2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Ford Explorer is the 125 horsepower advantage held by the Explorer (300 hp vs. 175 hp), closely followed by an MSRP gap of $8,330. The Explorer's higher output translates to a more robust performance profile, boasting 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Terrain's 203 lb-ft. However, this power comes at the cost of efficiency, as the Terrain achieves a superior Combined MPG rating of 27, while the larger Explorer achieves 24 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Explorer is considerably larger at 198.8 inches in length compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches, which might influence maneuverability. Conversely, the smaller Terrain offers substantially more usability, yielding 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, demonstrating a focus on compact utility versus brute force.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain is the preferred commuter vehicle due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Explorer's 24 MPG.
2026 Ford Explorer
Despite lower capacity, the 2026 Ford Explorer's larger dimensions (198.8 inches long) and higher power output offer better potential for three-row family hauling and highway merging.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer clearly leads in performance metrics, generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Terrain's 175 hp.
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain offers substantially lower entry cost at $30,000 and better efficiency, resulting in a stronger immediate value proposition.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Your priority is minimizing fuel stops, given its 27 combined MPG rating.
- You require maximum usable storage, as its 29.8 cu ft cargo space eclipses the competitor's 16.3 cu ft.
- Budget is paramount, indicated by its $30,000 base MSRP, significantly lower than Car 2's $38,330.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize high performance, reflected by the 125 hp and 107 lb-ft torque advantage.
- Rear-Wheel Drive configuration and the 10-speed automatic transmission are necessary for your driving style.
- A longer vehicle profile (198.8 inches) is desired, possibly for greater rear passenger volume or road presence.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Terrain | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.0" | 198.8" |
| Width | 74.5" | 78.9" |
| Height | 66.2" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 119.1" |
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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5800 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.6 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 59.2 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.0 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
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 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2026 Ford Explorer.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Terrain and the 2026 Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers significantly more power, generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 GMC Terrain lags behind with only 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, making the Explorer faster in straight-line acceleration.
Which crossover offers better long-term running costs based on the provided data?
The 2025 GMC Terrain is projected to have lower daily running costs due to superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the Explorer's 24 combined MPG. The Terrain also starts $8,330 cheaper.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer much larger than the 2025 GMC Terrain?
Yes, the Explorer is dimensionally larger, measuring 198.8 inches in length versus the Terrain's 181.0 inches. This extra length does not translate to significantly more cargo space, as the Terrain offers 29.8 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
How does the drivetrain and transmission differ between these two vehicles?
The base 2025 GMC Terrain comes standard with Front Wheel Drive and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In contrast, the 2026 Ford Explorer utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive layout paired with a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission.
If maximum hauling capacity is the goal, which vehicle should I choose?
The 2025 GMC Terrain provides substantially more easily accessible cargo volume at 29.8 cubic feet. The 2026 Ford Explorer is limited to 16.3 cubic feet of storage space, indicating a different design priority.
Are both vehicles designed to use the same type of gasoline?
Yes, according to the specifications provided, both the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Ford Explorer are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool