2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige vs 2026 GMC Terrain Denali

$5,010 less vs 25 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $5,010 price gap, 187 vs 175 hp, 25 vs 25 MPG.

The short answer

The Sportage SX-Prestige leads on $5,010 less. The Terrain Denali leads on 25 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

$5,010
Price Gap
12 HP
HP Diff
Same
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige
Starts at $36,790
VS
Higher price
2026 GMC Terrain Denali
Starts at $41,800

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
$36,790Sportage SX-Prestige
$41,800Terrain Denali
Engine
2.5L I4Sportage SX-Prestige
1.5L I4 TurboTerrain Denali
Horsepower
187 hpSportage SX-Prestige
175 hpTerrain Denali
Torque
178 lb-ftSportage SX-Prestige
203 lb-ftTerrain Denali
City MPG
23Sportage SX-Prestige
24Terrain Denali
Highway MPG
27Sportage SX-Prestige
28Terrain Denali
Fuel Tank
14.3 galSportage SX-Prestige
15.6 galTerrain Denali
Curb Weight
3,809 lbsSportage SX-Prestige
3,598 lbsTerrain Denali
Wheelbase
108.5"Sportage SX-Prestige
107.5"Terrain Denali
Length
183.5"Sportage SX-Prestige
181.0"Terrain Denali
Width
73.4"Sportage SX-Prestige
74.5"Terrain Denali
Height
66.3"Sportage SX-Prestige
66.2"Terrain Denali
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kSportage SX-Prestige
3yr/36kTerrain Denali
Powertrain
10yr/100kSportage SX-Prestige
5yr/60kTerrain Denali
Corrosion
5yr/100kSportage SX-Prestige
6yr/100kTerrain Denali

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 SX-Prestige2026 GMC Terrain Denali
Pricing
MSRP$36,790$41,800
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"
Height66.3"66.2"
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 SX-Prestige and 2026 GMC Terrain Denali?

The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige starts at $36,790, $5,010 less than the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali at $41,800. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $88/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige?

The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige is the stronger pick when you want to keep $5,010 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali?

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

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige or 2026 GMC Terrain Denali?

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

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige or 2026 GMC Terrain Denali?

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

Is the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige bigger than the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali?

The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige is 2.5″ longer at 183.5″ vs 181.0″. The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige 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

Sportage vs Terrain: What This Matchup Is Really About

The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige and 2026 GMC Terrain Denali sit in the compact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $5,010 gap adds up to $88/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Under the Hood

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

Running Costs: Sportage vs Terrain

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

Bottom Line

Choose the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige when you want to keep $5,010 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige covers your needs. Choose the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali when the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute. At $88/month more, the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali 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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