Compared: 2024 GMC Terrain vs. 2024 Mazda CX-5

Whether you want luxury, performance, or space in your next SUV, these two can deliver.

Bob Sorokanich | 

Sep 6, 2024 | 3 min read

GMC | Mazda

The compact family crossover market offers a dizzying variety of options. If you need five seats and all-weather capability, two models are likely at the top of your list: the 2024 GMC Terrain and the 2024 Mazda CX-5. Here's what you need to know to choose the right car for your family.

GMC

Terrain has Lower Starting Price Than CX-5

The 2024 GMC Terrain is offered in four trim levels. The base-model Terrain SLE starts at roughly $30,000 with front-wheel drive and comes standard with push-button engine start, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Next comes the $34,000 Terrain SLT, which adds leather-appointed upholstery, heating for the front seats and steering wheel, a power liftgate, and dual-zone climate control. The $37,000 Terrain AT4 is the adventure model, coming standard with all-terrain tires, a protective skid plate, and GMC's upgraded Pro Safety Plus package including rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The top-spec Terrain Denali rings in at $40,000 and gets unique suspension tuning for improved ride comfort, a head-up display, an upgraded dashboard touchscreen, and a Denali-specific leather interior. All-wheel drive (AWD) is a $1,600 option on SLE and SLT, while standard on AT4 and Denali.

Mazda

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is a touch more expensive in all trims but comes with more standard features than the GMC. AWD, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and heated front seats are included on the entry-level $31,000 CX-5 2.5 S Select, the first of eight CX-5 trim levels.

The next trim level up, the $32,000 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred, adds a moonroof, power liftgate, and leather-trimmed upholstery. The top-of-the-line model, the CX-5 2.5 S Turbo Signature, commands nearly $42,000 and comes with unique exterior trim items and a fancier interior with bespoke leather and wood accents.

GMC

Similar Passenger Space, but the GMC Has More Cargo Room

The 2024 GMC Terrain and 2024 Mazda CX-5 are nearly identical in headroom and legroom for front- and rear-seat occupants. With all five seats occupied, the space behind the rear seats is just about identical. But if you often find yourself folding the rear seats to haul large items, you might want to go for the GMC, which offers more cargo space over the Mazda when the rear seats are stowed.

Mazda

Mazda's CX-5 Offers Better Standard Fuel Economy

Every 2024 GMC Terrain comes with the same engine, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 175 horsepower connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain gets an estimated 24/29/26 mpg city/highway/combined when equipped with front-wheel drive, dropping slightly to 23/28/25 mpg with AWD.

Mazda offers two engines on the 2024 CX-5. Most models come equipped with a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering an estimated 26/31/28 mpg. The top three CX-5 trims bring an upgraded turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with up to 256 horsepower — 227 horsepower if you don't have access to 93-octane gas — though you'll pay for that performance with a drop in fuel economy, estimated at 22/27/24 mpg. All CX-5 models use a six-speed automatic transmission.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Bob Sorokanich

Bob Sorokanich is a car-obsessed journalist and editor who manages to maintain an old Mini Cooper and a love affair with automobiles while living in New York City. When he's not thinking about cars, he's riding his motorcycle, and when he's not riding his motorcycle, he's anticipating his next joy ride.