GMC Acadia or GMC Terrain: Which GMC SUV is Right for You?
Finally narrowed down your SUV search down to two? You can't go wrong with either the 2020 GMC Acadia (on your left) or 2020 GMC Terrain (on your right), but it can still be difficult to decide vehicle will be perfect for your situation. Let’s take a look at some of the features that each have and see which would be the right SUV for you.
Let's Compare the Differences
Size and Pricing Differences
Let’s start at the first factor in purchasing a vehicle: pricing. The 2020 GMC Acadia’s MSRP starts at $29,800 while a GMC Terrain’s MSRP starts at $25,000. So right off the bat, there is a difference in pricing. The Acaida is a 3 row midsize SUV that can seat up to 7 passengers, while the Terrain is a small SUV with 2 rows and can seat up to 5.
The front legroom of both vehicles is relatively close, the Acadia with 41 in while the Terrain is at 40.9 in. The 2nd row legroom for both vehicles are the same at 39.7 in. However, the Acadia a 3rd row that can seat additional passengers. The exteriors of the cars are where we see some differences. When it comes to length, we see the Acadia at 193.4 in with the Terrain at 182.3 in. Being in the larger SUV segment, the exterior size difference continues with the Acadia being 75.4 in wide while the Terrain being 72.4 in.
The Acadia is also taller than the Terrain, it stands at 66.7 in compared to the Terrain’s 65.4 in. We also see some differences in the wheelbase, the Acadia is at 112.5 in while the Terrain only is at 107.3 in. If you have a growing family or need more cargo room, the GMC Acadia is the better option. If you don't need too much cargo room and need a smaller SUV to navigate through tighter roads and parking spaces, the Terrain is the better choice.
Performance and Capabilities
The capabilities of both vehicles are great as well. Both GMC SUVs come with a 9-speed automatic transmission for a smoother driving experience. Both vehicles have front wheel drive capabilities. However, the Acadia has the edge in terms of power because of the an option to go with the 3.6L V6 engine, while the Terrain has a 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine as the most powerful option.
This means we see some differences in terms of power and torque. The Acadia edges out in the more powerful vehicle with 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft for torque. The Terrain comparatively only has 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft when it comes to torque. Both are great vehicles and has solid engines for their respective sizes.
When it comes to fuel economy, Terrain is the clear winner against the Acadia. The Terrain has 22 city/28 highway mpg, while the Acadia only has 18 city/25 highway mpg. This is due to the Acadia being a larger SUV and the smallest engine option being the 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine compared to Terrain's 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine.
Interior and Tech Features
Both of the vehicles come with many amenities standard. These include air conditioning, radio, power windows, power door locks, driver and passenger power seats just to name a few. Where we see the differences is in the optional packages for both of the vehicles.
For the Acadia, we see things such as a rear seat DVD player, assist steps, and an upgraded technology package just to name a few. The Terrain has some nice features as well, including a comfort package, advanced safety, and intricate sunroof with a sunscreen. There seem to be more bells and whistles going for the Acadia, but in the end, personal preference is key here.
You know best which things are not necessary to enjoy your ride or having the best vehicle for you.
Which GMC SUV is Right for You?
Both the GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain are both great SUVs. While the Acadia is bigger with more amenities that's suited for growing families, the Terrain will hold an advantage in nimbleness and fuel economy because of its smaller size. At the end of the day, you'll make the choice, but you certainly cannot go wrong with either of them.
Learn more about GMC Terrain and GMC Acadia, browse through all of our GMC SUV inventory and make sure you check out our GMC Terrain lease deals and GMC Acadia lease deals.