2026 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 lies in output, with the CX-90 offering a commanding 105 more horsepower (280 hp vs. 175 hp) and 148 lb-ft more torque (332 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft). This power gap is reflected in the $8,700 MSRP difference, positioning the Terrain at $30,100 and the CX-90 at $38,800. Fuel economy favors the smaller Terrain, achieving a 27 combined MPG compared to the CX-90's 25 combined MPG, despite both using regular unleaded fuel. Dimensionally, the CX-90 is significantly larger at 200.8 inches long versus the Terrain's 181.0 inches. However, the Terrain boasts double the usable storage, offering 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. Transmission differences are notable, with the Terrain utilizing a CVT and the CX-90 featuring an 8-speed automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain offers better city efficiency with 26 MPG city and its lower MSRP makes daily ownership costs more predictable.
2026 GMC Terrain
The Terrain provides substantially more usable storage with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 provides 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, vastly superior for performance driving versus the Terrain's 175 hp.
2026 GMC Terrain
The Terrain achieves a 27 MPG combined rating while costing $8,700 less than the CX-90, representing better utility per dollar spent.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- You prioritize maximizing cargo volume, as the Terrain offers 29.8 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
- Your budget is constrained, with the Terrain's MSRP starting $8,700 lower at $30,100.
- You prefer the consistent acceleration characteristics of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- Maximum power output is essential, given the CX-90's 280 horsepower rating.
- All-wheel drive capability and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission are required features.
- You need a longer overall vehicle footprint, as the CX-90 measures 200.8 inches compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Terrain | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.0" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.5" | 78.5" |
| Height | 65.8" | 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 @ 5600 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 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 |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 40.6 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.0 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 | 39.7 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 2026 GMC Terrain and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
Which vehicle is better equipped for towing given the specifications?
Towing capacity is not provided for either vehicle, but the Mazda CX-90 produces 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Terrain's 184 lb-ft, suggesting superior raw pulling potential in general.
How does the difference in horsepower affect the driving experience?
The 105 hp advantage held by the CX-90 (280 hp) means significantly quicker acceleration and passing power compared to the Terrain's 175 hp output.
Is the increased size of the CX-90 reflected in its fuel economy?
Yes, the larger CX-90 achieves a slightly lower combined MPG rating of 25 compared to the smaller Terrain's 27 combined MPG.
What is the primary trade-off when choosing the lower-priced GMC Terrain?
The main trade-off is a significant reduction in power, yielding 175 hp, and about 15 cubic feet less cargo capacity than the larger CX-90.
Do both vehicles use the same fuel type?
Both the 2026 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 specify compatibility with regular unleaded fuel, avoiding premium fuel requirements.
Which drivetrain offers more standard traction in poor weather?
The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the GMC Terrain utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD) in its base configuration.
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