2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 GMC Terrain

$38,045 · Crossover

$30,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 GMC Terrain lies in power output, with the CX-90 producing 280 hp compared to the Terrain's 175 hp, a difference of 105 horsepower. This power disparity is coupled with a substantial $7,945 MSRP gap, as the CX-90 starts at $38,045 against the Terrain's $30,100. Conversely, the smaller Terrain prioritizes utility and efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the CX-90’s 25 combined MPG. In terms of size, the CX-90 measures 200.8 inches long, significantly exceeding the Terrain’s 181.0-inch length. Cargo utility heavily favors the Terrain, offering 29.8 cu ft, more than double the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft capacity, suggesting distinct target buyers despite both falling into the crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 GMC Terrain

The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 27 combined MPG and lower initial cost of $30,100.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Terrain

The 2026 GMC Terrain is superior for families needing utility, providing 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the CX-90's capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 dominates the enthusiast category with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Terrain's 175 hp and 184 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 GMC Terrain

The 2026 GMC Terrain offers substantially better base value with a $7,945 lower MSRP while still delivering better combined MPG.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You require the higher performance metrics, specifically the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque available.
All-Wheel Drive capability is mandatory, as the CX-90 includes it standard versus the Terrain's FWD base.
A larger, longer vehicle footprint is preferred, as indicated by the CX-90's 200.8-inch length.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Budget sensitivity is paramount, given the $30,100 MSRP compared to the CX-90's $38,045 entry price.
Maximum available cargo space is needed, as the Terrain offers 29.8 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft.
Prioritizing efficiency is key, evidenced by the Terrain's slightly higher 27 combined MPG rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	GMC Terrain
Length	200.8"	181.0"
Width	78.5"	74.5"
Height	68.2"	65.8"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Mazda	GMC
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	26/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	384.8/414.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls 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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three 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 (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	44.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	55.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	GMC
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

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-90 and 2026 GMC Terrain.

What is the primary performance advantage of the Mazda CX-90 over the GMC Terrain?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers significantly more power, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its engine setup. This contrasts sharply with the 2026 GMC Terrain, which is rated at 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle provides better fuel efficiency for daily driving?

The 2026 GMC Terrain is slightly more economical on fuel, achieving 27 combined MPG (26 city/28 highway). The 2025 Mazda CX-90 trails slightly at 25 combined MPG (24 city/28 highway).

How does the MSRP difference impact the overall value proposition?

The GMC Terrain carries a $7,945 lower starting MSRP ($30,100 vs. $38,045 for the CX-90), immediately establishing it as the better value proposition based on initial purchase price alone.

Is the cargo space substantially different between these two crossovers?

Yes, the difference is considerable; the 2026 GMC Terrain offers 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 provides only 14.9 cubic feet, meaning the Terrain can carry more than double the capacity.

Are the drivetrain and transmission specifications similar between the two models?

No, the drivetrain setup differs; the CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base Terrain utilizes Front Wheel Drive paired with a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic transmission.

How much larger is the physical footprint of the Mazda CX-90?

The Mazda CX-90 is considerably larger dimensionally, measuring 200.8 inches in length, 78.5 inches in width, and 68.2 inches in height. The GMC Terrain is noticeably more compact across all dimensions.