Up in Virginia, MN, an SUV isn’t just a lifestyle accessory. It’s a tool. It starts in the cold, carries everything you forgot you needed, and keeps going when the road turns from pavement to something less official. That’s where the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander stop being similar and start showing their differences.
Technology That Works Without Fuss
The 2026 GMC Acadia leads with a 15-inch Premium GMC Infotainment System that feels like it belongs in a modern vehicle, not something catching up. Google built-in keeps navigation, voice commands, and apps in one place, and it all responds quickly.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, so your phone connects without extra steps. There’s also an available Head-Up Display that puts key information right in your line of sight, which helps when conditions outside aren’t exactly forgiving.
The Toyota Highlander offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It covers the essentials and does them well. It just doesn’t feel as integrated or as easy to move through as the Acadia’s system.
In daily use, Acadia saves you time and effort, which matters more than screen size alone.
Driving Feel That Matches the Conditions
The GMC Acadia uses a 2.5L Turbocharged engine producing 328 hp and 326 lbs. ft. of torque. It has enough strength to move confidently, even when fully loaded or merging onto a busy highway.
The eight-speed automatic transmission keeps things smooth, and the Traction Select System gives your multiple drive modes to handle snow, wet roads, and everything in between. It feels composed, which is exactly what you want when conditions change fast.
The Toyota Highlander runs a 2.4L Turbo engine with 265 hp and 310 lbs. ft. of torque. It handles driving every day without issues, though it feels less responsive when pushed. It gets the job done, just without the same sense of control or confidence.
For Minnesota winters, that extra capability in the Acadia makes a difference you notice.
Space and Versatility That Actually Helps
GMC Acadia offers seating for up to 8 and up to 97.5 cu. ft. of cargo space with the seats folded. That’s the real space you can use, not just a number on paper.
The hands-free Autosense power liftgate adds convenience when your hands are full, which is most of the time. Storage throughout the cabin helps keep gear organized instead of piled up.
The Toyota Highlander offers up to 84.3 cu. ft. of cargo space. It’s practical and works well for most needs, though it doesn’t match Acadia’s flexibility when you start loading it up.
Safety That Comes Standard
GMC Acadia includes more than 19 standard driver assistance features. Blind Zone Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, and more are all included from the start.
The Highlander offers Toyota Safety Sense™, which covers key features. Some systems depend on trim levels, which can change what you get.
Acadia keeps things straightforward. More features come standard, which means fewer decisions and fewer compromises.
See the GMC Acadia at Ken Waschke Auto Plaza Inc
Stop by Ken Waschke Auto Plaza Inc in Virginia, MN and take the 2026 GMC Acadia out for a drive. Schedule a test drive online to skip the queue now! It won’t take long to figure out which one fits your life better!
