2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
The $10,600 MSRP gap, ranging from $30,100 for the 2026 GMC Terrain to $40,700 for the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, is the most substantial numerical difference separating these two crossovers. The Traverse commands significantly more power, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Terrain's 175 hp and 184 lb-ft. This performance disparity is reflected in fuel economy, where the smaller Terrain achieves a superior 27 MPG combined versus the Traverse’s 23 MPG combined. Despite its smaller size (181.0 inches long vs. the Traverse's 204.5 inches), the 2026 Terrain offers more usable space, boasting 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft. The Traverse is considerably larger in all dimensions, measuring 79.6 inches wide compared to the Terrain's 74.5 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG compared to the Traverse's 23 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offers a larger physical footprint (204.5 inches long) and potentially more passenger room suitable for larger families.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse delivers significantly more performance with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Terrain's 175 hp output.
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain provides substantially more cargo volume (29.8 cu ft) and better fuel economy while costing $10,600 less than the Traverse.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- High power output is critical, as the 328 hp engine provides superior acceleration.
- Maximum exterior presence is desired, given the Traverse's 204.5-inch length.
- Owners prioritize a larger vehicle structure, as the Traverse is 5.1 inches wider than the Terrain.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Achieving 27 MPG combined is a priority over performance metrics.
- Budget is a key factor, with an MSRP starting $10,600 lower than Car 1.
- Maximum inherent storage is needed, as the Terrain offers 29.8 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Traverse | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.5" | 181.0" |
| Width | 79.6" | 74.5" |
| Height | 69.6" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 121.0" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 17.7 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.3 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.6 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 GMC Terrain.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Traverse and the 2026 Terrain?
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse features a more powerful 328 hp engine producing 326 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2026 GMC Terrain prioritizes efficiency with 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
How much larger is the cargo capacity between these two crossovers?
The 2026 GMC Terrain offers greater standard cargo capacity at 29.8 cu ft. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse provides 22.9 cu ft, making the Terrain superior for pure storage volume.
Does the price difference affect fuel consumption significantly?
Yes, the $10,600 difference in MSRP correlates with a notable fuel efficiency trade-off; the less expensive Terrain achieves 27 MPG combined, while the powerful Traverse only reaches 23 MPG combined.
Which vehicle is physically larger for parking and maneuvering?
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is substantially larger, measuring 204.5 inches in length compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches, which affects maneuverability and garage fit.
Are there differences in their transmission technology?
Yes, the Traverse uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the more value-focused 2026 GMC Terrain utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Do these vehicles use the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 GMC Terrain are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, ensuring low running costs related to fuel grade.
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