Should I Buy a Used Terrain or Acadia?

June 11th, 2021 by

A white 2020 GMC Acadia AT4 is parked in the grass after leaving a used GMC SUV dealer.

Whenever you see a GMC SUV rumbling toward you, you know that underneath those rugged good looks lies a vehicle that is destined to make any journey more delightful. Known for their upscale features and air of elegance, GMC SUVs are among the most alluring vehicles on the road, and if you’re searching for the right traveler for you and your family, GMC can deliver. Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth is your premier used GMC SUV dealer, and when you want all the amazing features you can find in a vehicle for the right price, perhaps no other options come close to the Terrain and the Acadia. These two well-known SUVs in the GMC lineup showcase unmatched capabilities and cater to your every whim, and if you’re wondering which one is better suited to your needs, let’s find out. When it comes to a used Terrain vs. Acadia, which vehicle will be able to escalate your travels and make them truly remarkable?

Most Fuel Efficient

If you’re a frequent traveler or everyday commuter, you know how important it is to have a vehicle that is efficient. While both the Terrain and Acadia perform well on city streets as well as on the highway, due to the Terrain’s smaller size, it performs better. Its base 1.5L engine doesn’t offer up the quickest acceleration; however, it does prove to deliver in the area of fuel economy, which is exactly what you’re looking for when your budget is on your mind. The last thing you want is to spend more money and waste more time at the gas pump, and with the Terrain’s favorable efficiency, you won’t have to worry about overspending on gas.

The Acadia isn’t terrible when it comes to fuel efficiency, but with its larger size, it does tend to consume more to provide more power. In this area, we would choose the Terrain if efficiency is at the top of your list of must-haves.

More Spacious Interior

For some, having enough space to accommodate everything they’re hauling with them is an absolute necessity, which is why many choose to drive SUVs in the first place. Whether you’re driving the kids to soccer practice or loading up your SUV with a project for work, there’s a used GMC SUV to handle it all. We’re talking about the Acadia, built for drivers who need more space in their vehicles. Not only does the Acadia offer up a roomy ride, but it also features loads of ways to customize its interior to meet your needs, like Smart Slide seating, fold-flat seats in the third row, and convenient storage cubbies throughout.

Although the Terrain does offer a nice amount of room on the inside, it’s still a compact SUV, which means it can only provide so much space. For those who need ample room during their travels, the Acadia delivers here without fail.

Most Impressive Technology Features

It may be a matter of providing the ultimate entertainment for everyone on board, or you may need the latest technology features to help you stay more focused on the road. Either way, both the GMC Terrain and the Acadia offer up an abundance of options, designed with the modern driver in mind. More recent models are armed with GMC’s IntelliLink Infotainment system, which provides you with access to loads of features to enhance your everyday travels, road trips, and more. You’re able to stay connected during every part of your day while enjoying access to features like Bluetooth, a WiFi Hotspot, and more available features to make any journey more satisfying.

When you’re looking for the latest tech features, the GMC Terrain and Acadia are equipped to handle anything. We recommend sticking to more recent model years to take advantage of the most cutting-edge tech possible if this happens to reside at the top of your wishlist.

A grey 2018 GMC Terrain SLT is shown parked next to a red 2018 GMC Terrain Denali.

More Powerful

You may be yearning to haul your trailer away for a weekend adventure, but you may not be too sure which SUV can handle it the best. With the Acadia’s larger size and bigger engine, you’re able to enjoy more power emanating throughout, but don’t count the Terrain out of the equation just yet. It can still hold its own in the power department; however, its smaller engine is better equipped for efficiency rather than power.

The Acadia is armed with a powerful V6 that not only helps it propel itself quickly down the road, it also allows it to tow more, haul more and do more. These increased capabilities are perfect for the avid adventurer needing more space, more performance features, and an overall more powerful ride. Whether you’re traversing new roads to an uncharted destination or utilizing it for work, rest assured that the Acadia is ready to handle anything.

Safer & More Secure

Safety deserves to be at the heart of many car shoppers’ lists, because after all, when you’re not protected by the very best in the industry, you won’t be able to enjoy the best ride possible. Luckily, both the Terrain and the Acadia perform well when it comes to safety, continuing to earn favorable marks in NHTSA crash tests year after year. Through a suite of advanced safety and driver-assist features that only gets better over time, the GMC Terrain and GMC Acadia shine in this area, making them both top choices to stay focused and confident on the journey ahead.

Best Model Years to Buy

Buying a used SUV is a smart choice. Not only are you able to get more for your money, finding more recent models means that you won’t have to sacrifice when it comes to the latest tech features. For the GMC Terrain, we recommend sticking to the most recent model years for the best possible experience. Any model from 2018 to the present is known to showcase favorable reviews from drivers, as well as offer all the tech and safety features you’re looking for to enhance your ride.

As far as the Acadia is concerned, almost all of its models have proven their worth in the mid-size SUV arena. Known for its spacious interior, enhanced capabilities, and powerful engines, the Acadia is a trusted SUV, no matter which year you choose…except for one. Many drivers report that its 2008 model wasn’t the most reliable and was riddled with transmission issues. If you stick to the most recent models, you’ll be able to enjoy extreme dependability paired with the latest tech and the most modern features.

A grey 2018 GMC Terrain SLT is shown from the side parked outside of a brick building.

GMC Terrain vs Acadia

So, which SUV is the right choice for your travels? If fuel efficiency is a must on your shopping list, the Terrain will not let you down. Its small size and efficient engine provide you with excellent gas mileage with fewer trips to the pump so that you’re able to stay on track with your busy day. When you want more space to accommodate your large family or need to haul many items, the Acadia is a top choice with room for up to seven and convenient seating configurations throughout its cavernous cabin. And with its larger stance and more powerful engine, you’ll be able to accomplish more in the Acadia.

Technology and safety reign supreme in both the Terrain and Acadia, making them top picks if that’s what you’re looking for in a vehicle. In the end, it just comes down to how much space you need and how exactly you want to use your vehicle. When you want the best shopping experience possible, stop by or contact us at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth and test drive one of our fine-used options. We guarantee you’ll find a vehicle that not only meets your expectations but exceeds them.