GMC Acadia vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a significantly modified platform from its predecessor, resulting in a larger and more imposing vehicle. It was 27 centimetres longer and 8 centimetres taller than the 2023 model, with styling that emphasized its increased size. The front end featured a more upright design and a broad grille reminiscent of GMC’s full-size SUVs and trucks, framed by distinctive LED headlights. The wheel arches and door skins had subtle detailing that added definition in certain lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips drew inspiration from the C8 Corvette. The Acadia was available in three trims: Elevation, AT4, and Denali, each with unique styling elements. The interior was redesigned to accommodate larger screens and create a sense of spaciousness, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing light in the cabin. The AT4 trim was noted for its rugged, outdoor-inspired interior, while the Denali trim, despite its luxury billing, fell short in material quality.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was offered exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, with trims including SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with the GR Sport trim featuring an assertive grille and rear diffuser that extended its length by nearly five centimetres. The RAV4 adopted a boxier, truck-like presence, with square lines and bulging fenders. Gloss black accents adorned the Sport trims, and the GR Sport showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with the GR Sport trim offering sporty touches like red stitching. The interior was optimized for storage, with multiple shelves and deep door pockets. Passenger space was comfortable, though the panoramic sunroof reduced headroom slightly. The cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, but still offered ample space with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and 3.6-litre V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6, the turbo-four provided strong and consistent performance, enabling a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms with an available towing package. The engine's coarse note was a downside, particularly in the high-end Denali trim. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with the AT4 model featuring a twin-clutch system for off-road driving. The AT4 also included a ride height lift, special suspension tuning, and skid plates. While the Acadia AT4 was marketed as the most capable yet, it was more suited to light off-roading. The Denali model offered a comfortable ride with its premium suspension tuning, though both the Denali and AT4 exhibited some body roll and imprecise steering.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's total power output was 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 horsepower and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. In EV mode, the RAV4 offered a range of 80 kilometres, though it was best suited for quiet cruising rather than sprints. In Auto mode, the RAV4 delivered impressive acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The transition between power sources was seamless, and the ride was spirited without sacrificing comfort. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension components, providing a sportier driving experience.

The 2024 GMC Acadia offered a spacious interior with more headroom across all three rows than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. It also provided more first-row legroom, though the Kia and Toyota offered more space in the second and third rows. The Acadia's cargo space was significantly improved, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,623 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,761 litres with both the second and third rows folded. An underfloor storage bin and a presence-based power liftgate added to its utility. Small-item storage was reasonable, though the touchscreen-controlled headlights were less intuitive.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with clever storage features optimizing the interior space. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims offered synthetic leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The interior featured multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets, though the panoramic sunroof reduced headroom slightly. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short of larger models like the Honda CR-V. The cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, with 951 litres available and 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured a standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker system available. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, with a logical layout and high-quality graphics. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, though small drive-mode icons could be difficult to spot.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu, while the digital cluster offered three display options. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and the system included features for locating chargers and managing the plug-in hybrid system.

The 2024 GMC Acadia received mediocre marks from the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating for its moderate overlap front test and collision prevention system, and a Marginal score for its headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Acadia also offered the Super Cruise driver-assist system as an option, allowing for hands-free driving on certain roads.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings in crash protection.