up more space on tight roads and in small lots.
Think about what you haul day to day. If you need room for kids, sports gear, and groceries, the Acadia may be ideal. If you’re loading tools, work gear, or towing large items often, the Sequoia could suit your needs better.
Midsize vs Full-Size: What Western New York Drivers Should Know
Living in Western New York means dealing with snow, hills, and tight parking spots. Here’s a quick guide to which SUV type might fit best:
Choose the Acadia if you:
- Tow smaller items
- Drive often in town
- Need a mix of space and easy handling
- Want better gas mileage
Choose the Sequoia if you:
- Tow heavy trailers often
- Need full-size space and strength
- Don’t mind the size on tight roads
- Value hybrid power for towing torque
In the 2025 Acadia Sequoia comparison, towing and payload are key dividing lines. For many families in Buffalo, the Acadia with third-row seating offers the best of both worlds—strong enough to haul, small enough to park.
What Can You Expect from Interior Space and Third-Row Seating?
Interior space plays a big part in choosing between a midsize vs full-size SUV. If you have a growing family or love long trips through Western New York, cabin size and seat layout matter. Both the GMC Acadia and Toyota Sequoia give you room for more people—but they do it in different ways.
Seating Capacity and Cabin Layout
Both SUVs offer three rows of seats. But their designs are shaped by size and class.
| SUV | Max Seating | Seat Style | Third-Row Access |
| GMC Acadia | Up to 7 | Bench or captain’s chairs | Easy fold-and-slide second row |
| Toyota Sequoia | Up to 8 | Bench or captain’s chairs | Sliding and power-fold third row |
The Sequoia can seat one more person than the Acadia with third-row seating. But most drivers will choose between comfort and capacity. The Acadia’s second-row captain’s chairs are perfect for families who want more space between kids or passengers. Bench seats are available too, if you need a full row.
Legroom and Comfort
Passenger comfort is about more than just seat count. You need space to stretch out, especially on long drives.
- Acadia gives strong second-row legroom and a flat floor that makes access easy
- Third row is good for kids or short trips for adults
- Smart design makes it feel open, even in a midsize build
- Sequoia offers more width and length
- Third row slides forward or back for added space or cargo
- Feels more like a truck in size, which some drivers may love
In a midsize vs full-size SUV comparison, this is the key difference: the Sequoia is built to haul more. The Acadia is designed to move people in comfort, without feeling oversized.
Interior Features for Buffalo and Western New York Roads
No matter the size, road trips feel better with the right tech and trim. Both SUVs offer luxury in the cabin.
GMC Acadia:
- 15″ touchscreen in the front
- Premium Bose audio system
- Leather seats in higher trims
- Heated and cooled front seats
Toyota Sequoia:
- Up to 14″ touchscreen
- Walnut wood trim in 1794 Edition
- Heated and ventilated second-row seats
- Semi-aniline leather in top trims
Each one has strong options. But the Acadia gives you these features in a midsize SUV that’s easier to drive on tight roads.
In short, the Acadia offers space, comfort, and tech that works for most families. It’s a smart choice if you want room without going too big. The Sequoia brings more size and more seats—but it comes with more weight and cost. Your choice depends on what you need most on the road.
Which SUV Brings More Advanced Technology to the Road?
When it comes to GMC vs Toyota SUVs, both brands are pushing tech forward. But how they do it—and who it helps most—varies. If you’re choosing between these two SUVs for your drives in Erie, Buffalo, or across Western New York, tech could be the tie-breaker.
The Acadia with third-row seating offers a fresh mix of smart screens and hands-free features. The Sequoia brings big features in a big SUV.
Let’s compare what each one offers behind the wheel.
Infotainment and Driver Displays
| Feature | 2025 Acadia | 2025 Sequoia |
| Main Screen | 15″ touchscreen | 14″ touchscreen |
| Driver Display | 11″ digital cluster | Digital gauge cluster |
| Head-Up Display | Available | Available |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
The Acadia leads with a bright, wide 15-inch screen. It’s easy to see and quick to use. Paired with the 11-inch driver display, it gives you key info without clutter.
The Sequoia’s 14-inch screen is also clear and smooth. It’s packed with settings but may take more time to learn.
Driver Assist and Comfort Tech
Acadia Highlights:
- Super Cruise for hands-free highway driving
- Up to 9 camera views, including rear mirror camera
- Built-in trailering tools
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Sequoia Highlights:
- Multi-Terrain Monitor with front and side views
- Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for smooth rides
- Power tilt/slide roof with sunshade
- Available digital rearview mirror
Both give you high-end help. The Acadia’s Super Cruise stands out for highway travel. If you often drive long routes, this feature is a big win. The Sequoia’s tech is built more for rugged trips. Features like the AVS help with rougher roads or uneven ground.
What Works Best in Western New York?
Families in Buffalo, Erie, and nearby towns deal with all kinds of roads and weather. So tech should help, not slow you down.
- In the city: Acadia’s small size, clear cameras, and smart cruise help with tight turns and highway trips.
- Off the path: Sequoia’s off-road tools, like the terrain monitor, help you spot rocks, snow, and steep slopes.
When it comes to GMC vs Toyota SUVs, both have strong tech. But the Acadia with third-row seating puts more smart tools in a smaller frame. That makes it easy to use and easy to love—even if you’re driving through snow, school zones, or long miles on I-90.
What Safety Features Matter Most for Erie and Buffalo Families?
When you’re driving through Erie winters or Buffalo school zones, safety is not optional—it’s a must. You need an SUV that can help you avoid danger, alert you before a crash, and handle tough roads with ease. That’s where both the GMC Acadia and Toyota Sequoia shine.
But which one gives your family more peace of mind?
Let’s take a closer look.
Safety Comes Standard in the Acadia
The Acadia includes more than 15 standard driver help tools. These are built into every trim, even the base model.
Key features include:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Park Assist
- High-Definition Surround Vision (available)
These features do more than help in tight spots. They also help keep your family safe in busy traffic or snowy streets. The Acadia also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating (for models built after January 2025). That’s a major plus for families in Western New York.
Safety Tools in the Sequoia
The Sequoia comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite. It’s also packed with smart tech designed to reduce driver error.
Included features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
The Sequoia also offers an available Multi-Terrain Monitor. This helps you see what’s around your SUV when driving off-road or in tight spaces.
Which SUV Helps You Stay in Control?
Both SUVs offer strong safety features, but for drivers in Erie and Buffalo, the real difference is how confident you feel behind the wheel—especially in snow, on hills, or when towing. The Acadia supports up to 5,000 lbs. of towing and includes helpful features like Hitch Guidance, Hitch View, and an available Trailer Brake Controller. Combined with its many standard safety tools and a Top Safety Pick rating, the Acadia gives Western New York families the peace of mind they need year-round.
Which SUV Offers the Best Value for Drivers in Erie and Western New York?
Choosing the right SUV means more than picking power or space. You also want value—features that match the price and long-term savings you can count on. When looking at the GMC Acadia vs Toyota Sequoia, the gap in starting price is clear. But what you get for that cost makes a big difference.
Starting Prices: Midsize vs Full-Size
| Model | Starting MSRP | SUV Class |
| GMC Acadia Elevation | $43,000* | Midsize |
| Toyota Sequoia SR5 | $62,425* | Full-Size |
The Acadia starts over $19,000 lower than the Sequoia. That leaves room for upgrades while keeping your total cost in check. If you’re watching your budget but still want smart features, the Acadia gives you more room to work with.
Value Across the Lineup
Both SUVs come in multiple trims. Each adds more features, style, or strength.
Acadia Trims:
- Elevation
- AT4
- Denali
Sequoia Trims:
- SR5
- Limited
- Platinum
- 1794 Edition
- TRD Pro
- Capstone
With each step up, the Sequoia’s cost rises fast. The Capstone starts above $83,000. In contrast, the Denali offers luxury features for much less. That gives the Acadia a stronger price-to-feature ratio, especially for families in Western New York looking for balance.
Hybrid vs Gas: Which One Saves More?
The Sequoia comes with a hybrid powertrain in all trims. That helps improve torque and gas use.
- Sequoia: 21 city / 24 highway mpg (est.)
- Acadia: Up to 27 highway mpg (FWD models)
Though hybrid, the Sequoia’s full-size weight keeps mileage close to gas-only SUVs. The Acadia, lighter and smaller, uses less fuel day to day—especially if you drive often or commute from Erie into Buffalo.
Long-Term Value and Warranty
Both GMC and Toyota offer strong warranties and long-term support. You’ll get peace of mind either way.
- GMC: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
- Toyota: Similar coverage, with hybrid system protection up to 8 years
Still, because the Acadia costs less up front and uses less fuel over time, it may deliver better long-term value for many drivers.
In the GMC Acadia vs Toyota Sequoia comparison, price and long-term value favor the Acadia. It gives Erie and Western New York drivers key features, high tech, and strong performance—without the full-size price tag.
How do cargo volumes compare between the Acadia and Sequoia?
- The 2025 GMC Acadia offers a maximum cargo volume of 97.5 cu. ft.
- The 2025 Toyota Sequoia offers configurable cargo space with a power-folding third row and cargo shelf system, but a specific maximum cargo volume figure was not provided.
What are their towing capacities and payload limits?
- The 2025 GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped with the Trailering Package.
- The 2025 Toyota Sequoia has a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,520 lbs. Payload limits were not specified for either vehicle.
Which offers more luxury interior features?
- The Toyota Sequoia offers more luxury-focused features, including available semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats, American walnut wood trim (in the 1794 Edition), and available heated/ventilated seats in both first and second rows.
- The GMC Acadia Denali features leather-appointed seats, a configurable Head-Up Display, and heated/ventilated front seats, but fewer luxury materials overall compared to Sequoia’s higher trims.
How do engine options and fuel economy differ?
- The 2025 GMC Acadia has a 2.5L turbocharged engine with 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft. of torque, with up to 27 MPG highway in FWD models.
- The 2025 Toyota Sequoia features a 3.4L i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid engine producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque, with up to 24 MPG highway.
GMC vs Toyota SUVs: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
Both the Acadia and Sequoia offer real strength. One brings full-size space and strong towing. The other brings sharp style, top tech, and a price that fits more budgets.
For most drivers in Erie, Buffalo, and Western New York, the 2025 GMC Acadia checks more boxes. It’s easier to park, uses less gas, and gives you premium features without the full-size footprint. With Acadia with third-row seating, families get space and comfort for long trips and busy weeks.
Live near snow, hills, or tight city blocks? The Acadia handles it all with ease—and still has power to tow when you need it.
Want to compare the Acadia to more top SUVs? See how it stacks up in our full guides:
Ready to test drive? Larry Spacc GMC is proud to serve Erie, Buffalo, and all of Western New York. Contact us to see our wide selection of latest GMC models in stock—including trims with third-row seating and top safety tech. Our team is here to help you find the SUV that fits your life best.
Browse our inventory online or stop by today to take the next step.
Disclaimer: All information is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all content is complete, current, or error-free. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. This article may include opinions and is not endorsed by, or officially affiliated with, any vehicle manufacturer or brand. Always consult official sources – such as the vehicle’s owner’s manual, authorized dealerships, or certified professionals – for the most up-to-date and personalized information.
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