GMC
Acadia
Toyota
Highlander
GMC Acadia vs Toyota Highlander: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the GMC Acadia comes out ahead of the Toyota Highlander on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Acadia
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by powertrain reliability. For the 2024+ redesign (2025-2026 model years), owner sentiment is cautiously positive, praising its spacious interior, comfortable ride, modern features (especially Super Cruise and advanced tech on Denali trims), and improved third-row space. However, this is tempered by recurrent reports of significant reliability issues in early production units, including transmission problems and oil leaks.
Best version to buy
For the 2024+ generation, the Denali trim is frequently mentioned as the preferred version for maximizing feature content, including Super Cruise, a digital rearview mirror, heads-up display, massage seats, and advanced parking assist. However, there is no strong consensus recommending lower trims for better value, as the high feature content is a primary draw.
Known issues
- ⚠**Engine failures (3.6L V6): ** Catastrophic failure due to oil pickup tube clogging and cam failures, particularly in 2010-2015 models around 80,000-100,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent for older generations.
- ⚠**Transmission failures: ** Complete transmission failure reported around 100,000 miles on a 2017 model; transmission issues and "known transmission problems" cited as a deal-breaker for 2017-2023 models; early reliability issues with the 2…
- ⚠**Oil leaks/cooler failures: ** Recurrent issue described as the vehicle "weeping oil like BP in the Gulf"; oil cooler failure leading to coolant contamination and overheating in a 2024+ model. Frequency: recurrent.
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- ⚠8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The GMC Acadia is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Toyota Highlander, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Toyota Highlander is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the GMC Acadia or the Toyota Highlander?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the GMC Acadia or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander seats more passengers than the GMC Acadia on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the GMC Acadia is classed as a SUV, the Toyota Highlander as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the GMC Acadia or the Toyota Highlander?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the GMC Acadia or the Toyota Highlander?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Highlander than the GMC Acadia. See the known issues comparison above.