2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$30,000 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The age-old question when buying a new crossover is whether to prioritize upfront savings or superior performance. The 2025 GMC Terrain starts things off on a friendly $30,000 MSRP, making it immediately accessible compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-90's higher $38,800 price tag. However, that extra investment buys significant muscle; the CX-90 boasts 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Terrain's 175 hp. Daily drivers will appreciate the Terrain's slightly better combined 27 MPG versus the CX-90's 25 MPG, though both utilize regular unleaded fuel. While the CX-90 is substantially longer at 200.8 inches versus the Terrain's 181.0 inches, the Terrain surprisingly offers nearly double the cargo space at 29.8 cu ft compared to the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft, a critical point for utility seekers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain offers better fuel economy at 27 combined MPG and a lower entry price for the daily drive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Terrain

The Terrain provides significantly more utility, offering 29.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the clear winner for performance due to its substantial lead with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

For $8,800 less, the Terrain provides acceptable performance and superior cargo capacity for the average shopper.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

You need maximum cargo flexibility, as the Terrain offers 29.8 cubic feet versus the CX-90's 14.9.
Keeping the purchase price low is a priority, with the Terrain starting at $30,000.
You prefer a slightly more economical daily run, netting 27 combined MPG.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You enjoy spirited driving, benefitting from the CX-90's 280 horsepower output.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission for varied conditions.
You can utilize the larger physical footprint, as the CX-90 is over 19 inches longer than the Terrain.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Mazda CX-90
Length	181.0"	200.8"
Width	74.5"	78.5"
Height	66.2"	68.3"
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Is the fuel economy difference between the two models significant for city driving?

Yes, the 2025 GMC Terrain achieves 26 MPG city, giving it a slight edge over the 2026 Mazda CX-90's 23 MPG city rating. This small gap translates to fewer stops at the pump over the course of a typical work week.

Why does the Mazda CX-90 have less cargo space despite being a larger vehicle?

Although the CX-90 is significantly longer at 200.8 inches, its design likely prioritizes passenger space or might be configured with a standard third row, resulting in only 14.9 cu ft of available storage compared to the Terrain's robust 29.8 cu ft.

Which vehicle is better suited for towing or heavy hauling based on the specs?

While neither towing capacity is listed, the Mazda CX-90 is mechanically better equipped for hard work due to its 332 lb-ft of torque, which is 129 lb-ft more than the Terrain's 203 lb-ft.

What kind of driving experience should I expect from the transmissions?

The Terrain uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), known for smooth, gear-less acceleration optimized for efficiency. In contrast, the CX-90 utilizes a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts usually prefer for more defined gear changes.

Is the $8,800 price difference between the two models justified by the power increase?

The CX-90 costs $8,800 more and delivers 105 additional horsepower; if performance is your top priority, the power bump is substantial, but for pure commuting value, the gap is hard to justify.

Do these crossovers require premium fuel?

Fortunately, no, both the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep long-term running costs lower for both models.