2025 GMC Terrain vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

$30,000 · Crossover

$36,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 GMC Terrain leaps in with rugged styling and efficiency, starting at an attractive $30,000, appealing to the sensible driver seeking good mileage at 27 combined MPG. It boasts a compact 181.0 inches in length, making urban navigation a breeze. Contrast this with the muscular 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, a significantly larger machine (197.7 inches long) that flexes serious power with 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, albeit at a premium price point of $36,400 and slightly lower 23 combined MPG. The performance gap is immense; the Pathfinder offers 109 more horsepower than the Terrain’s 175 hp setup. While the Terrain prioritizes efficiency from its smaller, FWD setup, the Pathfinder delivers superior brute force, giving buyers a clear choice between budget-conscious urban agility and powerful, larger family hauling capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 GMC Terrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its superior 27 combined MPG, saving money over time compared to the Pathfinder's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the better family hauler because it is substantially larger overall and offers greater passenger/towing capability implied by its higher power figures.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

Enthusiasts will prefer the Pathfinder, which delivers 284 horsepower and a traditional 9-speed automatic, crushing the Terrain's 175 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain offers outstanding baseline value, undercutting the Pathfinder by $6,400 for a capable crossover platform.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Your primary concern is optimizing fuel economy, as the Terrain achieves 27 combined MPG versus 23 MPG for the Pathfinder.
You need the lowest upfront cost, with the Terrain starting at $30,000, which is $6,400 less than car2.
You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle for tight city spots, reflected in the Terrain’s shorter 181.0-inch length.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You demand exhilarating acceleration and passing power from its class-leading 284 horsepower rating.
You need a robust powertrain backed by a conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Maximum interior space and road presence are critical, as the Pathfinder is significantly larger in all dimensions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Nissan Pathfinder
Length	181.0"	197.7"
Width	74.5"	77.9"
Height	66.2"	70.9"
Wheelbase	107.5"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Nissan
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	✓	✓
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	370.0/499.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	GMC	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Manual
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	35.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	59.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	255/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	GMC	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Nissan
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.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Pathfinder compared to the 2025 Terrain?

The difference in power is substantial; the Nissan Pathfinder boasts 284 horsepower, while the GMC Terrain produces only 175 horsepower, meaning the Pathfinder offers 109 more horsepower for a more dynamic driving experience.

Is the difference in size between the two crossovers significant for daily use?

Yes, the Pathfinder is clearly the larger vehicle, measuring 197.7 inches long compared to the Terrain’s 181.0 inches. This size difference impacts maneuverability, though the Pathfinder likely offers better rear passenger volume.

What is the price gap and how does it relate to fuel savings?

The Pathfinder commands a $6,400 higher MSRP, starting at $36,400 versus the Terrain's $30,000. The Terrain compensates by being more efficient, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG.

Which vehicle is better for drivers focused purely on efficiency?

The 2025 GMC Terrain is the clear efficiency winner, netting 27 combined MPG from its FWD configuration, compared to the Pathfinder's 20 City/27 Highway rating.

Do these vehicles use the same type of transmission?

No, they use different transmissions; the Terrain utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), whereas the more performance-oriented Pathfinder employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Does the larger Pathfinder have more cargo space than the smaller Terrain?

Despite being physically larger overall, the 2025 GMC Terrain offers greater utility with 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's 16.6 cubic feet.