GMC Terrain vs. Acadia

2025 GMC Terrain Elevation outside in front of building
 

2025 GMC Terrain

vs. 

2025 GMC Acadia

$30,000 MSRP

Starting Price

$42,900 MSRP

1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder

Standard Engine

2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder

175 hp

Maximum Horsepower

328 hp

203 lb-ft

Maximum Torque

326 lb-ft

5 passengers

Seating Capacity

8 passengers

63.5 cubic feet

Maximum Cargo Capacity

97.5 cubic feet

 

If you’re interested in a premium SUV, you will love what the GMC lineup has to offer. Both the GMC Terrain and the GMC Acadia deliver a next-level driving experience. But which one should you take home? Explore their differences with Liberty GMC, Inc. in the following comparison before deciding on the right vehicle for your drives around Phoenix. 

 

 

2025 GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia: Performance

Turbocharged four-cylinder engines lie at the heart of the GMC Acadia and Terrain, ensuring you have the power and capability you need for your Glendale travels. That said, the 2025 GMC Acadia provides slightly more horsepower and torque than the Terrain, making it a must-have for drivers planning to hitch up a trailer or head off the beaten path. Compare the GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia engines below for all the details:

2025 GMC Terrain Powertrain

  • Engine: 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain: Standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
  • Transmission (FWD/AWD): Continuously Variable Transmission / 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Horsepower: 175 hp
  • Torque (FWD/AWD): 184 lb-ft / 203 lb-ft

2025 GMC Acadia Powertrain

  • Engine: 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain: Standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Horsepower: 328 hp
  • Torque: 326 lb-ft

2025 GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia: Seating & Cargo Capacity

In addition to its superior engine performance, the 2025 GMC Acadia provides more seating and cargo space inside its cabin. Offering seating for up to eight and nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo room, the GMC Acadia interior ensures you have all the cabin space you need for your crew and cargo. 

However, this extra space makes the Acadia a bulkier SUV, making it harder to maneuver on the Surprise roads than the smaller, more nimble GMC Terrain. See the full breakdown of the GMC Acadia vs. Terrain interior dimensions below to determine which best suits your needs:

2025 GMC Terrain Interior Dimensions

  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
  • Headroom (Front/Rear): 40 inches / 39.2 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 57.7 inches / 55.7 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Rear): 55.2 inches / 50.8 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 40.6 inches / 39.2 inches
  • Cargo Volume (Behind Rear/Front Rows): 29.8 cubic feet / 63.5 cubic feet

2025 GMC Acadia Interior Dimensions

  • Seating Capacity: 8 passengers
  • Headroom (Front/Middle/Rear): 42.6 inches / 40 inches / 38.2 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Middle/Rear): 62 inches / 62 inches / 57.9 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Middle/Rear): 59.2 inches / 58.4 inches / 48.6 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 44.3 inches / 41.5 inches / 32.1 inches
  • Cargo Volume (Behind Rear/Middle/Front Rows): 23 cubic feet / 57.3 cubic feet / 97.5 cubic feet

2025 GMC Acadia vs. Terrain: Amenities

No matter which GMC SUV you prefer, you’ll find plenty of innovative comfort, convenience, and connectivity amenities throughout the cabin. Some of the available features you can find on both the 2025 GMC Terrain and Acadia include:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Remote start
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center
  • 15-inch diagonal GMC Premium Infotainment System with available Google built-in
  • Wi-Fi® hotspot capable
  • And more!

Explore the GMC Terrain & Acadia Further With Liberty GMC, Inc.

Would you like to learn more about these SUVs? Read our other GMC research guides and discover more highlights, like the redesign for the next-generation Terrain. If you prefer to tour these models in person, feel free to visit our showroom near Tempe for a test drive.

2024 GMC Terrain driving down a road
 

Looking for a powerful SUV that’s as rugged as it is refined? The Terrain and Acadia from GMC are two longtime standouts in the automaker’s lineup, both enduringly popular choices among Phoenix and Tempe drivers. But one of these vehicles will be the better fit for your lifestyle and budget, and Liberty GMC, Inc. is here to help you determine which is the best option. Compare the 2024 GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia in detail below.

 

 

GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia: Pricing

While both of these GMC vehicles are accessibly priced, the Terrain has a lower starting MSRP. This is largely because the Terrain is classified as a compact SUV, while the Acadia is considered midsize, which means the latter has more space and a wider range of standard features. With that said, either the Acadia or Terrain is an economical choice.

  • 2024 GMC Terrain Starting MSRP –$29,195
  • 2024 GMC Acadia Estimated Starting MSRP – $38,000

GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia: Performance Specs

When it comes to performance, both the Terrain and the Acadia are equipped with exceptional power and efficiency. But because the Acadia is the larger SUV, its engine is also larger (2.5L turbo vs. 1.5L turbo) and delivers more horsepower and torque, as well as a greater towing capacity. However, when fuel economy and agility are among your highest priorities in your next SUV, the Terrain is the more logical choice. We break the numbers down for you below:

  • Horsepower & Torque –The standard engine of the 2024 Terrain gives you a commendable 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. GMC estimates that the standard engine of the 2024 Acadia will provide 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
  • Fuel Economy -The Terrain gets better gas mileage at 24 city/29 highway MPG with the entry-level trim. Although GMC has not released official fuel economy ratings for the Acadia, it is expected to offer at least 19 city/26 highway MPG.
  • Towing Capacity -The Acadia reigns supreme as far as towing power, capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Terrain, on the other hand, can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia: Features

As you debate whether the Acadia or Terrain is the right SUV for you, you’ll want to consider features. Both vehicles are packed to the brim with a bevy of tech-forward features designed to enhance comfort, connectivity, and safety on the roads of Glendale and beyond. Standard amenities in both the Terrain and Acadia include:

  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
  • OnStar® & GMC Connected Services capabilities
  • Power windows and locks
  • Premium seating materials
  • USB ports

Bear in mind that the Acadia, being the more luxurious of the two, has many standard features that the Terrain does not. For instance, HD Surround Vision is standard on all 2024 Acadia trims, while it is only an available option on upper-level Terrain configurations.

Which Will It Be, the Acadia or Terrain? Test Drive Both Today!

As you can see, in a matchup between the Acadia and the Terrain, both vehicles are clear winners. It all depends on your driving needs, lifestyle, and budget. Why not test-drive both SUVs and compare them in person? Stop by our Peoria showroom today. In the meantime, contact us for more information or apply for financing online to get a jump on the buying process. Whether you ultimately opt for the Acadia or Terrain, you are sure to get a vehicle that checks off all the boxes on your wishlist–and then some!

 

More from Liberty GMC, Inc.

  • 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 Trim Levels

      2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Trim Lineup Highlights Seven Distinct Trim Levels: Choose from the work-ready Pro, tech-forward SLE, comfortable SLT, rugged AT4, extreme off-road AT4X, luxurious Denali, and the top-tier Denali Ultimate. Heavy-Duty Powertrains: Powered standard by a 6.6L V8 gas engine or the available legendary Duramax® 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine delivering 470…

  • 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity

      2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity Highlights Maximum Towing Capacity: Up to 13,300 pounds when properly equipped with the Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Engine Options: Choose from four powerful engines, including the TurboMax™, 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, and the Duramax® Turbo-Diesel. Advanced Trailering Tech: Offers an available ProGrade™ Trailering System, Super Cruise®…

  • 2026 GMC Terrain Dimensions

      2026 GMC Terrain Quick Dimensions Highlight Seating & Comfort: Room for up to 5 passengers with a class-leading 43.95 inches of front legroom. Cargo Capacity: Offers 29.8 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding up to a generous 63.5 cubic feet with rear seats folded flat. Maneuverable Footprint: An overall length of 181 inches makes…

Saved Vehicles

You don't have any saved vehicles!

Look for this Save icon

Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.

Menu

Get Directions

8660 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ, 85382
Liberty GMC, Inc. 33.64, -112.2453.