2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$42,900 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the freshly redesigned 2025 GMC Acadia and the sophisticated 2026 Mazda CX-90 often boils down to prioritizing raw size versus everyday efficiency and cost. The Acadia presents a bulkier proposition at 204.0 inches long, appealing to those needing maximum utility, though this bulk contributes to a lower 23 MPG combined rating and a higher starting MSRP of $42,900. Conversely, the Mazda undercuts the GMC significantly at $38,800, offering better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined, despite having less power at 280 hp compared to the Acadia’s 328 hp. While the Acadia boasts more cargo space (23 cu ft vs. 14.9 cu ft), the CX-90 counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Acadia's standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Buyers must weigh the $4,100 upfront savings and superior fuel economy of the Mazda against the Acadia's considerable horsepower advantage and sheer passenger/cargo volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its better combined 25 MPG and standard AWD being more useful in varied conditions than the Acadia’s 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia is better for families because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 23 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia appeals more to performance seekers by delivering a significant 328 hp versus the CX-90’s 280 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 provides superior baseline value with an MSRP of $38,800, saving buyers $4,100 over the base Acadia.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You need the absolute maximum cargo volume available, as the Acadia offers 23 cu ft.
You prioritize peak horsepower, as the Acadia leads with 328 hp.
You prefer a larger physical footprint, evidenced by its 204.0-inch length.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Your budget is tight, given the CX-90's $38,800 MSRP, which is $4,100 less than the Acadia.
You drive frequently in inclement weather, benefiting from the standard All-Wheel Drive.
Maximizing fuel economy is key, as the CX-90 achieves a 25 MPG combined rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Mazda CX-90
Length	204.0"	200.8"
Width	79.6"	78.5"
Height	70.1"	68.3"
Wheelbase	120.9"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	GMC	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Is the 2025 Acadia significantly bigger than the 2026 CX-90?

Yes, the 2025 GMC Acadia is noticeably larger overall, measuring 204.0 inches long compared to the CX-90's 200.8 inches in length. This extra length translates directly into better interior utility, giving the Acadia 23 cu ft of cargo space versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

Which crossover has better performance capabilities?

The 2025 GMC Acadia has the superior raw power figures, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers more torque relative to its power output (332 lb-ft for 280 hp) and comes standard with AWD, which might offer better traction performance.

How big is the price difference between the base models?

There is a significant upfront cost difference; the 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,800, while the 2025 GMC Acadia commands a starting price of $42,900. This results in a $4,100 initial savings if you opt for the Mazda.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the more efficient choice, achieving a combined 25 MPG versus the Acadia's 23 MPG combined rating. The CX-90 also edges out the Acadia slightly on the highway, getting 28 MPG compared to the Acadia’s 27 MPG.

Does the drivetrain choice affect the cost or efficiency?

Yes, the 2025 GMC Acadia comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which aligns with its slightly lower 23 MPG rating. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) while still achieving a better 25 MPG combined, making its standard configuration more versatile.