2025 GMC Terrain vs 2025 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The 2025 GMC Terrain bursts onto the scene focused on practicality and efficiency, starting at a lean $30,000 with a respectable 27 MPG combined, perfect for the daily grind. Contrast this with the muscular 2025 Mazda CX-90, which immediately thrills with a potent 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, though it demands $38,045 for the privilege. The Terrain offers a nimble footprint at 181.0 inches long and boasts superior utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo space. Conversely, the CX-90 provides substantial performance gains—an immense 105 hp advantage—paired with standard All-Wheel Drive and a sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission. While the Mazda champions raw power and a commanding presence, the GMC counters with significant cost savings and efficiency, making this a classic battle between accessible capability and exhilarating performance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its lower entry price of $30,000 and slightly better combined fuel economy at 27 MPG.
2025 GMC Terrain
Car1 is better for families seeking maximum utility, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 29.8 cu ft compared to car2's 14.9 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 dominates the excitement factor with its impressive 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with AWD and a traditional automatic gearbox.
2025 GMC Terrain
The $8,045 lower MSRP and better standard efficiency make the 2025 GMC Terrain the superior overall value proposition for the average buyer.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- You prioritize saving money upfront, as the 2025 GMC Terrain starts at $30,000.
- Maximum accessible storage is essential, given its generous 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by its 27 MPG combined rating running on regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You crave spirited driving dynamics supported by 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the security and grip provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer the deliberate shift feel of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Terrain | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.0" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.5" | 78.5" |
| Height | 66.2" | 68.2" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5800 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 24/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 444.0/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| 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 | 40.0 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.0 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Terrain and 2025 Mazda CX-90.
How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Terrain and the 2025 CX-90?
The gap is substantial: the Mazda CX-90 produces 280 horsepower, beating the GMC Terrain's 175 hp by a significant 105 hp margin. This power difference directly translates to much faster acceleration in the CX-90.
Is the difference in size noticeable between these two crossovers?
Yes, the CX-90 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches in length. While the Mazda is bigger overall, the Terrain manages to offer nearly double the cargo space at 29.8 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
What is the fuel economy difference if I commute daily?
The 2025 Terrain is more economical for daily driving, achieving 27 MPG combined, whereas the more powerful CX-90 returns 25 MPG combined. Highway driving is identical for both at 28 MPG.
Does the price difference account for the mechanical hardware differences?
The $8,045 price difference helps cover the Mazda's higher output engine and its inclusion of All-Wheel Drive as standard, while the GMC leads with a lower entry MSRP and a FWD configuration.
Which vehicle has a more traditional transmission setup?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, appealing to drivers who prefer defined gear changes, while the GMC Terrain uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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