2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 GMC Terrain

$31,990 · Crossover

$30,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the freshly redesigned 2026 GMC Terrain often comes down to passenger space versus outright utility. If maximizing interior volume for gear is key, the Sorento's 191 hp feels capable, but it only offers a meager 12.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the seats, which is significantly less than the Terrain's impressive 29.8 cu ft. Conversely, the Sorento posts a combined MPG of 26, slightly trailing the Terrain’s 27 MPG rating, though both use regular unleaded fuel. While the Terrain is cheaper at $30,100 compared to the Sorento’s $31,990 MSRP, the Sorento delivers more immediate power (191 hp vs 175 hp). Buyers must weigh the Sorento's slightly higher output against the Terrain's superior usable space for daily hauling.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 GMC Terrain

The 2026 GMC Terrain offers better fuel efficiency at 27 combined MPG and a lower starting price of $30,100.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Terrain

The Terrain clearly wins for families needing space, offering nearly double the cargo capacity at 29.8 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento provides more conventional power, boasting 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque versus the Terrain's 175 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 GMC Terrain

With a lower MSRP of $30,100 and superior combined MPG, the Terrain offers better initial savings and running costs.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

You prioritize traditional engine power, as the Sorento provides 191 horsepower.
You prefer an 8-speed automatic transmission over a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
You need a longer vehicle body, as the Sorento measures 189.6 inches in length.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Maximum cargo hauling is essential, thanks to its substantial 29.8 cu ft capacity.
You want to save money upfront, as the Terrain starts at a lower $30,100 MSRP.
You commute frequently and prioritize better city efficiency (26 MPG City vs Sorento's 23 MPG).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	GMC Terrain
Length	189.6"	181.0"
Width	74.8"	74.5"
Height	66.7"	65.8"
Wheelbase	110.8"	107.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	GMC
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	GMC
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	GMC
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	GMC
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	26/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	384.8/414.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	GMC
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	GMC
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	15.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
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	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	GMC
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	GMC
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	GMC
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	GMC
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	GMC
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2026 GMC Terrain.

Which crossover is better for hauling large items, the Sorento or the Terrain?

The 2026 GMC Terrain is the undisputed winner for hauling, providing 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2025 Kia Sorento trails significantly with only 12.6 cubic feet behind its rear seats.

How do the horsepower figures compare between these two models?

The Kia Sorento offers more outright power, generating 191 horsepower, whereas the 2026 GMC Terrain produces 175 horsepower. Enthusiasts looking for slightly quicker acceleration will lean toward the Sorento.

Is there a notable difference in fuel economy for city driving?

Yes, the GMC Terrain is considerably more efficient in stop-and-go traffic, achieving 26 MPG in the city compared to the Kia Sorento's 23 MPG city rating.

What is the price gap between the base models?

The 2026 GMC Terrain has a starting MSRP of $30,100, making it $1,890 cheaper than the 2025 Kia Sorento, which begins at $31,990.

Do these crossovers use the same type of fuel?

Both the Kia Sorento and the GMC Terrain are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep operating costs predictable and accessible.

Which vehicle has a bigger physical footprint?

The Kia Sorento is the physically larger vehicle overall; it is 189.6 inches long compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches. The Sorento is also slightly taller and wider.