2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Ford Escape
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2025 GMC Terrain lies in cargo volume, where the Escape leads with 37.5 cubic feet compared to the Terrain's 29.8 cubic feet—a difference of 7.7 cubic feet. Economically, the Escape also edges out the competition by achieving 30 combined MPG, surpassing the Terrain's 27 combined MPG, notably thanks to its superior 34 MPG highway rating versus the Terrain's 28 MPG highway. Performance figures show the Escape generating slightly more power with 180 horsepower versus the Terrain's 175 horsepower, although the Terrain compensates with marginally higher torque at 203 lb-ft against the Escape's 199 lb-ft. The base MSRPs are competitive, with the Terrain starting at $30,000 and the Escape at $30,350. Furthermore, the Escape utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission while the Terrain employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, impacting driving feel and efficiency consistency.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape offers superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the 2025 GMC Terrain's 27 combined MPG.
2026 Ford Escape
The Escape provides substantially more usable storage space, offering 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Terrain's 29.8 cubic feet.
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain produces slightly higher peak torque at 203 lb-ft, potentially offering better initial responsiveness off the line than the Escape's 199 lb-ft.
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain secures a lower entry price point at $30,000, beating the Escape's MSRP of $30,350 while still delivering comparable power.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- You prioritize a marginally lower base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $30,000.
- You prefer the specific feel of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission over a traditional 8-speed automatic.
- You value the higher torque output of 203 lb-ft available in the Terrain's powertrain setup.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Maximum cargo utility is essential, as the Escape provides 37.5 cubic feet versus the Terrain's 29.8 cubic feet.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, demonstrated by the Escape’s 34 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer the established shift characteristics of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Terrain | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.0" | 180.1" |
| Width | 74.5" | 74.1" |
| Height | 66.2" | 66.0" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 106.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5800 rpm | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 399.6/503.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.6 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 55.2 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 | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.0 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2026 Ford Escape.
How much larger is the 2026 Ford Escape's cargo area compared to the 2025 GMC Terrain?
The 2026 Ford Escape offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is significantly more than the 29.8 cubic feet provided by the 2025 GMC Terrain. This difference of 7.7 cubic feet makes the Escape better suited for larger hauling requirements.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
The 2026 Ford Escape leads in highway fuel economy, achieving an EPA estimate of 34 MPG on the highway. The 2025 GMC Terrain is rated slightly lower at 28 MPG highway.
Do both vehicles use the same type of automatic transmission?
No, the transmissions differ; the 2025 GMC Terrain comes standard with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, while the 2026 Ford Escape utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
Is there a significant difference in base horsepower and torque?
The 2026 Ford Escape produces 180 horsepower versus the Terrain's 175 horsepower. However, the Terrain counters with slightly more torque at 203 lb-ft compared to the Escape's 199 lb-ft.
Which vehicle has the lower starting price?
The 2025 GMC Terrain has the lower entry point for the specified trims, starting at $30,000 MSRP. The 2026 Ford Escape begins at $30,350 MSRP.
Are the external dimensions similar for parking and garage storage?
The vehicles are very close in size; the Terrain is slightly longer at 181.0 inches versus the Escape's 180.1 inches, and the Terrain is also marginally wider and taller by approximately 0.4 inches in both metrics.
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