The main difference between GMC Terrain and Acadia SUVs is size. The Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five, while the Acadia is the next step up: a midsize SUV that seats up to eight. Performance and features also vary between these sport-utes, which we detail further on this page.
2027 GMC Acadia vs. GMC Terrain: Key Takeaways
The GMC Terrain offers better fuel efficiency, while the GMC Acadia delivers extra power
The Terrain is a compact SUV with a five-passenger seating capacity; the Acadia is a midsize SUV with seating for seven or eight
Trim levels are fairly similar, with the Terrain having three and the Acadia four
The Acadia offers slightly more standard and available amenities, though both have an impressive assortment
Safety and driver-assist tech is competitive, but the Acadia pulls ahead with additional systems
GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia Comparison: Which SUV Should You Choose?
SUVs come in many shapes and sizes, and our GMC Terrain vs. Acadia comparison can help you choose the vehicle you prefer. While both offer proven GMC performance, durability, comfort, and innovation, they still differ in several ways. From towing capacity and cargo space to climate control, blind-spot monitoring systems, and more, we invite you to find out how these SUVs compare and contrast.
At Generation Buick GMC, we want you to drive home the model that is best for you. Let's explore these two SUVs so you know which one to tour and test-drive.
GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia Specs & Performance
As the new GMC Terrain is the smaller of the two SUVs, it's understandable that it has a less potent engine, but it does offer better fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the larger engine grants the new GMC Acadia extra power and towing capacity. Learn more about the performance of these SUVs below.
2027 GMC Terrain vs. Acadia Performance Specs
GMC Terrain
GMC Acadia
Engine
1.5L turbo 4-cyl
2.5L turbo 4-cyl
Horsepower
175
328
Torque
203 lb-ft
326 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD or AWD
FWD or AWD
Transmission
8-speed auto
8-speed auto
Max EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Cmb)
25 / 28 / 261
20 / 26 / 222
Max Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs3
5,000 lbs3
Summary
The Terrain is powered by a 175-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to an EPA-estimated 26 MPG (Combined).1
The Acadia boasts a 328-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.3
GMC Terrain vs. GMC Acadia Dimensions & Cargo
The midsize Acadia with three rows dominates the conversation in terms of dimensions, with larger exterior measurements and more passenger space, as you'll see in the chart below. However, despite being the compact GMC SUV, the two-row Terrain still feels spacious – and it offers more standard cargo volume than the Acadia. See how it compares to another compact model in our Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox guide.
2027 GMC Terrain vs. Acadia Dimensions & Cargo Space
GMC Terrain
GMC Acadia
Wheelbase
107.5 in
120.9 in
Length
181 in
204 in
Width
74.5 in
79.6 - 80 in
Height
65.8 - 66.2 in
71 - 72 in
Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row)
40.6 / 39.2 / – in
42.6 / 40 / 38.2 in
Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row)
44 / 39.7 / – in
44.3 / 41.5 / 32.1 in
Cargo Capacity (Min / Max)
29.8 / 63.5 cu ft
23 / 97.5 cu ft
Summary
The Acadia is larger outside and inside, offering more passenger room and a maximum of 97.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
The Terrain is smaller overall, but it has the advantage in standard cargo volume.
GMC Terrain vs. Acadia Trim Levels & Features
Both the GMC Terrain and Acadia boast multiple trims, each with unique feature sets. The Terrain has three:
Elevation: The baseline Terrain with foundational standard features, including impressive equipment like a heated steering wheel and a 15-inch touchscreen
AT4: The off-roading variant with a front skid plate and all-terrain tires
Denali: The luxury trim with items such as a ventilated front row and HD Surround Vision
If you opt for an Acadia lease or loan instead, you'll have your pick between four trims:
Elevation: The standard edition with high-end amenities like a Bose® nine-speaker sound system and wireless charging
AT4: The off-road-tuned Acadia with Active Torque Control and a lifted ride height
Denali: The premium pick with an 8-inch diagonal Head-Up Display and power-folding third row
Denali Ultimate: The high-end trim of the Acadia lineup, featuring massaging front seats and leather upholstery
Summary
The 2027 Terrain offers three trims, while the 2027 Acadia has four.
Each has a version of the Elevation, AT4, and Denali levels, with the Acadia also providing a Denali Ultimate trim.
2027 GMC Terrain vs. Acadia Interior & Tech
Various interior amenities are standard in both SUVs, such as heated front seats, remote start, Active Noise Cancellation, and a 15-inch center touchscreen. Even a heated steering wheel is standard. However, the Acadia offers a bit more in terms of comfort, convenience, and tech. For example, the Acadia comes with tri-zone climate control across the board, whereas the Terrain has standard single-zone climate control, with a dual-zone system available.
Every trim of the 2027 Terrain and 2027 Acadia includes wireless smartphone integration and numerous USB ports, but only the Acadia has wireless charging standard; the Terrain offers it as available. Six high-quality speakers are standard in all Terrain variants, while the Acadia features a range from 12 to 16 via a Bose® audio system, depending on the trim. Certain amenities, such as ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and heated rear outboard seats, are available in both.
Whether you're interested in our competitively priced GMC Terrain lease opportunities or our loan options for the top-tier Acadia, you can expect a well-appointed cabin from each.
Summary
Both models come standard with features like a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration and heated front seats.
The Acadia offers more standard and available amenities, such as standard wireless charging and an available 16-speaker Bose® audio system.
Compare GMC Acadia & Terrain Safety & Ratings
How do the 2027 GMC Terrain and 2027 GMC Acadia keep you safe? These SUVs equip a slew of safety and driver-assist features, including Blind Zone Steering Assist, Teen Driver, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, and OnStar® services as standard, plus they boast a carefully constructed, durable body. The Acadia also has Traffic Sign Recognition and an Interior Camera as standard, both of which are available in the Terrain.
As you climb trim levels, the Terrain vs. Acadia safety comparison gets a bit more competitive. That's because the Acadia receives some additional features that aren't offered in any variant of the Terrain, such as a Head-Up Display and Super Cruise™ hands-free driving.
In terms of safety evaluations, the Terrain and Acadia score similar ratings in tested categories from the IIHS.4 Additional 2027 ratings have not been released at the time of this writing.
Summary
Standard safety is similar in the Terrain and Acadia, but the Acadia offers more features overall.
Both models are well-regarded by the IIHS.4
GMC Acadia or Terrain? Tour These SUVs at Generation Buick GMC
Upgrade to the 2027 Terrain or 2027 Acadia today! You can shop for these new models and all other GMC SUVs at Generation Buick GMC in Bohemia, NY. While you're here, don't forget to peruse our current GMC offers, which may be able to help you save on your acquisition.
If you're open to more options, consider checking out our used GMC Terrain selection or used GMC Acadia collection. We also have a general pre-owned GMC inventory to browse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which GMC SUVs have a third row?
Three GMC SUVs have a third row: the midsize GMC Acadia, the full-size Yukon, and the even larger Yukon XL. Compare all three with our team to find the best fit.
Which is GMC's smallest SUV?
The GMC Terrain is currently the smallest SUV in the lineup. It is 181 inches long and has over 39 inches of rear-row legroom and nearly 30 cubic feet of standard cargo space. Experience it at our Suffolk County GMC dealer.
How long is the GMC Acadia?
The GMC Acadia is 204 inches long. This length is accompanied by up to 80 inches of width and 72 inches of height. Thanks to these dimensions, you can expect ample room inside for seven or eight people.
GMC Terrain and Acadia Reviews From Our NY Customers
Carly Bossung
August 2026
I recently bought a Terrain from Brian Bannon and he was GREAT! Not only was he knowledgeable about the different packages/models of vehicles that GMC had to offer, but he was incredibly personable and not pushy at all. He answered my excessive amount of questions and was pleasant throughout the entire exchange. He kept me informed through the entire process and often looked for ways to make things more convenient for me. He made a fair deal with the car I was purchasing and the car I was trading in. Would definitely recommend anyone use Brian when purchasing their next vehicle.
Richard Alejandro
May 2026
I recently contacted generation Buick GMC service department. I had king orourke GMC do a service on my 2025 Acadia and they put the oil filter on way too tight without coating the gasket with oil. I for the life of me couldn’t get it off. Generation GMC came to my house and removed the filter no charge!!! They have a customer for life!!! I couldn’t say enough good things about them!!!
Michael Fox
April 2026
Initially i wanted to lease a new traverse (either 2023 or the new 2024). knowing that GMC made the acadia and that they were/are very similar to the traverse, i decided to stop in and check them out. first i saw the new 2024 acadia and instantly fell in love with it. however it was way out of my price range. Thankfully my salesman OZ was able to find a 2023 acadia in the color i wanted. We crunched some numbers and then it was a done deal!
1EPA-estimated mpg for the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 8-speed automatic FWD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
2EPA-estimated mpg for the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 8-speed automatic FWD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
3GM-estimated. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org.
