2025 GMC Acadia Vs. Terrain: Which SUV Is Right For You?
SUV shoppers searching for a versatile yet fuel-efficient model will want to compare the GMC Terrain vs. Acadia. These two GMC SUV models deliver similar style and substance, including the latest cabin technologies, but in substantially different packages. One is a compact SUV while the other is a midsize model with an additional row of seating. Is the GMC Terrain better than the Acadia? Or is it the other way around? Stick with Jones Buick GMC Casa Grande as we compare the 2025 GMC Acadia vs. 2025 GMC Terrain.
Notable Highlights: GMC Acadia vs. Terrain
- Size & Seating Capacity: The midsize 2025 Acadia is bigger, offering three rows and seating for up to eight, while the Terrain small SUV provides two rows with comfortable seating for five.
- Performance: The Acadia boasts a more potent 328-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo engine. The Terrain focuses on fuel efficiency with its 175-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo engine and higher MPG ratings.
- Technology: Both models feature GMC's latest 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
- Safety & Recognition: The Terrain and Acadia both receive over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features for enhanced on-road confidence.
- Versatility & Appeal: Choose the Acadia for more seating capacity, cargo space, and towing capabilities; select the Terrain for a more compact, agile footprint and greater fuel efficiency.
GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia Specs
? Drag to scroll ?
| 2025 GMC Acadia | 2025 GMC Terrain | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 97.5 / 57.3 / 23 cu ft | 63.5 / 29.8 cu ft / N/A |
| Touchscreen Size | 15 in | 15 in |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Trims Available | Elevation, AT4, Denali | Elevation |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I-4 | 1.5L turbo I-4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT or 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 328 | 175 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 1,500 lbs1 |
| Off-road Trim Available | AT4 | N/A |
| EPA-Est. MPG Fuel Efficiency (Cty / Hwy) | 20 / 272 | 26 / 283 |
A major factor in deciding between two versatile GMC SUVs like the Acadia and Terrain is engine performance and capability. The 2025 GMC Terrain compact SUV is an agile performer that prioritizes fuel efficiency with its turbocharged 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. While the powertrain produces a more modest 175 horsepower, it returns up to an EPA-estimated 26/28 MPG (City/Highway),3 thanks to standard front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. AWD is available an paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2025 GMC Acadia also offers available AWD, with standard FWD and an eight-speed automatic out of the gate. This larger SUV also gets a larger engine, a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder making 328 horsepower. Its greater size and power output affects efficiency, with the midsize GMC SUV achieving up to an EPA-estimated 20/27 MPG (City/Highway)2 rating.
GMC Terrain vs. Acadia Size & Capacities
The longer body and wheelbase of the 2025 GMC Acadia enables this midsize SUV to provide more cabin space and cargo capacity than the Terrain small SUV. With that added interior volume, you can seat seven or eight occupants in the Acadia, depending on the cabin configuration. The five-passenger Terrain gives you more standard cargo volume behind its back row, though. So, if you plan on keeping all seats upright when hauling groceries and other supplies, the Terrain boasts a standard 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to just 23 cubic feet behind the Acadia's third row.
The Acadia is the only 2025 model in this comparison that offers an off-roading AT4 trim. In this configuration, the GMC Acadia ground clearance reaches its maximum, at 7.75 inches. The Acadia AT4 also gets standard AWD. While the 2025 GMC Terrain redesign doesn't include an AT4 trim (only the Elevation trim, for now), the 2026 model adds a Terrain AT4 option.
? Drag to scroll ?
| 2025 GMC Acadia | 2025 GMC Terrain | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 97.5 / 57.3 / 23 cu ft | 63.5 / 29.8 cu ft / N/A |
| Touchscreen Size | 15 in | 15 in |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Trims Available | Elevation, AT4, Denali | Elevation |
Interior Space Difference Between GMC Acadia & Terrain
Comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain vs. Acadia in terms of interior space doesn't only involve their seating capacities and cargo volumes. The Acadia midsize model tops the Terrain in first- and second-row headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room.
See how these two GMC models stack up in interior space below, then view our new Buick and GMC inventory to find a version of these SUVs you'd like to tour and test drive.
? Drag to scroll ?
| 2025 GMC Acadia | 2025 GMC Terrain | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 97.5 / 57.3 / 23 cu ft | 63.5 / 29.8 cu ft / N/A |
| Touchscreen Size | 15 in | 15 in |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Trims Available | Elevation, AT4, Denali | Elevation |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I-4 | 1.5L turbo I-4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT or 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 328 | 175 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 1,500 lbs1 |
| Off-road Trim Available | AT4 | N/A |
| EPA-Est. MPG Fuel Efficiency (Cty / Hwy) | 20 / 272 | 26 / 283 |
| Rows of Seating | 3 | 2 |
| First-row Headroom | 42.6 in | 40 in |
| Second-row Headroom | 40.03 in | 39.2 in |
| First-row Legroom | 44.28 in | 40.6 in |
| Second-row Legroom | 41.45 in | 39.2 in |
| First-row Shoulder Room | 62 in | 57.7 in |
| Second-row Shoulder Room | 62 in | 55.7 in |
| First-row Hip Room | 59.18 in | 55.2 in |
| Second-row Hip Room | 58.40 in | 50.8 in |
As you can see, our GMC Terrain vehicles blend agile, fuel-efficient performance with a sizable passenger cabin and cargo hold. These small SUVs deliver urban agility for weaving through traffic and fitting into tighter parking spaces that most midsize models can't match.
Shared GMC Technology and Safety Features
Like our larger GMC Acadia vehicles, the Terrain comes standard with a new 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system and more than 15 advanced safety and driver-assistance features.
Standard driver-assist and safety tech on both of these new SUVs include GMC innovations like:
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
- Following Distance Indicator
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Passenger Sensing System
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Rear Park Assist
- Rear Seat Reminder
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Safety Alert Seat
- Side Bicyclist Alert
- Teen Driver
With such similar cabin amenities and technologies, deciding between a GMC Terrain vs. Acadia comes down to finding the right mix of space, power, and efficiency for your driving style.
The Jones Buick GMC Casa Grande is here to supply you with a strong selection of both SUVs, no matter which one you choose. Get in touch with our GMC sales associates and financing specialists to discuss your SUV search, including your vehicle preferences and monthly budget, and we'll assist with securing the perfect ride to fit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model is better for families?
The 2025 GMC Acadia is arguably the better model for families, as it boasts a bigger passenger cabin and comes standard with three-row seating for up to eight occupants. It also gives you greater maximum cargo capacity when you don't need the extra seating. The 2025 GMC Terrain is also great for families but is better for those that don't need more than five seats.
Is the GMC Terrain more fuel-efficient than the Acadia?
Yes, the new 2025 GMC Terrain is more fuel-efficient than the 2025 GMC Acadia. However, the differences in fuel economy aren't as drastic as some other compact and three-row SUV comparisons. The Terrain earns up to an EPA-estimated 26/28 MPG (City/Highway),3 while the larger Acadia holds its own with up to an EPA-estimated 20/27 MPG (City/Highway).2
Do both models come with an off-road trim?
For the 2025 model year, only the GMC Acadia comes with an off-road trim, called the AT4. This trim is all-terrain focused and gets AWD standard. The 2025 GMC Terrain redesign is only being offered in the Elevation trim, but the 2026 model will introduce a redesigned Terrain AT4 if you're after an off-road trim in this GMC small SUV. Contact our dealer for details.
Connect With Us to Learn More about the 2025 GMC Inventory
1GM-estimated. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
2EPA-estimated mpg for the 2.5L turbo with eight-speed automatic FWD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
3EPA-estimated mpg for the 1.5L turbo with CVT FWD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov