2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a larger, more powerful SUV and a smaller, thriftier one can be tough when managing the family budget. That's the core debate between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 GMC Terrain. The Telluride certainly brings muscle, boasting 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, making highway merging effortless, but it costs $6,290 more than the Terrain, starting at $36,390 compared to the Terrain's $30,100. Practicality swings toward the Terrain in efficiency, delivering a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Telluride's 22 MPG combined. While the Telluride is the bigger machine at 196.9 inches long, the smaller Terrain maximizes space management by offering nearly 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity (29.8 cu ft) compared to the Telluride's 21 cu ft. For many, balancing that power premium against the significant cost and fuel savings will define the choice.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 Terrain wins for daily commuting due to its superior 27 MPG combined efficiency compared to the Telluride's 22 MPG.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride offers greater overall size, which typically translates to better passenger space and a more substantial highway presence.
2025 Kia Telluride
With 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Telluride significantly outperforms the Terrain’s 175 hp rating.
2026 GMC Terrain
The Terrain saves the buyer $6,290 upfront while also providing better long-term running costs with higher fuel economy.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You prioritize raw engine performance, needing the 291 horsepower the Telluride offers.
- You need the length of a nearly 197-inch vehicle for maximum rear passenger comfort.
- Your budget allows for the $36,390 starting MSRP in exchange for high power figures.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Saving money upfront is critical, as the Terrain starts $6,290 less at $30,100.
- You drive many miles and benefit from the 27 MPG combined fuel economy.
- You need maximum usable space in a smaller footprint, as the Terrain boasts 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.9" | 181.0" |
| Width | 78.3" | 74.5" |
| Height | 68.9" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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) | 20/26 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| 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 (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.9 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.0 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/60R18 | 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 Telluride and 2026 GMC Terrain.
How much more efficient is the 2026 GMC Terrain than the 2025 Kia Telluride?
The Terrain holds a noticeable advantage in fuel savings, delivering 27 MPG combined from its FWD setup. The larger Telluride only manages 22 MPG combined, meaning more frequent stops at the pump.
Is the Kia Telluride significantly larger than the new GMC Terrain?
Yes, the Telluride is noticeably larger overall, measuring 196.9 inches in length compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches. However, the smaller Terrain surprisingly offers more dedicated cargo space at 29.8 cu ft versus the Telluride's 21 cu ft.
Which vehicle offers better acceleration based on the provided specs?
The 2025 Kia Telluride will offer much quicker acceleration, boasting 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Terrain produces only 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
What is the exact price difference between the base models?
There is a substantial $6,290 difference between the entry pricing, with the Telluride starting at $36,390 and the Terrain priced aggressively lower at $30,100.
Do these vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Telluride and the 2026 Terrain are designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps running costs manageable for both.
Which crossover uses a traditional automatic transmission versus a CVT?
The 2025 Kia Telluride is equipped with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 GMC Terrain utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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