2025 GMC ACADIA VS. GMC TERRAIN

A comparison image graphic of a 2025 GMC Acadia next to a 2025 GMC Terrain SUV

2025 GMC Acadia vs. 2025 GMC Terrain

A Complete GMC SUV Comparison

The 2025 GMC Acadia or 2025 GMC Terrain-which SUV is best? With differences in body styles, new interior/exterior designs, and added tech features offered, understanding the differences is essential before investing in a new vehicle.

Below, we'll compare the GMC Terrain to the GMC Acadia to determine which model should be the next SUV for you.

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2025 GMC Acadia

a red 2025 GMC Acadia SUV 

2025 GMC Terrain

a black 2025 GMC Terrain SUV 

Price & Trims Comparison

Exterior image of a blue 2025 GMC Acadia parked in a lakefront setting from a front side angled view

2025 GMC Acadia Price & Trim Levels

The 2025 GMC Acadia has three trim levels, with pricing starting at:

  • Elevation: $43,000 MSRP
  • AT4: $51,000 MSRP
  • Denali: $54,100 MSRP

Each trim has standard FWD except for the AT4, with only an AWD configuration.

The 2025 Acadia lineup offers several package options to upgrade your midsize SUV with select availability per trim level, including:

  • Elevation Premium Package: Six-way power front passenger seat adjuster, seven-passenger seating, two-way power lumbar front passenger seat controls, and an inside rearview auto-dimming mirror
  • Black Edition: 22" Gloss Black aluminum wheels, 22" all-season blackwall tires, and performance-tuned suspension
  • Rugged Package: Roof cross rails and front/rear Black molded/painted splash guards

Exterior image of a black 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation parked on a gravel road from a side rear angle view

2025 GMC Terrain Price & Trim Levels

The 2025 GMC Terrain technically only has one trim level, the Elevation, but the 2026 Terrain model offers the same three trim levels as the 2025 Acadia. The starting prices for these Terrain models look like the following:

  • Elevation: $29,900 MSRP (2025 availability)
  • AT4: $38,600 MSRP (2026 availability)
  • Denali: $41,100 MSRP (2026 availability)

The Terrain Elevation has standard FWD and available AWD configuration, the same as the Acadia Elevation lineup.

It also shares some of the same packages as the 2025 Acadia, with differences in what's included:

  • Elevation Premium Package: Eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar control, a cabin humidity sensor, rainsense automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated wiper park, and wireless charging
  • Black Edition: 19" High Gloss Black aluminum wheels, a grille with a C-shaped surrounding bezel, black mirror caps, black roof-mounted side rails, black exterior accents, and black exterior badging with red GMC lettering

The 2025 Acadia has two more trim levels with around a $15,000 price difference in the lineup. The 2025 Terrain models only offer the Elevation trim, as the AT4 and Denali are part of the 2026 lineup. However, both models offer the same configurations, similar Elevation Premium Packages, and a Black Edition.

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Interior Design & Features Comparison

Interior image of the 2025 GMC Acadia front seating area, infotainment screen, and dashboard with lakefront views in the windshield

2025 GMC Acadia Interior Design & Features

The 2025 GMC Acadia has three rows and builds off the previous year's redesign with the biggest interior ever offered in this model. It includes 80% more space behind the third row and 36% more space with the back seats folded.

All trims have a standard 15" diagonal GMC premium infotainment system with available built-in Google, a 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Depending on the trim availability, an 8" configurable head-up display also comes standard.

The 2025 Acadia interior dimensions vary slightly per trim level and configuration, with specs starting at:

  • Front Head Room: 42.60"
  • Second Head Room: 40.03"
  • Third Head Room: 38.23"
  • Front Leg Room: 44.28"
  • Second Leg Room: 41.45"
  • Third Leg Room: 32.14"
  • Front Shoulder Room: 62.00"
  • Second Shoulder Room: 62.00"
  • Third Shoulder Room: 57.94"
  • Front Hip Room: 59.18"
  • Second Hip Room: 58.40"
  • Third Hip Room: 48.62"

It comes in three interior colors with select availability per trim level: After Dark, Forest Storm with Mahogany Accents (AT4-exclusive), and Sheer/Very Dark Atmosphere (Denali-exclusive).

Several interior package options and features are available:

  • Luxury Package: Acoustic laminated glass, heated wiper park, heated rear outboard seats, 8" head-up display, and heated/ventilated AT4 front seats
  • All-Weather Package: All-weather floor mats for all three rows
  • Floor Liner Package: All-weather floor liners for all three rows
  • Up to nine camera views with smart technologies like HD Surround Vision and a rear camera mirror

Interior image of the 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation front seat area, infotainment screen, and dashboard with blacked-out colors

2025 GMC Terrain Interior Design & Features

The 2025 GMC Terrain has two rows and is a redesign year, offering all-new interior designs and features. These include a standard supersized 15" infotainment system and an 11" digital gauge cluster with a Driver Information Center seen on the 2024 Acadia and 2025 Sierra EV.

The cabin layout was refreshed with a cock-pit-like structure and new premium leather stitching and cloth seating materials. Additionally, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start all come standard, bringing more included features than ever before.

The 2025 Terrain interior dimensions are:

  • Front Head Room: 40.00"
  • Second Head Room: 39.20"
  • Front Leg Room: 40.60"
  • Second Leg Room: 39.20"
  • Front Shoulder Room: 57.70"
  • Second Shoulder Room: 55.70"
  • Front Hip Room: 55.20"
  • Second Hip Room: 50.80"

The 2025 Terrain Elevation comes in two colors: After Dark and Gideon Gray.

Several interior package options and features are available:

  • Convenience Package: Two power driver's seat preset memory functions and an eight-way power front passenger seat
  • Floor Liner Package: Same equipment options as the 2025 Acadia listed above
  • Built-in Google infotainment system
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • First-ever available rear camera mirror with washing capabilities for Terrain models

The 2025 GMC Acadia, in comparison to the 2025 GMC Terrain, offers more interior room as a midsize SUV over a compact crossover. It also has one more cabin color option.

The difference with the Terrain is that it was all-new, while the Acadia was a carryover model. It revamped the interior to maximize room in a small SUV and more standard features than ever before, which drivers value, like heated front seats and remote start.

However, both share similar interior features, like a 15" infotainment touchscreen and multiple tech package options.

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Cargo Space & Seating Capacity Comparison

Exterior image of the 2025 GMC Acadia trunk cargo space with black colors and the door opened outside

2025 GMC Acadia Cargo Space & Seating Capacity

The 2025 GMC Acadia trims all have a seven-passenger capacity with second-row captain's chairs, except for the Elevation, with an eight-passenger capacity and a second-row bench seat. However, you can configure the Elevation with the Elevation Premium Package for seven-passenger seating.

The total cargo capacity is 97.5 cu ft. Additional cargo storage was added behind the third row and underneath it for 2025 Acadia models. There's also an available Cargo Package offering a foldable cargo organizer, a cargo tray with a divider, and a vertical cargo net.

Exterior image of the 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation trunk cargo space with dark gray colors and the door opened

2025 GMC Terrain Cargo Space & Seating Capacity

The 2025 GMC Terrain has a five-passenger capacity with 60/40 folding rear seats to maximize cargo room. The total cargo capacity is 63.5 cu ft with the rear seats folded. Additional storage was added below and within the floating center console for 2025 models.

The 2025 GMC Acadia, in comparison to the 2025 Terrain, can seat up to two more passengers and almost triple the cargo capacity since it's a bigger SUV. However, the Terrain offers ways to maximize cargo space with its 60/40 split rear seats and a new floating center console design in the cabin.

Exterior Colors & Size Dimensions Comparison

Illustration graphic of a blue 2025 GMC Acadia parked on a white background with its exterior dimensions displayed

2025 GMC Acadia Exterior Design

The 2025 GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV with four doors, 18" to 20" aluminum wheels (depending on the trim), signature C-shaped LED headlamps, and roof side rails. A hands-free AutoSense power liftgate is also available, opening as you approach the trunk.

It comes in eight paint color options, with select availability per trim level:

  • Crystal Metallic
  • Deep Bronze Metallic
  • Downpour Metallic
  • Ebony Twilight Metallic
  • Sterling Metallic
  • Summit White
  • Volcanic Red Tintcoat
  • White Frost Tricoat

The 2025 Acadia exterior dimensions vary slightly per trim level and configuration, with specs starting at 203.96" L x 79.56" W (without mirrors) x 70.97" H.

Illustration graphic of a black 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation parked on a white background with its exterior dimensions displayed

2025 GMC Terrain Exterior Design

The 2025 GMC Terrain is a compact crossover SUV with four doors, 17" aluminum wheels, LED headlamps/taillamps, and roof side rails. As a redesign year, it received new wheel designs, a new front fascia, and an updated truck-like body with rugged styling. Like the 2025 Acadia, the AutoSense power liftgate is also available.

Since the 2025 model is only offered with the Elevation trim, it comes in six paint and roof color options:

  • Ebony Twilight Metallic
  • Rapids Metallic
  • Riverstone Metallic
  • Sterling Metallic
  • Summit White
  • Volcanic Red Tintcoat
  • First-ever two-tone black or gray roof

The 2025 Terrain Elevation exterior dimensions are 181.0" L x 74.5" W (without mirrors) and 66.2" H.

The main difference between the Acadia and Terrain exterior design is their body style. The 2025 Acadia is a midsize SUV, making its specs bigger and heavier all-around in comparison. The 2025 Terrain is a compact crossover SUV, making it smaller and lighter.

The Acadia offers two more paint colors, a third row, and larger wheels to support its body. However, the Terrain offers the first-ever two-tone roof colors, which aren't available in the 2025 Acadia models.

Engines & Powertrain Comparison


2025 GMC Acadia Engine & Powertrain

The 2025 GMC Acadia has one powertrain: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing up to 328 hp and 326 lb.-ft. of torque.

It also offers a Traction Select System with seven drive modes designed for various terrains and road conditions (Elevation standard):

  • Normal
  • Sport
  • Snow
  • Off-Road
  • AWD (AWD models only)
  • Tow/Haul
  • Terrain Mode (AT4-exclusive)

2025 GMC Terrain Engine & Powertrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain has two powertrain options with a new standard engine:

Elevation FWD Models: 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine with a CVT (175 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque)

Elevation AWD Models: 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission (175 hp and 203 lb.-ft. of torque)

Each powertrain rides an updated version of the GM D2XX platform and has four drive modes via its Driver Mode Control system:

  • Normal
  • Snow/Ice
  • Off-Road
  • AWD (AWD models only

The 2025 GMC Acadia, in comparison to the 2025 GMC Terrain, has a stronger powertrain performance and three more driver-select modes available. However, the Terrain offers two transmission options and an all-new turbocharged engine.

MPG Ratings Comparison

The MPG ratings of the 2025 GMC Acadia vary by trim and configuration, starting at:

  • FWD Models: 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 23 MPG combined
  • AWD Models: 19 MPG city / 24 MPG highway / 21 MPG combined

The MPG ratings of the 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation vary by configuration:

  • FWD Models: 26 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 27 MPG combined
  • AWD Models: 25 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined

The 2025 GMC Terrain, in comparison to the 2025 GMC Acadia, is more fuel-efficient since it's a small SUV and not a midsize one.

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Towing Capacity & Payload Rating Comparison


2025 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity & Payload Rating

The 2025 GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,000 lbs. when equipped with the Trailering Package, and no payload ratings are available for this model.

Its towing assistance equipment and technologies include:

  • Trailering Package: A factory-installed Class III hitch, heavy-duty cooling system, seven-pin wiring harness, Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, and a 220-amp alternator
  • Front red row hooks for trailer campers under 25 ft.
  • Tow/Haul drive mode to put the SUV in low gear for additional torque to improve ride quality when pulling heavy loads

2025 GMC Terrain Towing Capacity & Payload Rating

The 2025 GMC Terrain can tow up to 800 lbs. with a 1,184 lbs. max payload rating for Elevation FWD models. The Elevation AWD models can tow up to 1,500 lbs. with a 1,252 lbs. max payload rating when equipped with the Trailering Hitch Package.

Its towing assistance technologies and equipment include:

  • Tow/Haul drive mode
  • Hill Descent Control (AWD models)
  • Trailering Hitch Package: A factory-installed hitch, four-pin connector harness, and mounting hardware

The 2025 GMC Acadia, in comparison to the 2025 GMC Acadia, has much higher towing power since it's a midsize SUV with a stronger engine. The difference in maximum towing capacity is 1,500 lbs.

Advanced Safety Features & Technology Comparison

Close-up image of the 2025 GMC Acadia HD Surround Vision safety technology on the infotainment screen next to the steering wheel

2025 GMC Acadia Safety Features

The 2025 GMC Acadia has over 15 safety and driver assistance features that come standard on the Elevation and are optional on upper-level trims, including:

  • Front pedestrian and bicyclist braking
  • Forward collision warning
  • HD rear vision camera
  • IntelliBeam
  • Rear park assist

The 2025 Acadia models received a perfect five-star overall safety score from the NHTSA.

Its safety and driver assistance package options are:

  • Super Cruise Package: Super Cruise driver assistance technology and three years of OnStar® digital services, including Wi-Fi and in-vehicle apps
  • Roadside Safety Package: First aid kit and highway safety kit with various items to help you get back on the road in a convenient black storage kit with the GMC logo

Close-up image of the 2025 GMC Terrain Rear Camera Mirror with HD Surround Vision safety technologies

2025 GMC Terrain Safety Features

The 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation also has over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features, as seen on the 2025 Acadia Elevation, including:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind zone steering assist
  • Enhanced Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Following distance indicator

The 2025 Terrain Elevation doesn't have an NHTSA rating yet, but should carry over the same five-star overall safety score from 2024 models.

A Technology Package II is also available, offering a rear camera mirror with a washer, front LED fog lamps, rear pedestrian alert, HD Surround Vision, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2025 Acadia and 2025 Terrain both have the same 15 safety and driver assistance features. The only difference is that these are all standard on their Elevation trims, making these optional on the 2025 Acadia AT4 and Denali.

New GMC Acadia or Terrain? It Depends…

Now that you know the difference between the Acadia and Terrain, which should you choose? It depends on your lifestyle and personal driving needs.

The 2025 GMC Acadia is a three-row midsize SUV, offering more cargo space, passenger room, a stronger engine, and higher towing capacity. This carryover model is practical for family carpooling or outdoor enthusiasts who need to haul heavy loads like boats and small trailers.

The 2025 GMC Terrain is a two-row compact crossover SUV, offering better fuel efficiency, revamped interior and exterior designs, and a notable towing capacity. This all-new model is practical for smaller families, work professionals commuting into the city who don't want a sedan or truck, and outdoor enthusiasts hauling loads like jet skis and small campers.

Both models are valuable SUV options worth considering as your next vehicle. Ready to buy the 2025 Acadia or Terrain? We got you covered with exclusive deals. Browse our new GMC Acadia and new GMC Terrain inventory below or contact us for expert suggestions on the best SUV to buy for you today.

New GMC Acadia & Terrain SUVs for Sale in Santa Fe, NM

Disclaimer: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.

1Dealer Discount applied to everyone
  1. Octane GMC of Santa Fe

    2721 Cerrillos Rd
    Santa Fe, NM 87507

    • Sales: (505) 303-1960
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