2025 GMC Terrain vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

$30,000 · Crossover

$30,245 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan often comes down to prioritizing slightly different strengths in a compact crossover. If you are focused purely on budget entry, the Terrain starts at a lower MSRP of $30,000 compared to the Tiguan's $30,245. However, that extra $245 for the Tiguan buys you noticeably more punch, boasting 201 horsepower versus the Terrain's 175 hp, translating to a 26 hp advantage. While the Terrain offers a slightly larger initial cargo space at 29.8 cubic feet (against the Tiguan's 26.5 cu ft), the Tiguan pulls ahead in efficiency, delivering 29 MPG combined due to its superior 34 MPG highway rating, whereas the Terrain achieves 28 MPG highway. Both use regular unleaded fuel, but the Tiguan's powertrain upgrades, including an 8-speed automatic transmission over the Terrain's CVT, make it the slightly more dynamic choice overall despite the difference in size measurements.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG, helping save trips to the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Terrain

The Terrain offers slightly more immediate utility with 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Tiguan's 26.5 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

Enthusiasts will prefer the Tiguan's higher output of 201 horsepower and its 8-speed automatic transmission over the Terrain's 175 hp and CVT.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

The Terrain presents a better entry point with a lower MSRP of $30,000 against the Tiguan's $30,245.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

You prioritize a lower upfront cost, as the 2025 GMC Terrain starts at $30,000.
You need maximum storage space, benefiting from the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the familiar operation of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for smooth city driving.

Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...

You want more power on tap, benefiting from the Tiguan's 201 horsepower.
Highway fuel economy is paramount, as the Tiguan achieves 34 MPG highway versus the Terrain's 28 MPG.
You prefer the responsiveness of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Volkswagen Tiguan
Length	181.0"	184.4"
Width	74.5"	73.0"
Height	66.2"	66.1"
Wheelbase	107.5"	109.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	207 lb-ft @ 1500 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	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	377.0/493.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	12.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	7
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	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	40.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	54.4 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	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	215/65R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Is the 2025 GMC Terrain significantly smaller than the 2025 VW Tiguan?

Not substantially, though the Tiguan is slightly longer at 184.4 inches compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches. However, the Terrain is slightly wider at 74.5 inches versus the Tiguan's 73.0 inches.

Which crossover feels more powerful for highway merging?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is the more potent option, delivering 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 26 horsepower edge over the Terrain's 175 hp.

How big is the difference in gas mileage between these two FWD crossovers?

The Tiguan is generally more efficient, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Terrain's 27 MPG combined. This difference is most notable on the highway, where the Tiguan hits 34 MPG.

If I want the cheapest starting price, which crossover should I look at?

You should lean towards the 2025 GMC Terrain, which starts at an MSRP of $30,000. The Tiguan is slightly pricier, beginning at $30,245.

Does the extra length in the Tiguan translate to better cargo room?

Interestingly, no; while the Tiguan is 3.4 inches longer overall, the Terrain actually provides more cargo space at 29.8 cubic feet, compared to the Tiguan's 26.5 cubic feet.

Are there any differences in the type of transmission used in the base models?

Yes, the 2025 Terrain uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). In contrast, the 2025 Tiguan comes equipped with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.