2025 GMC Terrain vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 GMC Terrain enters the ring with a focus on sensible efficiency, boasting a competitive MSRP of $30,000 and delivering a respectable 27 combined MPG, perfect for the daily grind. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Ascent grabs attention with sheer muscle, offering a formidable 260 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, though its starting price jumps nearly $10,000 to $39,995. This power gulf is substantial: the Ascent unleashes 85 more horsepower and 74 lb-ft more torque than the Terrain’s 175 hp. While the Terrain is more nimble at 181.0 inches long, the Ascent offers a longer, more substantial footprint at 196.8 inches. Buyers must weigh the Terrain's excellent fuel economy against the Ascent's superior dynamic performance metrics and greater all-weather capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 27 compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is better equipped for families needing rugged capability, offering standard AWD and a taller height of 71.6 inches.
2025 Subaru Ascent
Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Ascent for its significantly higher output of 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
2025 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain offers superior value with a $9,995 lower MSRP, making it the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- You prioritize keeping running costs low, capitalizing on the 27 combined MPG rating.
- Your budget strictly adheres to a lower entry price point, starting at just $30,000.
- Maneuverability in tight urban spaces is key, given the Terrain's shorter length of 181.0 inches.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You demand spirited acceleration from a punchy 260 hp engine.
- All-weather confidence is essential, backed by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need the extra bulk and ground clearance provided by the Ascent's 71.6-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Terrain | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.0" | 196.8" |
| Width | 74.5" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.2" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5800 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 in | 11.6 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.6 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.0 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Subaru Ascent compared to the 2025 GMC Terrain?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers significantly more performance, generating 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is a difference of 85 horsepower over the 2025 GMC Terrain’s 175 hp rating.
Is the major price difference between these two crossovers justified by added features?
The Subaru Ascent commands a $9,995 higher MSRP ($39,995 vs $30,000), which primarily covers the standard All-Wheel Drive system and the much larger 260 hp engine, appealing to those valuing power over initial savings.
Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for high-mileage drivers?
The 2025 GMC Terrain is the clear efficiency winner, achieving 27 combined MPG. This beats the 2025 Subaru Ascent, which is rated at 22 combined MPG.
Does the difference in size affect cargo capacity notably?
Yes, despite being smaller overall, the 2025 GMC Terrain offers substantially more usable cargo space at 29.8 cubic feet, whereas the larger 2025 Subaru Ascent provides only 17.8 cubic feet.
What is the implication of the different drive types for daily driving?
The Terrain is FWD, focused on efficiency, while the Ascent comes standard with AWD, providing superior traction and stability for driving in adverse weather conditions.
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