2025 Kia Telluride LX vs 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation
On paper, the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation wins on 37 more hp, 64 more lb-ft torque, AWD. The 2025 Kia Telluride LX has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $9,310 price gap, 291 vs 328 hp, 22 vs 21 MPG.
The Telluride LX leads on $9,310 less. The Acadia Elevation leads on 37 more hp, 64 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2025 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,390 | $45,700 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 328 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 326 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.8 gal | No published data |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | $2,100/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,248 lbs | No published data |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 120.9" |
| Length | 196.9" | 204.0" |
| Width | 78.3" | 79.6" |
| Height | 68.9" | 71.0" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Kia Telluride LX and 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX starts at $36,390, $9,310 less than the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation at $45,700. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $164/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Kia Telluride LX?
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $9,310 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Telluride LX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $91/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?
The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation is the stronger pick when the extra 37 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Kia Telluride LX or 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX rates 22 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Kia Telluride LX or 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?
The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation produces 328 hp, 37 more than the 2025 Kia Telluride LX at 291 hp. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation also leads in torque at 326 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft. The 2025 Kia Telluride LX runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Kia Telluride LX, AWD on the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation.
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride LX bigger than the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?
The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation is 7.1″ longer at 204.0″ vs 196.9″. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation has a 6.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Kia Telluride LX and 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation comes with AWD, while the 2025 Kia Telluride LX uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
The Kia Telluride comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The GMC Acadia 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 Telluride trims, GMC trims, GMC Acadia trims
- 2025 Kia Telluride LX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Telluride–Acadia Decision
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Telluride and Acadia compare. The $9,310 gap adds up to $164/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation has 37 more hp (328 vs 291), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation adds 64 more lb-ft of torque (326 vs 262), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation comes with AWD; the 2025 Kia Telluride LX uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX saves roughly $91/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $455.
Living With the Telluride vs the Acadia
The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation has a 6.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Kia Telluride LX when you want to keep $9,310 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Telluride LX covers your needs. Choose the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation when the extra 37 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $164/month more, the 2026 GMC Acadia 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.