2026 GMC Acadia vs. Toyota Highlander
Which 3-Row SUV Delivers More Value & Technology for Spokane Families?
When Spokane families need a capable, comfortable three-row SUV, the 2026 GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander are two top contenders. Both promise space, safety, and reliability, but a closer look reveals significant differences. This detailed comparison breaks down why the 2026 GMC Acadia offers superior value, more innovative technology, and unique safety features that the Highlander simply can't match.
From its lower starting price to industry-exclusive features like available hands-free Super Cruise driving, the Acadia is designed to enhance every journey. Discover which SUV truly meets the demands of modern family life in the Inland Northwest.
Head-to-Head: Key Specifications & Price
| Feature | 2026 GMC Acadia | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,700* | $45,270** |
| Available Hands-Free Driver Assistance (Super Cruise) | Yes* | No** |
| Buckle to Drive Feature | Yes* | No** |
| Safety Alert Seat | Yes* | No** |
| Teen Driver System | Yes* | No** |
| Standard Infotainment Screen | 11-inch Diagonal | 8-inch Touchscreen |
| Available Power | 2.5L Turbo (328 hp) | 2.4L Turbo (265 hp) |
*GMC configurator data. **Toyota.com feature data.
Why the 2026 GMC Acadia Is the Clear Choice
The 2026 GMC Acadia doesn't just compete—it leads. For a lower starting price, you get a more powerful and technologically advanced SUV. The available Super Cruise is a game-changer for highway driving, offering true hands-free assistance on compatible roads. Unique family-focused features like Buckle to Drive (which prevents shifting out of Park until seatbelts are fastened) and the Teen Driver system provide peace of mind that the Highlander cannot offer. The Acadia's Safety Alert Seat uses subtle vibrations to direct your attention to potential hazards, a more intuitive warning than simple lights or chimes.
Technology & Innovation
2026 GMC Acadia
The Acadia’s cabin is a tech hub centered around a standard 11-inch diagonal touchscreen running the latest Google-built infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a available Head-Up Display keep you connected without distraction.
The standout innovation is available Super Cruise, the industry's first true hands-free driver-assistance system for compatible highways. It allows for hands-free steering, braking, and acceleration, monitored by a driver-attention system for safety. This level of advanced driving aid is not available on any Toyota Highlander.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander features Toyota's user-friendly infotainment system, but starts with a smaller 8-inch touchscreen; a larger 12.3-inch unit is available only on higher trims. It includes standard wireless smartphone connectivity.
Its driver-assistance suite, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, provides adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping aid, but it is not a hands-free system. The driver must keep hands on the wheel at all times, lacking the advanced automation and reduced fatigue benefits of GMC's Super Cruise.
Safety & Family-Focused Features
The Acadia shines with unique safety technology designed for real-world family use:
- Buckle to Drive: Encourages safe habits by requiring the driver's seatbelt to be fastened before shifting out of Park.
- Teen Driver: A configurable system that reports on driving habits, sets speed and volume limits, and mutes audio until seatbelts are fastened.
- Safety Alert Seat: Provides directional tactile pulses in the seat bottom to alert the driver to potential hazards without startling alarms.
- GMC Pro Safety Plus Suite: Standard suite includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The Highlander includes the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, which is a strong package but lacks the specialized family-oriented features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Road Sign Assist
It does not offer a teen driver monitoring system, a buckle-to-drive feature, or any haptic seat alert system. Its safety approach is more conventional.
Value, Performance & Ownership
The 2026 Acadia delivers robust performance with its available 2.5L Turbo engine producing 328 horsepower, offering confident passing and towing power. Its redesigned platform provides a smoother, quieter ride with premium interior materials available even in lower trims.
From a value perspective, starting over $1,500 less than the Highlander while including a larger standard screen and exclusive family safety features makes the Acadia a compelling financial and practical choice.
The 2026 Highlander's available turbo-four engine produces 265 horsepower, adequate for daily driving but less potent than the Acadia's offering. Toyota's reputation for reliability is a key consideration for many buyers.
However, its higher entry price for a less feature-rich base model means you pay more to get similar levels of technology and comfort, which are often reserved for higher, more expensive trim levels.
Experience the 2026 GMC Acadia in Spokane
Seeing and driving these SUVs makes the difference clear. Visit GMC of Riverfront Park to experience the innovative technology, premium comfort, and confident performance of the 2026 Acadia for yourself. Our product specialists can walk you through every feature and help you configure the perfect Acadia for your family.
GMC of Riverfront Park
E 636 Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
Sales: 509-209-9966