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2021 GMC Acadia vs Terrain

2021 GMC Acadia vs Terrain
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

2021 Acadia vs Terrain - How do they stack up? What are the differences?

If you're in the market for an upscale SUV that offers a bold exterior and capable performance, GMC is your go-to brand. If luxury combined with practicality - all while maintaining affordability - sounds desirable to you, then the 2021 Acadia and Terrain from GMC are perfect models to consider. These vehicles offer top of the line features sure to meet anyone's needs without compromising on style or quality; combining these two SUVs together makes it easy to understand why they have become such consumer favorites!

With bold sophistication, the 2021 GMC Acadia and Terrain offer a level of high-class style that can't be found elsewhere. These SUVs perfectly blend modernity with traditional features, evoking an image at once both sophisticated and rugged. When it comes to family outings or large gatherings - size matters! The larger capacity seating in the Acadia makes this model ideal for social trips while providing a heightened sense of safety sure to put parents' minds at ease. If you're looking for luxury without compromising on durability, either one of these two models is perfect for your needs!

Size and Styling

SUVs, with their sense of safety and prestige, have become the vehicle of choice for many consumers. This year, GMC debuts two new models that both embody this look: The 2021 Acadia and Terrain are sleekly-designed SUVs whose luxurious exteriors emphasize these features even further. Not only do they provide superior comfort in spacious cabins but also boast an impressive amount when it comes to cargo capacity - thanks to third row seating on the 2020 Acadia! With these vehicles from GMC you can be sure your drives will always feel safe and stylish every time.

The 2021 GMC Acadia is a spacious SUV perfect for active families or jet-setting friends. From its generous third-row seating to its extra cargo room, this model makes the most of dimensions that are larger all around than those of the already sizeable 2021 GMC Terrain – an impressive 10 inches longer, 1 inch taller and 4 inches wider. This translates into 16 cubic feet more space compared with the Terrain - ample room for storing luggage on long trips!

The 2021 GMC Acadia and Terrain boast unique personalities that are both exciting and impressive. The Acadia is designed to provide an enjoyable driving experience, featuring heated power mirrors, hands-free liftgate access and signature LED headlights. On the other hand, the Chevy Terrain elevates its exterior with luxe details like HID headlamps in a trendy X shape plus roof rails for adventure seekers - all complemented by striking chrome accents.

Drivability

Looking for a reliable and powerful SUV? Look no further than the Acadia and Terrain. The large-size Acadia features an impressive 3.6L V-6 engine that produces 310 horsepower, while the smaller Terrain is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L four cylinder providing plenty of zip around town or on open roads! With both models you get power when needed most - making them perfect choices for all your driving needs.

While the size and style of the engine utilized in each SUV makes a big difference in how it performs, what they are paired with under the hood also impact their overall drive quality and capability. Three engines are available for the 2021 GMC Acadia, which puts it ahead of the 2021 GMC Terrain that offers just a single engine. A nine-speed automatic transmission and choice between front-wheel or all-wheel drive accompany all 2021 GMC Acadia models.

The Acadia offers superior power and performance, with the capability to tow up to 4,000 pounds. Outfitted with a single engine coupled by an advanced nine-speed transmission - as well as front wheel drive standard - it's also upgradeable for optimal all wheel drive functionality. With ample customizations available, this versatile SUV will have you embarking confidently on every expedition!

For anyone who has to be out on the highway a lot, it pays off to get a vehicle with great fuel efficiency. The 2021 GMC Acadia and Terrain both provide excellent options for making your trips longer without costing more at the pump - but you have to decide which is right for you! The Acadia offers an extra few ponies in terms of power, sacrificing some gas mileage by getting 27 mpg.

Comfort, Options and Performance

 

With the 2021 GMC Acadia offering greater size, passengers can enjoy a more spacious interior. But it is its luxurious amenities that truly set the vehicle apart from the terrain; think an open sky with Skyscape moonroof and heated/ventilated leather seating plus a heated steering wheel wrapped in even more lush leather! The Terrain also offers comfort but on a value-based level, featuring standard cloth seating while also including dual-zone automatic climate control — great features to have yet paling in comparison to those found inside of this larger model's cabin.

With the GMC Acadia and Terrain, you have a wealth of options for personalizing your vehicle to match any lifestyle! From powertrain upgrades in the AT4 or Denali trims on the Acadia, to handy cargo mats and tablet holders available with the Terrain - there's something for everyone. The true showstopper? Real wood accents in certain models of the 2021 Acadia along with fold-flat seating throughout its cabin. Pick whichever one speaks to all that you urge it be; customize it according too how much luxury meets practicality is right just right for you.

These 2021 GMC models deliver a high-end experience, blurring the line between conventional SUVs and luxury automobiles. With their premium attributes, both the Acadia and Terrain bring buyers close to opulence while remaining firmly within shopping budget expectations.

Buying Tip:

To avoid overpaying on a new car, shop prices online first. Get up front pricing before you walk into a dealership. We recommend the following free services; Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect & & Motortrend.
These free services will offer you the lowest prices and supply you with multiple competing price quotes. You will know the best price before you visit the dealer.

Safety

GMC has equipped all their vehicles with an array of driver-assistive safety features. Known as the GMC Pro Safety System, this comprehensive suite of safety amenities is comprised of functionalities that collaborate with one another to produce the best safety suite possible. This package comes standard on the Terrain and consists of features like forward collision alert, Intellibeam auto high beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. Lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning can also be thrown in to help mitigate losses and avoid potential hazards. While this is not always possible, the Terrain seeks to minimize losses when this time comes.

The 2021 GMC Acadia moves to a more equipped type of safety suite that is known as GMC Pro Safety Plus. You may have guessed it, but this safety suite builds upon the foundation already set forth by the lower level GMC Pro Safety. Lane change alert, side blind zone monitoring, and rear parking assist are extra amenities that can be found within this safety suite's composition. The Denali trim even throws in adaptive cruise control and HD Surround Vision.

Consumers searching for the safest SUVs can trust in two top-rated GMC models: The 2021 Acadia and Terrain. Both vehicles have earned five stars from national safety rating agencies, recognizing their exceptional performance during rigorous crash tests and impressive array of features that enhance occupant protection.

Despite this highlight, the Acadia and the Terrain have also experienced a few pit falls. Each of these models missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. For the Acadia, it was the lackluster car seat LATCH system that was a concern. Yet, for the Terrain, the terrible performance of this vehicle's headlights led to the near miss of a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Which Model to Choose?

The GMC family offers potential buyers a fantastic opportunity to tailor their purchase based on personal lifestyle and budget. Comparing the 2021 GMC Acadia with its more compact sibling, the Terrain; one may find that each offer unique offerings tailored for different needs - whether it be luxury or cost-effectiveness. With options ranging from stylish sophistication in the form of smaller size and sleeker design up to greater utility provided by robust features found in the larger model, there's an option suited just right for you.

The GMC Acadia offers the perfect solution for families and larger groups of passengers looking to travel in style. Boasting third-row seating, two powerful engines that outperform competitors, plus a host of sophisticated convenience features - all at an affordable price point - it's no wonder this SUV is our number one recommendation!

Used 2021 GMC Acadia: