2025 Kia Sportage LX vs 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation

$2,910 less vs 25 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,910 price gap, 187 vs 175 hp, 25 vs 25 MPG.

The short answer

The Sportage LX leads on $2,910 less. The Terrain Elevation leads on 25 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

$2,910
Price Gap
12 HP
HP Diff
Same
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Kia Sportage LX
Starts at $29,190
VS
Higher price
2026 GMC Terrain Elevation
Starts at $32,100

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
1.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
187 hp
vs
175 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
203 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,809 lbs
vs
3,598 lbs
Fuel Tank
14.3 gal
vs
15.6 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$29,190Sportage LX
$32,100Terrain Elevation
Engine
2.5L I4Sportage LX
1.5L I4 TurboTerrain Elevation
Horsepower
187 hpSportage LX
175 hpTerrain Elevation
Torque
178 lb-ftSportage LX
203 lb-ftTerrain Elevation
City MPG
23Sportage LX
24Terrain Elevation
Highway MPG
27Sportage LX
28Terrain Elevation
Fuel Tank
14.3 galSportage LX
15.6 galTerrain Elevation
Curb Weight
3,809 lbsSportage LX
3,598 lbsTerrain Elevation
Wheelbase
108.5"Sportage LX
107.5"Terrain Elevation
Length
183.5"Sportage LX
181.0"Terrain Elevation
Width
73.4"Sportage LX
74.5"Terrain Elevation
Height
66.1"Sportage LX
65.8"Terrain Elevation
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kSportage LX
3yr/36kTerrain Elevation
Powertrain
10yr/100kSportage LX
5yr/60kTerrain Elevation
Corrosion
5yr/100kSportage LX
6yr/100kTerrain Elevation

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Kia Sportage LX2026 GMC Terrain Elevation
Pricing
MSRP$29,190$32,100
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I41.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower187 hp175 hp
Torque178 lb-ft203 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2324
Highway MPG2728
Combined MPG2525
Fuel Tank14.3 gal15.6 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,750/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,809 lbs3,598 lbs
Wheelbase108.5"107.5"
Length183.5"181.0"
Width73.4"74.5"
Height66.1"65.8"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 starsNo published data
IIHS AwardTSP+No published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/100k6yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k5yr/60k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Kia Sportage LX and 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX starts at $29,190, $2,910 less than the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation at $32,100. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $51/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Kia Sportage LX?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,910 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage LX covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation is the stronger pick when the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Kia Sportage LX or 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

Both achieve 25 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Kia Sportage LX or 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX produces 187 hp, 12 more than the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation at 175 hp. The 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation also leads in torque at 203 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Kia Sportage LX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2025 Kia Sportage LX bigger than the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX is 2.5″ longer at 183.5″ vs 181.0″. The 2025 Kia Sportage LX has a 1.0″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Kia Sportage comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The GMC Terrain offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Kia trims, Kia Sportage trims, GMC trims, GMC Terrain trims

Official sources

How the Sportage and Terrain Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Kia Sportage LX ($29,190) and 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation ($32,100) solve similar problems in different ways. The $2,910 gap adds up to $51/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Sportage vs Terrain

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 12 hp difference (187 vs 175) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Kia Sportage LX when you want to keep $2,910 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage LX covers your needs. Choose the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation when the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute. At $51/month more, the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or GMC or any dealership.

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