GMC Acadia vs. GMC Terrain
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the GMC Acadia and the GMC Terrain.
When we compare the GMC Acadia's and the GMC Terrain's specifications and ratings, the GMC Acadia has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the GMC Acadia's and the GMC Terrain's specifications and ratings, the GMC Terrain is a better car than the GMC Acadia.
Pricing: For a new model, the GMC Acadia's price is between $42,760 and $65,309, with the GMC Terrain priced between $28,237 and $42,677.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Acadia loses 50.2 percent of its value and the GMC Terrain loses 44 percent of its value. This means the GMC Terrain retains 6.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the GMC Acadia.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Acadia is 8.5 out of 10 while the GMC Terrain's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the GMC Acadia being ranked 19 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the GMC Terrain being ranked 14 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Acadia is 8.4 out of 10. For the GMC Terrain the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the GMC Acadia a slight advantage in reliability compared to the GMC Terrain.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the GMC Acadia’s base engine makes 328 horsepower, and the GMC Terrain base engine makes 175 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the GMC Terrain has higher safety ratings than the GMC Acadia, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.88 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$42,760 - $65,309
Starting MSRP:
$42,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$28,237 - $42,677
Starting MSRP:
$28,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,911
Price Range:
$26,492 - $40,893
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,025
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
13,378
# Good or Great Deals:
507
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$21,710
Depreciation %:
51%
Resale Value $:
$20,890
Residual Value %:
49%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$12,958
Depreciation %:
45.2%
Resale Value $:
$15,742
Residual Value %:
54.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
9.8 / 10
GMC Terrain Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Acadia
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
26.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Terrain
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
GMC Acadia Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 28Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 30Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 59Ranking
62 out of / 67GMC Terrain Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
23 out of / 59Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Summary Review
GMC’s Acadia is a crossover SUV that offers seating from five to eight passengers, depending on model year and trim. Shoppers will find the Acadia is a bit like an upscale version of the Chevy Traverse.
Summary Review
The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five people with a roomy cabin and impressive fuel economy. The current Terrain was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,939 and 3-year-old models averaging $24,337.
Pros and Cons
- Near-luxury trims available
- Off-road-focused trims available
- Three engine choices
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain available
- Advanced active safety systems are optional, not standard
Pros and Cons
- Spacious interior
- Fuel efficient engine
- Smooth ride
- Limited cargo space
- High starting price
- Base engine needs more power
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
GMC Acadia Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, Elevation
GMC Terrain Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, SLE, SLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.88 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
Not yet available
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1500 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 29 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Cargo Space:
23 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
132.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
Not yet available
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
204 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3419 lbs
Width:
72.4 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
182.3 inches
Wheelbase:
107.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/55R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Gray
Crystal Metallic / Sterling Metallic
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White / White Frost Tricoat
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Gray
Sterling Metallic
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White
Blue
Downpour Metallic / Riptide Blue Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
After Dark
Gray
Gideon Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Medium Ash Gray/Jet Black
