Starting at
Starting at
3 | Available Engines | 2 |
137-252 HP | Horsepower | 187-250 HP |
63.3 cu.ft. | Max Cargo Space | 59.6 cu.ft. |
If you’re currently shopping around for a new SUV, then good luck. There are a number of logical nameplates to choose from, with each of these vehicles providing their own unique blend of performance, technology, and safety functions. Ultimately, after completing a whole lot of research, there’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself comparing two of the more impressive SUV offerings: the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Mazda CX-5.
You may be surprised to see these two SUVs going head-to-head. While GMC is considered to be among the “working man’s” brands, Mazda is known more for their luxury. However, when you can begin diving into the specifics of each nameplate, you’ll come to understand that GMC’s offering is just as luxurious (if not more so) than Mazda’s SUV option. In other words, you shouldn’t be ignoring the 2019 GMC Terrain just because it isn’t a “luxury SUV.”
Below, we’ve attempted to settle the debate between the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Mazda CX-5. Take a look at how these two models stack up against each other, and you’ll have a whole lot more clarity when it’s time to finally purchase your new SUV.
With three engine options to choose from, you’ll never be lacking for options as you’re preparing your brand-new 2019 GMC Terrain. Each of these systems manages to crank out a whole lot of power, and drivers will also be impressed by the surprising efficiency specs.
The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is accompanied by a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing drivers with an unmatched experience. The unit is ultimately capable of delivering up to 137 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, leading to an admirable 1,500-pound towing capacity. Drivers will also appreciate the incredible fuel efficiency, as they can expect up to a 28-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (on the front-wheel-drive variation of the SUV), pending which engine is selected.
Those seeking the utmost fuel efficiency should consider opting for the 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine, which promises drivers a practically-unmatched 39-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (on the FWD version). Despite these incredible specs, drivers can still take advantage of the 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, for those looking for top-notch power, you won’t have to look any further than the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. When drivers are behind the wheel of this variation of the 2019 GMC Terrain, they’ll be able to take advantage of an incredible 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, all leading to an impressive 3,500-pound towing capacity.
If you’re hoping for engine choices from your new SUV, you’ll have to look elsewhere than the 2019 Mazda CX-5. That’s because the base level of this nameplate is only equipped with one single offering. While this engine has proven to be relatively impressive when it comes to both power and efficiency, it doesn’t take away from the fact that drivers won’t be able to choose a system that best fit their specific needs.
The standard version of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine is only capable of delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and drivers can also anticipate a 31-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency. If selecting a higher trim a second engine becomes available which is a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder meaning the power specs can ultimately be boosted up to 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Of course, engineers added several additional functions that help to improve the overall driving experience. The i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system assures that drivers will always remain in control of their new SUV, while the Drive Selection system allows drivers to choose a setting that best fits the impending road conditions.
Regardless of whether you’re relying on your new SUV as a commuter, road tripper, or family ride, you’ll appreciate all of the technological amenities that engineers managed to cram inside of the nameplate. The 2019 GMC Terrain is filled with amenities that will boost both convenience and entertainment, all leading to an incredible driving experience.
Many of these features revolve around the brand’s customizable touchscreen, which provides quick and easy access to an assortment of available applications. Plus, thanks to the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, drivers can safely connect their smartphone to the SUV, allowing them to send messages, make phone calls, and/or listen to music.
If you’re looking to further elevate the technology of your new SUV, you could consider opting for the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi system. Thanks to this available feature, your passengers will always have a strong, reliable, wireless connection to the internet. That way, if anyone is required to complete work while you’re on the road, you’ll never have to make a pitstop in order to access the internet.
The available SkyScape Sunroof will be appreciated by those who enjoy the fresh air, while the steering-wheel-mounted controls will make it easy to manage your touchscreen unit. Finally, the flexible rear seats (including the Front-to-Back Flat Load Floor) makes it more than easy to take advantage of the incredible amount of cargo space.
The 2019 CX-5 is known for luxury, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the SUV is equipped with a number of technological offerings. However, you may be surprised that these amenities are eerily similar to those included in the 2019 GMC Terrain… which may indicate that GMC’s SUV is actually plenty luxurious itself.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 has the standard list of functions that you’d expect from a modern SUV: a touchscreen unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and voice-activating functions. The nameplate admittedly separates itself due to some additional amenities, including the available Bose 10-speaker audio system and the Active Driving Display technology.
However, that about encompasses everything the vehicle has to offer from a technology standpoint. While the various amenities included in the 2019 Mazda CX-5 are certainly appreciated, they shouldn’t be considered anything unique or special.
GMC wants their drivers to travel confidently, and they’ve achieved this by adding a number of safety technologies to their new SUV. Many of these functions will play a significant role in preventing accidents from occurring altogether, assuring you and your passenger’s safety.
The Adaptive Cruise Control will be appreciated while drivers are on the highway, as they can take a brief break without completely compromising safety. The Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking (and the brand-new Front Pedestrian Braking) can detect if a collision is imminent, and it can apply the brakes to lessen or prevent the impact. The Lane Change Alert (with Side Blind Zone Alert) will provide the driver with an extra set of eyes, while the Lane Keep Assist (with Lane Departure Warning) will assure that drivers are remaining on their intended path.
Of course, if a driver does find themselves in an accident, they won’t have to worry about their well-being. The extensive airbag system will assure that everyone is protected, while the sturdy structure won’t compromise despite the impact of the collision.
Similar to practically any brand, Mazda prides themselves on keeping passengers safe. Well, thanks to i-ACTIVSENSE safety features, drivers can be assured that they’ll remain out of harm’s way throughout their journey.
The majority of these features will play a significant role in preventing crashes from happening altogether. For instance, inclusions like the Blind Spot Monitoring system, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-Keep Assist system, Adaptive Front-Lighting, and the innovative Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function will prove to be invaluable on the highway, while the Advanced Smart City Brake Support (with Pedestrian Detection) will be useful when you’re traveling in the city. There’s even a Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which will help to prevent fender benders when traveling in a parking lot.
Unfortunately, that’s the extent of the safety functions included in the 2019 Mazda CS-5. While the available features are certainly appreciated, they’re not enough to elevate the nameplate past similar SUVs.