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GMC Terrain vs. Mazda CX-9

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Terrain and Mazda CX-9 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 Terrain and the Mazda CX-9.

In comparing the GMC Terrain's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The GMC Terrain and Mazda CX-9 have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the GMC Terrain's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the GMC Terrain is a better car than the Mazda CX-9.

Pricing: A used 2023 GMC Terrain ranges from $20,590 to $32,133 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $24,480 to $34,299. For a new model, the GMC Terrain's price is between $30,211 and $42,320, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $38,027 and $46,161.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Terrain loses 49.3 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value. This means the GMC Terrain retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-9.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Terrain and Mazda CX-9 is 7.9 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. GMC Terrain is ranked 21 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and Mazda CX-9 is ranked 19 out of 66, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Terrain is 7.7 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-9 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the GMC Terrain.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the GMC Terrain’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Terrain is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles.This gives the GMC Terrain the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda CX-9 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda CX-9, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The GMC Terrain, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space. The GMC Terrain and Mazda CX-9 are comparable in regards to rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the GMC Terrain and the Mazda CX-9 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
GMC Terrain
Mazda CX-9

2023 GMC Terrain
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GMC Terrain for Sale

2023 Mazda CX-9
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Mazda CX-9 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

30211 - 42320

Starting MSRP:

29900

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

27723

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

23610 - 37695

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

38027 - 46161

Starting MSRP:

38750

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

36046

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

28750 - 41535

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

25317

Price Range:

20590 - 32133

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

26187

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

21318 - 30705

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1520

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

39235

# Good or Great Deals:

231

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

29384

Price Range:

24480 - 34299

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

34361

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

24907 - 50072

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

633

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

38603

# Good or Great Deals:

95

GMC Terrain Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10

Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

7.9 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Terrain

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.7

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

9.1

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

7.6 - 13.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.11

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

10.0

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

9.2

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.7 - 14.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.16



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.4959549565702766

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

3.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.3 - 17.9

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1.7552022033699368

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 27.9

GMC Terrain Rankings

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

1 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

4 / 10

Best Small SUVs Under $35k

4 / 6

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $35k

4 / 6

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

5 / 19

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

7 / 66

Best Family Small SUVs

10 / 19

Best Small SUVs

10 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

10 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

11 / 18

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

13 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

13 / 18

Best Small SUVs for Towing

14 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

14 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

15 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

15 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

17 / 54

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

18 / 66

Best Family Crossover SUVs

18 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs

21 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

21 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

21 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

26 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

26 / 54

Safest Crossover SUVs

34 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

41 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

42 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

47 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

51 / 66

Mazda CX-9 Rankings

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 16

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 15

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

4 / 10

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 16

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

6 / 15

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

8 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 33

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

12 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs

13 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

14 / 31

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs

19 / 66

Safest Midsize SUVs

19 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

20 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

20 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

20 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

22 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

26 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

27 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

27 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

28 / 66

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

29 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

29 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

30 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

30 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

31 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

31 / 33

Safest Crossover SUVs

32 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

32 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

33 / 66

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

44 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

55 / 66

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.

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Summary Review

Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.

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Pros and Cons

  • Spacious interior
  • Fuel efficient engine
  • Smooth ride

  • Limited cargo space
  • High starting price
  • Base engine needs more power

Pros and Cons

  • Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
  • The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite

  • Aging infotainment setup
  • Smaller than most of its segment peers

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

GMC Terrain Trim Levels

AT4, Denali, SLE, SLT

Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels

Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus

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:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

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

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

250 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

320 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.057 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

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

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 26 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

390 / 507 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Standard

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

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

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

41 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Cargo Space:

14.3 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

71.2 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

150.1 cubic feet

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

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4409 lbs

Width:

86.9 inches

Height:

69 inches

Length:

199.4 inches

Wheelbase:

115.3 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P225/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P255/60R18

Exterior Colors

Beige

Desert Sand Metallic

Black

Ebony Twilight Metallic

Blue

Marine Metallic

Gray

Sterling Metallic

Red

Volcanic Red Tintcoat

White

Summit White

Silver

Not available

Exterior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Jet Black Mica

Blue

Deep Crystal Blue Mica

Gray

Machine Gray Metallic

Red

Soul Red Crystal Metallic

White

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

Silver

Sonic Silver Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Jet Black

Gray

Medium Ash Gray/Jet Black

Beige

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

Beige

Sand

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