2025 GMC Terrain vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 GMC Terrain bursts onto the scene prioritizing smart packaging and attainable efficiency, starting at just $30,000, offering a respectable 27 MPG combined. Its compact footprint, just 181.0 inches long, suggests nimbleness for urban navigation. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander leans into brute-force utility and outright power; this behemoth commands a $40,860 starting price, but rewards drivers with a potent 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. While the Terrain sticks to a smooth CVT putting out 175 hp, the Grand Highlander utilizes a conventional 8-speed automatic to manage its significantly higher output. Although the Terrain sips slightly better fuel economy (26/28 MPG vs 21/28 MPG), the difference in outright performance—a staggering 90 hp separation—defines the core contrast between these two crossovers built for vastly different missions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and lower starting price of $30,000.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The larger 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, despite having less maximum cargo volume listed, implies greater overall passenger space due to its substantial 201.4-inch length compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is the clear choice for driving enthusiasm, boasting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Terrain's 175 hp.
2025 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain offers significantly better fiscal value, costing $10,860 less than the Toyota Grand Highlander while still providing competitive efficiency.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- You need the lowest possible entry price, with the 2025 Terrain starting at $30,000.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, as the Terrain achieves 27 MPG combined.
- You prefer navigating tight city streets, given the Terrain's smaller 181.0-inch length.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You demand high performance, leveraging the Grand Highlander's substantial 265 horsepower output.
- Towing or heavy hauling capability is important, supported by 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You require a larger presence on the road, reflected in the Grand Highlander's greater 70.1-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Terrain | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.0" | 201.4" |
| Width | 74.5" | 78.3" |
| Height | 66.2" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5800 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 in | 12.3 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 | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 56.5 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.0 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How significant is the performance gap between the two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander produces 265 horsepower, which is exactly 90 hp more than the 2025 GMC Terrain's 175 hp, indicating much stronger acceleration potential.
Which vehicle offers a better deal considering the MSRP difference?
The GMC Terrain is the clear value leader with a $30,000 starting MSRP, providing a savings of $10,860 over the Grand Highlander's $40,860 base price.
Does the larger size of the Grand Highlander translate to better cargo space?
Surprisingly, the smaller GMC Terrain technically lists a higher maximum cargo capacity at 29.8 cubic feet compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet, suggesting superior flexibility in the rear area of the Terrain.
Are the transmissions drastically different in feel?
Yes, the 2025 Terrain utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT) transmission, while the more powerful 2025 Grand Highlander uses a traditional 8-speed automatic gearbox.
How does highway driving compare regarding efficiency?
Both vehicles achieve an identical 28 MPG on the highway, despite the significant power differential and the Terrain's slightly better city rating of 26 MPG.
What fuel type is required for both models?
Both the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.
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