2025 GMC Terrain vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$30,000 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial variance between the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2025 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Highlander starting at $40,320 compared to the Terrain’s $30,000, a $10,320 gap. This price disparity reflects substantial performance differences, as the Highlander delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Terrain’s 175 hp and 203 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the smaller Terrain, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Highlander’s 25 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Highlander is larger, measuring 194.9 inches long against the Terrain’s 181.0 inches. However, this size does not translate to utility, as the Terrain offers superior cargo capacity at 29.8 cubic feet, dwarfing the Highlander's 16 cubic feet, while both utilize FWD standard configurations.

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 combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Terrain

Despite being smaller, the 2025 GMC Terrain offers substantially more usable space with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander appeals to enthusiasts with a significant 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque advantage.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain offers a $10,320 lower starting MSRP while still providing adequate power and better base cargo volume.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Your budget requires a starting MSRP under $31,000, as the Terrain begins at $30,000.
Maximizing utility is key, given its 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the competitor's 16 cu ft.
Prioritizing city driving efficiency, where the Terrain achieves 26 MPG versus the Highlander's 22 MPG.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Performance output is a primary concern, as the Highlander offers 90 more horsepower (265 hp vs 175 hp).
You require the increased road presence and physical size afforded by its 194.9-inch length.
A traditional 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the Terrain's continuously variable-speed automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Toyota Highlander
Length	181.0"	194.9"
Width	74.5"	76.0"
Height	66.2"	68.1"
Wheelbase	107.5"	112.2"

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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

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 shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	17.9 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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Toyota
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	✓	—

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.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	57.2 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.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	58.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
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 Highlander.

What is the key difference in power output between the 2025 Terrain and the 2025 Highlander?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander provides a significant performance edge, delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 GMC Terrain trails substantially with 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2025 GMC Terrain is marginally more efficient, achieving 27 MPG combined (26 city/28 highway). The 2025 Toyota Highlander is rated at 25 MPG combined (22 city/29 highway), though its highway efficiency is slightly better.

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander significantly larger than the 2025 GMC Terrain?

Yes, the Highlander is physically larger, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches in length. However, the smaller Terrain actually provides considerably more cargo volume at 29.8 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

How does the starting price comparison affect the value proposition?

The 2025 GMC Terrain undercuts the 2025 Toyota Highlander's MSRP by $10,320, making it the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking basic FWD crossover utility.

Do both crossovers come standard with Front Wheel Drive?

Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2025 Toyota Highlander list Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as the standard drive type.

What transmission types do these two vehicles utilize?

The 2025 Terrain is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Highlander uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.