If you’re searching for a boldly designed GMC SUV with modern amenities, consider either the 2023 GMC Acadia or 2023 GMC Terrain. The key difference between these two SUVs is that the Acadia is a mid-size SUV that can hold up to seven passengers, while the Terrain is a compact five-passenger SUV. For more detailed information, read through this comparison crafted by the Fox Valley Buick GMC team.
Ready to check these SUVs out in person? View our new GMC Acadia inventory and new GMC Terrain inventory, then pair your ideal model with an Acadia offer or a Terrain deal. Have questions? Call our St. Charles, IL, dealership at (630) 338-0202 or message us through our online form.
The 2023 GMC Acadia starts at $38,195 MSRP, while the 2023 GMC Terrain has a starting MSRP of $31,295.
You’ll find two dynamic engines available with the 2023 GMC Acadia, while the 2023 GMC Terrain boasts a single energetic engine. All three engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Both SUVs can be equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), though you’ll find some higher trim levels can only be paired with AWD.
| SUV | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | MPG (city/hwy) | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 GMC Acadia | 2.0L turbo I4 | 228 HP | 258 lb.-ft. | 22/29 | 3,500 lbs. | Nine-speed automatic |
| 2023 GMC Acadia | 3.6L V6 | 310 HP | 271 lb.-ft. | 19/27 | 4,000 lbs. | Nine-speed automatic |
| 2023 GMC Terrain | 1.5L turbo I4 | 175 HP | 203 lb.-ft. | 24/29 | 1,500 lbs. | Nine-speed automatic |
Both the 2023 GMC Acadia and Terrain have a sharp and distinct silhouette that sets them apart. Both boast features like C-shaped LED signature lighting and a hands-free power liftgate. While the GMC Acadia offers memory settings for the power, heated outside mirrors, that memory feature is absent from the Terrain. You’ll also find that the GMC Terrain can be paired with 17- to 19-inch wheels, while the Acadia can go from 17- to 20-inch wheels. Other 2023 GMC Acadia and Terrain exterior features include:
Find your equilibrium in the 2023 GMC Terrain or Acadia. Both offer wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and wireless charging to reduce the need for cords. You’ll also notice the heated front seats and steering wheel on both. A major difference is the sound system on each SUV. The GMC Acadia and Terrain both include a standard six-speaker audio system. However, if you choose a higher level trim, the Acadia can be equipped with an eight-speaker Bose® premium audio system, while the Terrain can be paired with a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system. Take a look at the following list to see shared features and differences.
Discover expansive capacities no matter whether you select a three-row 2023 GMC Acadia or two-row 2023 GMC Terrain.
| Acadia | 2023 Buick SUV | Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Six or seven | Passenger Capacity | Five |
| 79 / 41.7 cu.-ft. | Cargo Behind First / Second Row | 63.3 / 29.6 cu.-ft. |
| 12.8 cu.-ft. | Cargo Behind Third Row | N/A |
| 40 / 39.6 in. | First / Second Row Headroom | 40 / 38.5 in. |
| 37.2 in. | Third-Row Headroom | N/A |
| 41 / 39.7 in. | First / Second Row Legroom | 40.9 / 39.7 in. |
| 29.7 in. | Third-Row Legroom | N/A |
Protect your loved ones with driver assistance features included with both the 2023 GMC Acadia and Terrain. You’ll find that they share a wide range of available features, like a rear seat reminder, HD rear vision camera, and front and rear park assist. A key difference is that the GMC Acadia offers hitch guidance with hitch view, while the Terrain does not. Other shared features include:
Have Additional Questions?
If you’re considering a luxury GMC SUV with forward-thinking technology, sleek styling elements, and flexible interior space, the 2022 GMC Acadia and the 2022 GMC Terrain are top considerations. You can learn more about the general features of each model with our in-depth Acadia review and Terrain review. To help you determine which SUV will best suit your needs, our team at Fox Valley Buick GMC in St. Charles, IL, has compared the 2022 GMC Acadia, starting at $35,995 MSRP, and the 2022 GMC Terrain, starting at $29,095 MSRP.
Peruse our new inventory to find your desired 2022 GMC Acadia or 2022 GMC Terrain, then view our available finance and lease offers for savings opportunities. If you have questions, our team is happy to assist when you contact us online or by phone at (630) 338-0202.
The 2022 GMC Acadia and Terrain feature sleek body lines, a signature GMC-style front grille, and eye-catching LED daytime running lights. The Acadia offers slimline LED-style headlights, while the Terrain provides vertical-style LED headlights. Outside mirror-integrated turn signals are standard on the Acadia and available on select Terrain trims. LED fog lights are equipped on select Acadia trims and unavailable for the Terrain. Shared exterior features available on the Acadia and Terrain include:
2022 GMC Acadia
2022 GMC Terrain
Elevate your journeys with the comfortable interior and premium amenities of the 2022 GMC Acadia and Terrain. The Acadia offers an eight-way front passenger’s seat, while the Terrain gets a six-way front passenger’s seat. Most Terrain trims feature a heated steering wheel, which is only available on the Acadia Denali trim. An auto-dimming rear view mirror is standard on the Terrain and available on most Acadia trims. Ambient interior lighting is available for most Terrain trims and unavailable for the Acadia. Shared interior features available on the Acadia and Terrain include:
*Certain Acadia and Terrain models built on or after 11/15/2021 will not be equipped with heated front seats.
Stay connected to your favorite music and easily get to your destination with the innovative technology in the Acadia and Terrain. A Bose® premium audio system and navigation are standard on most Acadia trims, while only equipped on the Terrain Denali. An 8-inch infotainment display is standard across the Acadia lineup and available on most Terrain trims. The premium Denali trim of both SUVs features an 8-inch driver information display, a head-up display, and wireless device charging. Shared technology features available on the Acadia and Terrain include:
2022 GMC Acadia
2022 GMC Terrain
The 2022 GMC Acadia and Terrain provide spirited performance and are available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Acadia offers two engine options, more power, and higher towing capacities while the Terrain provides better fuel economy. A nine-speed automatic transmission and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control are standard on both SUVs. Compare the engine specifications of the Acadia and Terrain in the following table.
The most notable key differences between the 2022 GMC Acadia and Terrain are their seating capacities, cargo space, and overall size. The Acadia is a three-row SUV that seats six or seven people depending on the configuration you select and offers 79 cubic feet of cargo space. The Terrain is a two-row SUV with seating for five people and offers 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
2022 GMC Acadia
2022 GMC Terrain
Wherever your journeys take you, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having advanced driver assist and safety features in the 2022 GMC Acadia and Terrain. Both SUVs feature the GMC Pro Safety suite of innovative technology. The Acadia includes Pro Safety Plus, which adds rear park assist, but is optional on select Terrain trims. Shared driver assist and safety features available on the Acadia and Terrain include:
The five-passenger 2021 GMC Terrain and seven-passenger 2021 GMC Acadia each deliver solid performance, feature a stylishly bold design, and leverage a wide range of safety and convenience technologies to give them “professional grade” capabilities. Which GMC SUV is best suited for your lifestyle? The team at Fox Valley Buick GMC put together this comparison to help you determine the right vehicle for you.
Take a look at the 2021 Acadia for sale and the 2021 GMC Terrain for sale in our current inventory in St. Charles, IL, and make sure you check out our 2021 GMC Acadia lease deal or 2021 GMC Terrain lease deal for added incentive in securing your next vehicle. Call us at (630) 524-2837 or send us a quick text or chat if you’d like to schedule a test drive.
All three engines on the 2021 GMC Acadia pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for smooth and speedy response. Each of the Acadia engines are also equipped with stop/start technology with a deactivation switch for optimal efficiency. The engine featured on the 2021 GMC Terrain is also paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with FWD with optional AWD.
|
2021 GMC Model |
Engine Options & Performance Specs |
|
Acadia (4,000 lbs. max. towing capacity) |
3.6L V6 with Active Fuel Management (AFM)
2.0L four-cylinder turbo with AFM
2.5L four-cylinder with AFM
|
|
Terrain (1,500 max. towing capacity) |
1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder
|
How much space do you want or need? The 2021 GMC Acadia midsize SUV features three-row seating, while the 2021 GMC Terrain small SUV has two rows. Both are equipped with flexible interiors to accommodate large or bulky items.
|
2021 GMC Acadia |
Model |
2021 GMC Terrain |
|
193.6 in. |
Length |
182 in. |
|
66 in. |
Height |
65 in. |
|
75.4 in. |
Width |
72 in. |
|
79 cu. ft. |
Max. cargo space |
63 cu. ft. |
With exterior styling that is bold and confident, the Acadia and Terrain feature exterior details that not only increase their appeal but add to their capabilities.
Slide into the cabin of the 2021 Acadia or 2021 Terrain, and you’ll see that you’re getting a premium-level experience.
The Terrain features the GMC Infotainment System with AM/FM radio, Bluetooth®, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. An available rear seat infotainment system with DVD player brings customized viewing to the rear seats.
The Acadia features the GMC Infotainment System with Navigation on the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims that includes SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. A Bose® premium eight-speaker sound system and Apple CarPlay elevate your listening enjoyment, while the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot, Amazon Alex Built-In, and head-up display provide more access to information.
GMC has equipped both the 2021 Acadia and 2021 Terrain with camera-based safety technology to assist you when your immediate attention and response is needed.
The GMC Pro Safety system is standard on the Terrain and includes:
The GMC Pro Safety Plus package on the Acadia also includes lane change alert with side blind zone alert and rear park assist.
Other advanced tech and safety features on the Terrain include remote start, adaptive cruise control, and an available safety alert system. The Acadia also features adaptive cruise control on the Denali trim plus available HD Surround Vision.
