If you’re exploring SUVs similar to the GMC Terrain, you’ll find options like the Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Santa Fe each bring something distinct to the table.
The Equinox shares Terrain’s platform and engines but tends to be more budget-friendly, while the RAV4 offers a standout hybrid system. Other rivals focus on interior space, tech features, or warranty perks, making your choice about balancing comfort, efficiency, and versatility. What features matter most to you?
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Key Takeaways
- The Toyota RAV4 is a close competitor to the GMC Terrain, offering more powerful engine options, hybrid variants, and better fuel efficiency up to 41 MPG city.
- The Chevrolet Equinox shares powertrains with the Terrain but is priced about $2,000 lower and delivers slightly better EPA fuel economy around 26/31 MPG for FWD[BACKGROUND].
- The Hyundai Santa Fe provides more cargo space than the Terrain, with up to 72.1 cubic feet and available three-row seating, appealing to buyers needing extra space[BACKGROUND].
- The Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue also compete with the Terrain by emphasizing refined interiors, advanced driver assistance, and spacious cabins, though exact fuel economy varies[BACKGROUND].
- The Terrain’s unique features include a hands-free liftgate, flat-folding rear seats for 63 cubic feet total cargo space, and available luxurious Denali and off-road AT4 trims[BACKGROUND].
Chevrolet Equinox: A Close Rival to GMC Terrain
While both the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain share engines, transmissions, and many features, the Equinox stands out as a close rival by offering similar performance at a roughly $2,000 lower price point, making it an appealing value choice.
The Equinox features a slightly better fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 26/31 MPG for FWD models compared to the Terrain’s 24/29 MPG, which helps save on gas over time.
In terms of cargo space, the Equinox provides 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, marginally more than the Terrain’s 29.6 cubic feet.
This makes the Equinox a smart option if you want SUV style, efficiency, and practicality without overspending.
Toyota RAV4: Emphasizing Hybrid Efficiency
You’ll appreciate the Toyota RAV4’s hybrid powertrain options, which offer excellent fuel efficiency and the ability to drive emissions-free with its plug-in hybrid variant.
Its hybrid system delivers up to 41 MPG city, providing a more economical and quicker acceleration compared to the GMC Terrain’s gasoline engine.
This focus on hybrid efficiency makes the RAV4 a strong choice if you prioritize fuel savings and eco-friendly driving.
Hybrid Powertrain Options
Toyota emphasizes hybrid efficiency in the RAV4 by pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, achieving an EPA-rated 41 MPG city and 38 MPG highway fuel economy.
This hybrid powertrain option produces 219 horsepower, delivering a smooth balance of performance and efficiency for everyday driving. You also get standard all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability across various road conditions.
Additionally, the RAV4 offers the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, which lets you drive up to 42 miles on electric power alone before switching to hybrid mode.
Regenerative braking further boosts efficiency by recharging the battery as you drive.
Fuel Efficiency Benefits
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieves an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined, significantly outperforming many competitors like the GMC Terrain.
Choosing the RAV4 means benefiting from a hybrid powertrain that boosts fuel efficiency in the compact SUV segment without sacrificing performance.
You’ll also appreciate its plug-in hybrid variant, ideal for emissions-free commutes. This system provides quicker acceleration compared to the Terrain’s standard gasoline engine.
- Save money at the pump with class-leading fuel efficiency
- Enjoy environmentally friendly driving in a hybrid compact SUV
- Experience responsive acceleration with advanced hybrid technology
- Drive confidently knowing you’re choosing a popular, eco-conscious option
Honda CR-V: Superior Interior Quality and Durability
When you step inside the Honda CR-V, you immediately notice the premium materials and durable design that create a more refined and long-lasting interior compared to the GMC Terrain.
Honda’s attention to detail guarantees a quieter cabin with well-organized storage, enhancing both comfort and practicality.
This quality craftsmanship helps the CR-V maintain its value and satisfy drivers who prioritize interior excellence.
Premium Material Use
Honda’s CR-V stands out for its superior interior quality compared to the GMC Terrain, thanks to its use of high-grade materials that significantly improve durability and aesthetics.
You’ll find premium cloth and soft-touch surfaces throughout, giving the cabin a refined and functional feel. Its organized interior layout balances comfort with practicality, making every ride enjoyable.
The CR-V’s materials also age gracefully, maintaining their premium look longer than the Terrain’s.
- Soft-touch surfaces provide a luxurious tactile experience
- High-grade materials boost long-term durability
- Spacious, comfortable seating supports every journey
- Interior finishes deliver an upscale, premium cloth feel
Durable Interior Design
Offering a durable interior design, the Honda CR-V combines high-quality materials with smart engineering to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Its small SUVs segment rivals, like the GMC Terrain, don’t match the CR-V’s efficient use of space and superior interior organization.
You’ll appreciate the thoughtful storage solutions and spacious layout that keep the cabin comfortable and practical over time.
The CR-V uses robust, easy-to-clean surfaces, making it an excellent choice for families and active lifestyles who demand longevity and style in their vehicle’s interior.
This durable interior design guarantees lasting appeal and functionality.
Nissan Rogue: Spacious Interior With Driver Assistance Tech
Although both SUVs offer competitive cargo space, the Nissan Rogue stands out with a spacious and refined interior that provides ample legroom for front passengers and a comfortable rear seating area.
You’ll appreciate its contemporary design paired with user-friendly features. The Rogue also integrates advanced driver assistance tech, like ProPilot Assist, offering a smoother, more relaxed drive on highways.
Despite its strengths, expect around 26 MPG combined, which is slightly below some rivals. Compared to the GMC Terrain, the Rogue focuses more on advanced tech while delivering similar cargo flexibility.
- Spacious interior improves passenger comfort
- ProPilot Assist eases highway driving stress
- Contemporary cabin design with practical features
- Competitive cargo space for family needs
Hyundai Santa Fe: Three-Row Seating and Extensive Warranty
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with its available three-row seating, which lets you carry more passengers than the GMC Terrain’s two-row setup. This feature makes the Santa Fe ideal if you need extra seats for family or friends.
It also offers up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space, providing more versatile storage than the Terrain’s 63 cubic feet. Hyundai backs the Santa Fe with an unmatched 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, significantly longer than the Terrain’s 3-year/36,000-mile coverage.
You get contemporary interior design and user-friendly technology in a competitively priced small SUV that delivers great value.
Mazda CX-5: Comfort-Focused Interior and Technology
When you step inside the Mazda CX-5, you’ll notice a cabin designed with your comfort in mind, featuring high-quality materials that create a premium atmosphere despite offering slightly less rear legroom than the GMC Terrain.
The CX-5 delivers a spacious rear cabin with 39.6 inches of legroom and emphasizes a driver-focused layout for intuitive control. Its available tech features include a 10.25-inch infotainment display, though it lacks standard onboard Wi-Fi like the Terrain.
Higher trims provide luxurious touches such as leather upholstery and heated seats, available only in top-tier models.
- Premium materials enhancing your driving environment
- Spacious rear seating just shy of Terrain’s comfort
- Intuitive, driver-centric dashboard design
- Luxurious heated seats in higher trims for cozy rides
Ford Escape: Cargo Flexibility and Standard Features Advantage
You’ll notice the Ford Escape offers several standard tech features, but its second-row seats don’t fold flat, which limits cargo flexibility compared to some rivals.
While the Escape provides a solid mix of convenience and technology, the flat-folding rear seats and versatile cargo options found in competitors might better suit your hauling needs.
Let’s investigate how these differences affect your practicality and comfort when loading gear or groceries.
Standard Tech Features
Although the Ford Escape offers more total cargo volume, the GMC Terrain delivers superior standard technology and cargo versatility that you’ll appreciate.
The Terrain comes equipped with standard tech features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation, which the Escape doesn’t offer by default. You’ll also benefit from the Terrain’s cargo flexibility with a flat-folding second row and front passenger seat, making it easier to haul larger items.
- Enjoy seamless connectivity with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigate effortlessly using built-in GPS navigation
- Take advantage of a flat-folding second row for versatile cargo space
- Use the hands-free liftgate and heated comfort features included early on
These features make the GMC Terrain a strong choice if you want convenience and tech in your SUV.
Cargo Space Flexibility
Despite the Ford Escape’s larger overall cargo volume, the GMC Terrain excels in cargo space flexibility thanks to its flat-folding second row and front passenger seat.
This allows you to carry larger and awkwardly shaped items more easily, setting the Terrain apart among compact SUVs. The Terrain offers 29.6 cubic feet behind the back row and expands to 63 cubic feet with the rear seats down, surpassing the Escape’s total cargo capacity.
Features like a hands-free liftgate and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improve convenience for cargo management, making the Terrain a practical choice for flexible storage needs.
Second-Row Seat Design
The Ford Escape’s second-row seat design offers greater rear passenger legroom than the GMC Terrain, measuring about 40.7 inches compared to the Terrain’s roughly 39.2 inches.
However, the Terrain excels in cargo space flexibility with its flat-folding second row, allowing you to maximize storage configurations. It also features a hands-free liftgate from the second trim level onward, adding convenience.
For passenger comfort and cargo versatility, the Terrain lets you fold down the front passenger seat too, which the Escape does not.
- More adaptable cargo space with a flat-folding second row
- Improved passenger comfort with roomy second-row legroom
- Convenient hands-free liftgate at mid trims and above
- Extra versatility folding front passenger seat for longer items
These elements make Terrain’s second-row and cargo space strong points for your needs.
Kia Seltos: Compact and Less Powerful Alternative
When considering a compact SUV that offers a more budget-friendly and slightly smaller alternative to the GMC Terrain, the Kia Seltos stands out with its 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, just a bit less than the Terrain’s 30 cubic feet. The Seltos generates 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque from a non-turbocharged engine, noticeably less powerful than the Terrain’s turbocharged 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft. Rear passenger comfort leans toward the Terrain, offering 40 inches of second-row legroom versus the Seltos’ 38 inches. The Terrain also includes tech like onboard Wi-Fi, absent in Seltos’ base.
| Feature | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|
| Cargo Space | 27 cubic feet |
| Horsepower | 146 hp |
| Second-Row Legroom | 38 inches |
| Feature | GMC Terrain |
| Cargo Space | 30 cubic feet |
| Horsepower | 175 hp turbocharged |
| Second-Row Legroom | 40 inches |
Toyota Corolla Cross: Cargo and Off-Road Capability Differences
Although the Toyota Corolla Cross offers a respectable compact SUV option, it falls short of the GMC Terrain regarding cargo space and rear passenger comfort. The Corolla Cross provides only 24 cubic feet of cargo room and 32 inches of rear legroom compared to the Terrain’s 30 cubic feet and 40 inches.
The Terrain’s turbocharged engine delivers more horsepower and torque, improving performance. Plus, the Terrain’s AT4 model offers true off-road capability, something the Corolla Cross lacks.
- More cargo space means more room for your gear and luggage
- Extra rear legroom boosts passenger comfort on long drives
- Improved engine power for confident acceleration
- Off-road readiness with the Terrain AT4 for outdoor adventures
Choosing the GMC Terrain gives you greater versatility for both everyday use and rugged terrain.
Hyundai Kona: Premium Amenities and Performance Comparison
Compared to the Hyundai Kona, the GMC Terrain delivers stronger performance with its 175-horsepower turbocharged engine versus Kona’s base 147 horsepower.
The Terrain also offers superior premium amenities, such as heated second-row outboard seats in its Denali trim—a feature absent in the Hyundai Kona Limited.
Cargo space favors the Terrain as well, with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to Kona’s smaller area.
Additionally, the Terrain includes a Head-Up Display and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot as standard tech, both lacking in the Kona, highlighting a clear performance comparison and premium amenities edge for the GMC Terrain.
Honda HR-V: Cargo Space and Engine Power Contrast
You’ll appreciate the GMC Terrain’s larger cargo capacity, offering 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats versus 24 cubic feet in the Honda HR-V.
It expands to 63 cubic feet when the rear seats fold down compared to the HR-V’s 55 cubic feet.
The GMC Terrain’s engine power stands out at 175 horsepower, delivering 17 more than the HR-V’s 158 horsepower.
Beyond cargo and power, the GMC Terrain features wireless smartphone connectivity standard, unlike the HR-V, which often requires a cord.
- More room for your gear and groceries
- Extra horsepower for confident driving
- Wireless connectivity for seamless tech use
- Practical choice balancing capacity and performance
These GMC Terrain advantages make a tangible difference if you prioritize cargo space and engine power.
GMC Terrain AT4 and Denali Models: Off-Road and Luxury Options
The GMC Terrain AT4 and Denali models extend the Terrain lineup with specialized features that cater to different driving needs.
The GMC Terrain AT4 emphasizes off-road capability with an off-road tuned suspension and red recovery hooks, making it ideal for rugged terrains.
Meanwhile, the GMC Terrain Denali prioritizes luxury, offering perforated leather-appointed front seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and unique grille accents in Galvano Silver.
Both trims share a 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
Advanced safety features like Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control improve convenience and security for both models.
Experience and Test Drive Opportunities for GMC Terrain
If you want to truly understand the comfort and advanced technology the GMC Terrain offers, scheduling a test drive is an ideal way to experience these features firsthand.
At Eynon Buick GMC, you can examine a variety of GMC Terrain SUVs, including the AT4 and Denali models, to see which fits your lifestyle best.
During your test drive, assess the spacious 29.6 cubic feet cargo capacity and versatile flat-folding rear seats.
Contact their sales team at (570) 521-6128 to personalize your experience. Enjoy learning about current promotions and financing options while on-site.
- Feel the superior interior comfort
- Experience advanced tech features in action
- Discover flexible storage suited for your needs
- Investigate exclusive AT4 and Denali trims firsthand
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong when considering models similar to the GMC Terrain, but each competitor offers its own feather in the cap. The Chevy Equinox delivers Terrain’s powertrain at a more wallet-friendly price. The Toyota RAV4 stands out with a hybrid option for better fuel economy. Hondas and Nissans offer roomy, tech-savvy cabins, while the Hyundai Santa Fe adds three-row seating and a solid warranty. Test-driving these will help you separate the wheat from the chaff and find your ideal ride.
