VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
175hp @ 5600
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
184lb-ft @ 1750-4800
Fuel
25 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
1.5L/90ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the GMC Terrain is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the GMC Terrain produces 175hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Rdx returns 25 mpg est. while the Terrain uses 27 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,750 for the Rdx and $30,100 for the Terrain. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
175hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
184lb-ft @ 1750-4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
1.5L/90ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
28 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
14.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.4in
181in
Width (in)
74.8in
74.5in
Height (in)
65.7in
65.81in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
107.48in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3775lbs
3446lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
GMC Terrain
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Rdx
Fuel Economy
Terrain
Value
Terrain
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (25 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
GMC Terrain
Better fuel economy (27 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,100)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Terrain?
The Rdx gets 25 mpg est. and the Terrain gets 27 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Terrain is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Rdx or Terrain?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Terrain delivers 175hp @ 5600 and 184lb-ft @ 1750-4800 of torque. The Rdx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Terrain?
The Rdx starts from $41,750 and the Terrain from $30,100. The Terrain is cheaper by $11,650 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Terrain?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.