2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 GMC Terrain

$30,500 · Crossover

$30,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the rugged Mazda CX-50 and the newly styled GMC Terrain? This comparison boils down to priorities. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers better efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the 2026 Terrain’s 27 MPG, and it comes standard with capable All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the Terrain defaults to Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Power output also favors the Mazda, with 187 hp versus the Terrain's 175 hp, though torque figures are similar (185 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft). Pricewise, the CX-50 starts slightly higher at $30,500 versus the Terrain's $30,100 MSRP. While the CX-50 is slightly longer at 185.8 inches, the Terrain is noticeably taller at 65.8 inches, which might benefit headroom. Cargo space is also different, with the CX-50 leading at 31.4 cubic feet against the Terrain’s 29.8 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 is the better choice for daily commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers more useful storage space with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Terrain's 29.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-50's extra 12 horsepower and standard AWD system for better handling potential.

💰 Best Value

2026 GMC Terrain

The Terrain presents a better initial value proposition with a lower MSRP of $30,100, even with FWD.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You need better fuel efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined.
You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather.
You want slightly more hauling capacity, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo room.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Your primary concern is the lowest starting price at $30,100 MSRP.
You prefer a taller ride height, as the Terrain stands 65.8 inches tall.
You are comfortable with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) over a traditional automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	GMC Terrain
Length	185.8"	181.0"
Width	75.6"	74.5"
Height	63.5"	65.8"
Wheelbase	110.8"	107.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	26/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	384.8/414.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	15.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	44.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 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	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 GMC Terrain.

Which crossover is more powerful between the 2025 CX-50 and the 2026 Terrain?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 holds a clear power advantage, producing 187 horsepower, whereas the 2026 GMC Terrain delivers 175 horsepower. While both have similar torque ratings, the Mazda offers slightly punchier acceleration.

Is the extra cost of the CX-50 worth the better gas mileage?

The CX-50 starts at $30,500 compared to the Terrain's $30,100. If you drive long distances, the CX-50’s 28 MPG combined might offset the initial $400 price difference faster than the Terrain’s 27 MPG.

How do their driving dynamics compare based on the provided specs?

The Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic, generally favored by drivers seeking more engagement. The Terrain uses Front-Wheel Drive and a CVT, which is often geared more toward smooth, efficient cruising.

If I frequently load up the back, which crossover offers more utility?

The Mazda CX-50 is superior for hauling needs, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 GMC Terrain trails slightly behind with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Is one vehicle noticeably bigger than the other for parking purposes?

The dimensions are quite similar, but the CX-50 is 185.8 inches long versus the Terrain’s 181.0 inches, making the Mazda marginally longer. However, the Terrain is taller by nearly 2.3 inches.