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Gmc acadia vs. terrain: the battle for the best family suv – full analysis

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • When it comes to fuel economy, the Terrain shines with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, compared to the Acadia’s 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
  • The Acadia offers a more spacious interior, a more powerful engine, and a longer list of standard features, but comes with a higher price tag.
  • The GMC Terrain has better fuel economy than the GMC Acadia, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, compared to the Acadia’s 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

In the realm of midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain stand as formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of capabilities, features, and style. Whether you prioritize space, versatility, or a premium driving experience, this comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each model to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The GMC Acadia boasts a powerful V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for towing and acceleration. The Terrain, on the other hand, offers a more fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to fuel economy, the Terrain shines with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, compared to the Acadia’s 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Versatility

The Acadia takes the lead in terms of interior space, offering seating for up to eight passengers with three rows of seats. The second and third rows can be folded down to create a cavernous cargo area with 79 cubic feet of space. The Terrain, with its five-passenger capacity, provides a more compact interior but still offers ample legroom and headroom. Its cargo area offers 29 cubic feet of space with the seats up and 63 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Technology and Features

Both the Acadia and Terrain come equipped with an array of advanced technology features. The Acadia features a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a suite of driver-assist technologies such as lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Terrain offers a smaller 8-inch touchscreen but also includes a variety of standard features, including a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system.

Styling and Design

The Acadia’s exterior design exudes a bold and muscular presence with its sharp lines and aggressive grille. The Terrain, with its more compact dimensions, presents a sleek and sporty appearance with a sloping roofline and sculpted body panels. Both vehicles offer a range of stylish wheel designs and exterior color options to suit your preferences.

Safety and Reliability

The GMC Acadia and Terrain have earned impressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), receiving five-star overall ratings. Both models also come with a comprehensive suite of airbags, stability control, and traction control systems. In terms of reliability, both vehicles have received average ratings from J.D. Power, with the Acadia slightly edging out the Terrain in recent years.

Price and Value

The GMC Acadia has a starting price of around $35,000, while the GMC Terrain starts at around $27,000. The Acadia offers a more spacious interior, a more powerful engine, and a longer list of standard features, but comes with a higher price tag. The Terrain, with its lower price point and better fuel economy, provides a more affordable and fuel-efficient option.

Summary: Finding the Perfect Midsize SUV

Ultimately, the choice between the GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize interior space, towing capacity, and a premium driving experience, the Acadia is an excellent choice. However, if you seek a more compact, fuel-efficient, and affordable option, the Terrain is a compelling contender. Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of features and capabilities, making them worthy additions to the midsize SUV segment.

1. Which vehicle has a larger towing capacity?
The GMC Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, while the GMC Terrain has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

2. Which vehicle has a more comfortable interior?
The GMC Acadia offers a more spacious and luxurious interior with premium materials and ample legroom.

3. Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
The GMC Terrain has better fuel economy than the GMC Acadia, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, compared to the Acadia’s 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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