GMC Acadia vs Terrain: SUV Comparison Guide
Choosing between the GMC Acadia and Terrain means deciding between two unique SUVs. The Acadia can seat up to seven people. It has powerful engines, making it great for traveling with family or towing.
Meanwhile, the Terrain fits up to five and is easier to drive in the city. Its efficient engine makes it ideal for those living in urban areas.
This guide compares the 2025 GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain. You’ll learn about their size, performance, interior features, safety scores, and prices.
This information will help you pick the SUV that fits your lifestyle the best. See how the Terrain and Acadia compare to find the right one for you.
Overview of GMC SUVs
The GMC brand is known for its dependable SUVs that meet various needs. When comparing GMC SUVs, the Acadia and the Terrain stand out.
They cater to different drivers with their unique features. This will guide you in choosing the right model.
Introduction To GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia, a midsize SUV, is great for families. It’s spacious, fitting up to seven passengers, and offers plenty of room for cargo. Its 3.6L V6 engine provides 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
People love the Acadia for its smooth ride and safety. It’s a family favorite. With the seats folded, you get up to 97.5 cubic feet for your things.
Introduction To GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain, a compact SUV, focuses on efficiency and style. It seats five and is a bit smaller but still comfy. The Terrain’s 2.0L Turbo engine delivers 252 horsepower and good fuel economy.
It’s known for roomy back seats and a comfort package that ups the driving game. Though smaller in cargo space, at 63.3 cubic feet, it’s smartly designed.
GMC Acadia vs Terrain: Size Comparison
Looking at the size of the GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain helps you choose based on what you need. In this section, we’ll look at how big they are and how many people they can carry. This gives you a clear picture of the differences in size.
Dimensions and Exterior Size
The GMC Acadia is about 203.96 inches long, which is much longer than the Terrain’s 182.3 inches. This size difference means the Acadia has more room for both people and things.
Families or anyone carrying a lot of stuff will find the Acadia’s size very helpful. The Acadia is also wider and taller, with dimensions of 79.56 inches by 70.97 inches.
The Terrain, however, is 72.4 inches wide and 65.4 inches tall. When you look at the GMC SUVs side by side, the Acadia’s bigger size means you can carry more and do more with it.
Seating Capacity
The GMC Acadia can fit up to 7 passengers, perfect for big families. On the other hand, the GMC Terrain can carry 5 passengers. It’s good for smaller families or people who prefer something less bulky.
This seating difference highlights the Acadia’s focus on family use, while the Terrain is easier to handle and park.
Keep these points in mind when comparing their sizes. It will help you pick the right one for your lifestyle.
Performance Specifications
When looking at the GMC Acadia compared to the Terrain, performance is key. Each offers different engine options to fit your needs. This is important for families and daily drivers.
GMC Acadia Engine and Power
The 2024 GMC Acadia comes with a strong 2.5-liter turbo engine. It pumps out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This makes it great for all kinds of driving and perfect for big families who need power.
GMC Terrain Engine and Power
The GMC Terrain, however, is for those who like it smaller. It starts with a 1.5-liter turbo engine. You can choose a 2.0-liter turbo for more zip. These engines are efficient and fun to drive, especially in the city.
Towing Capacities of Both Models
The GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,000 lbs, ideal for heavy loads. On the other hand, the GMC Terrain can handle 3,500 lbs, enough for smaller tasks.
| Feature | GMC Acadia | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L Turbocharged | 1.5L Turbocharged / 2.0L Turbocharged (opt) |
| Horsepower | 328 HP | Up to 252 HP |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | Up to 260 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 passengers | Up to 5 passengers |
Fuel Efficiency
When looking at the GMC Terrain and Acadia, it’s key to see how they perform. The 2025 GMC Terrain is known for saving gas, perfect for daily driving.
On the other hand, the GMC Acadia offers a good mix of power and fuel economy. This is ideal for families who need more room.
GMC Acadia Fuel Economy
The 2025 GMC Acadia has decent fuel economy for its size. Though the official EPA numbers aren’t out yet, it’s expected to get about 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with a 2.5L turbo engine.
This makes it a solid choice for families wanting a balance of efficiency and space.
GMC Terrain Fuel Economy
The 2025 GMC Terrain, however, shines in gas mileage. Its base 1.5L turbo engine is estimated to get 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
With its 14.8-gallon tank, it’s especially good for city driving, potentially lowering fuel costs over time.
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Acadia | 22 | 29 | 25 |
| GMC Terrain | 26 | 30 | 28 |
To sum it up, if saving gas is key for you, the Terrain is the better pick. Think about how each model fits your life, especially in terms of space and how you plan to use it.
Interior Features and Comfort
The inside of a GMC can really make or break how much you like the car. If you’re trying to choose between the GMC Acadia and Terrain, you’ll see they differ in several ways.
They have different setups for seating, tech, and how much stuff you can fit inside. But both vehicles prove GMC cares a lot about quality, which is why they’re top picks if you’re shopping for an SUV.
Seating Comfort and Materials
The 2025 GMC Acadia can fit up to seven people, making it great for big families or groups. It comes with fancy materials right from the start, and the pricier versions even have leather seats and heated or cooled front seats.
This focus on feeling good and high quality helps the Acadia stand out. The GMC Terrain, however, fits five people and feels snug and nicely put together but doesn’t have that extra seating row like the Acadia.
If having more room is important to you, the Acadia is a better bet. It even offers special seats for the second row.
Technology Offerings
The GMC Acadia has an eight-inch screen for all its tech needs, making it easy for everyone in the car to stay connected. The Terrain starts with a seven-inch screen, but you can get an eight-inch one on the higher models.
Both SUVs come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which makes using your smartphone on the road super simple.
Cargo Space Comparison
| Model | Maximum Cargo Volume | Cargo Space Behind Rear Seats |
|---|---|---|
| GMC Acadia | 97.5 cubic feet | 23 cubic feet |
| GMC Terrain | 63.5 cubic feet | 29.6 cubic feet |
The GMC Acadia really shines when you need a lot of storage, offering an impressive 97.5 cubic feet. The Terrain, while smaller overall, does a good job too, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seats. This makes it handy for running to the store or carrying smaller items.
Safety Features
The GMC Acadia and Terrain are both known for their strong safety ratings and many advanced safety features.
These vehicles are designed to keep families safe, offering a wide range of aids. When comparing GMC vehicles, knowing these safety features is key.
Safety Ratings Overview
The GMC Acadia and Terrain both received a top 5-star overall crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This shows how effective their safety technologies are.
Available Driver Assistance Features
GMC Pro Safety technologies are featured in both models. They include:
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- IntelliBeam
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Automatic Emergency Braking, which operates at speeds below 50 mph
The GMC Terrain adds more with the Pro Safety Plus package, offering:
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Park Assist
Extra features like the Safety Alert Seat use vibrations to warn of possible crashes. Teen Driver technology helps monitor young drivers’ habits.
HD Surround Vision makes parking and avoiding objects easier. Both models are equipped for a safer driving experience.
Pricing and Value
Learning about the price difference between the GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain is smart. It helps you choose wisely. Each has different features and price tags to match.
MSRP Comparison
The GMC Acadia starts at about $44,395, showing its larger size and more features. On the other hand, the GMC Terrain is easier on your wallet, starting at around $31,395.
This price gap is crucial for budget-conscious families or first-time SUV buyers.
Standard Features For Each Model
When you weigh the value of the Acadia against the Terrain, look at what each offers.
| Feature | GMC Acadia | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 2.5-liter turbocharged, 328 hp | 1.5-liter turbocharged, 175 hp |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 20 city / 27 highway | 24 city / 29 highway |
| Cargo Space (Max) | 97.5 cubic ft | 63.5 cubic ft |
| Starting MSRP | $44,395 | $31,395 |
The GMC Acadia and Terrain shine in different areas for unique needs. The Acadia brings more engine power and towing ability.
The Terrain attracts with better fuel economy and a lower price. Both are great, depending on what you value most.
GMC Acadia vs Terrain: Market Comparison
The GMC Acadia and Terrain serve different types of buyers within the SUV market. They meet various preferences and needs. Knowing where these models stand helps you choose the right one for you.
Competing Models in The Segment
The Acadia competes with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. These rivals are loved for their roomy interiors and family-friendly features. They offer lots of space for both people and their stuff.
The Terrain, however, goes up against the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. These smaller SUVs mix size with efficiency well. They are perfect for commuters and small families who value practicality.
Target Audience and Buyer Preferences
The market analysis shows the Acadia and Terrain attract different buyers. Big families that need lots of room might go for the Acadia. It has space for seven people.
But, people living in cities or small families might pick the Terrain. It’s smaller and uses less fuel. This choice affects which SUV sells more and what features are most wanted, showing why a comparison chart can be helpful.
Conclusion
When comparing the GMC Acadia and Terrain, it’s clear they meet different needs. The Acadia offers a large, strong, and roomy choice. It’s perfect for families or anyone who needs a lot of space.
But, keep in mind, it uses more fuel because of its size and power. The Terrain, however, is great for city living. It’s easier to drive in tight spots and saves on gas.
It might not have the Acadia’s strength or space, but it’s better for the budget. Plus, it’s packed with features perfect for the city.
Making the right pick between the GMC Acadia and Terrain depends on what you need. Think about their performance, comfort, safety, and cost.
No matter which one you go for, GMC ensures both are reliable and well-made.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the GMC Acadia and Terrain?
The GMC Acadia is bigger, with three rows for seating and more room for stuff. The Terrain is smaller, with two rows, perfect for less people or city trips.
How do the engines of the Acadia and Terrain compare?
The 2024 GMC Acadia packs a 2.5-liter turbo engine with 328 horsepower. On the other hand, the Terrain’s smaller engine focuses more on saving fuel.
What is the fuel economy of the GMC Acadia?
We’re still waiting on the EPA to share how efficient the 2024 GMC Acadia is. But it’s expected to do well for its size. The Terrain, being smaller, usually uses less gas.
Which SUV is more family-friendly, the Acadia or Terrain?
For bigger families, the GMC Acadia is the top pick. It has more seating and space, great for trips with more than five people.
How does safety compare between the Acadia and Terrain?
Both SUVs are safe, but the Acadia often adds more safety tech. This is because it’s designed for larger families.
What is the starting MSRP for the GMC Acadia and Terrain?
The GMC Acadia starts at about ,395. The GMC Terrain is more affordable, beginning at ,395.
Are there significant differences in cargo space between the two SUVs?
Indeed, the GMC Acadia offers much more cargo space. This is thanks to its bigger size and third row that folds for more room.
Which model is better for city driving, Acadia or Terrain?
For city driving, the GMC Terrain shines. It’s easier to handle in tight spots and bustling city streets because it’s smaller.
