Skip to main content
2020 GMC Acadia Denali

GMC Acadia and Terrain: The Biggest Differences You Can’t Ignore

When it comes to luxury SUVs, GMC certainly got it right. Modestly priced and with a lot to offer, the GMC lineup can be hard to pick from. The manufacturer’s two finest SUVs of the year, the Acadia and the Terrain may have a lot in common, but they also have some major differences that …

When it comes to luxury SUVs, GMC certainly got it right. Modestly priced and with a lot to offer, the GMC lineup can be hard to pick from. The manufacturer’s two finest SUVs of the year, the Acadia and the Terrain may have a lot in common, but they also have some major differences that set them apart.

The Acadia is a large SUV with a starting price of around $29,800 and a decent amount of power to accompany it. The base model boasts a 2.5L 4-cylinder motor with 193hp, competing with the Terrain’s slightly smaller 2.4L inline 4 motor that offers a slightly less 182hp. Both the Acadia and the Terrain are available with an upgraded 3.6L V6 engine that provides 310hp.

2019 GMC Terrain Denali
2019 GMC Terrain Denali | GMC

Styling

The Acadia and the Terrain share the iconic styling that you would expect from newer GMC models. Their aggressive front end features large grilles detailed in chrome and headlights that wrap around to a striking side-view of classic SUV body lines and more chrome detailing. The styling of both the Acadia and Terrain can be described as both modest and underrated attractive. Overall both models are good options if you are looking for style and capability.

The interior of the Acadia and Terrain aren’t far off. Plush interiors featuring chrome accents and a color-display infotainment system are identical between each. While neither may be as decadent as a new Lamborghini Urus the practical and modest appearance comes at an appealing and affordable price.

2020 GMC Acadia AT4

Size and Space

The size and seating capacity of the Acadia is what really sets it apart from the Terrain. The Acadia is a substantially larger SUV, offering third-row seating that the Terrain lacks. The cargo space of both is substantial, and with the ability to fold down all available back seats each SUV maintains it’s own usefulness. The Acadia overall isn’t that much longer than the Terrain, making them both comparable in way of parking-ease and ability to navigate in traffic. The Acadia boasts an impressive cargo capacity of 79 cubic feet, with the Terrain trailing behind at a slightly smaller but still very capable 64 cubic feet of cargo space.

Both the Acadia and the Terrain are good SUVs offered at great pricing, but the seating and the available space make a big difference between the two. Whether you are looking for that extra cargo space and seating or something smaller and compact, the Acadia and the Terrain are great options.