2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$30,000 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a practical compact crossover like the 2025 GMC Terrain and the unique 2026 Honda Ridgeline truck/crossover blend can leave many buyers puzzled. If your primary concern is daily efficiency and a lower entry cost, the Terrain shines. With an MSRP starting at just $30,000, it offers a compelling deal compared to the Ridgeline's $40,595 tag. Furthermore, the Terrain boasts a combined MPG of 27, easily beating the Ridgeline's 21 MPG. However, if capability matters more, the Ridgeline offers a substantial power advantage with 280 hp versus the Terrain's 175 hp, backed by 262 lb-ft of torque. While the Ridgeline is significantly larger in length (210.2 inches vs. 181.0 inches for the Terrain), the trade-off is evident in usable space: the Terrain offers over four times the enclosed cargo capacity at 29.8 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft bed.

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 fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Terrain

Families prioritizing enclosed, secure storage will prefer the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity over the Ridgeline's open bed.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline appeals more to enthusiasts with significantly more power, delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

The Terrain delivers substantially better value by offering a $10,595 lower starting MSRP and better fuel efficiency.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

You are focused strictly on minimizing running costs, thanks to its 27 combined MPG rating.
Your budget cap is around the $30,000 mark, as its MSRP is significantly lower.
You need secure, enclosed storage space, benefiting from its 29.8 cu ft capacity.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You require greater outright acceleration from a 280 hp engine.
You need All-Wheel Drive capability coupled with a versatile open bed.
You regularly drive longer distances where the extra size and 9-speed automatic transmission might be more comfortable.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Honda Ridgeline
Length	181.0"	210.2"
Width	74.5"	78.6"
Height	66.2"	70.8"
Wheelbase	107.5"	125.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Honda
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	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	GMC	Honda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Honda
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Honda
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	9.0 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	215W
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	GMC	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Honda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Honda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline than the 2025 GMC Terrain?

The Ridgeline has a considerable advantage in power, producing 280 hp compared to the Terrain's 175 hp. This difference of 105 hp means the Ridgeline will accelerate noticeably faster.

Is the extra cost of the Ridgeline worth the trade-off in fuel economy?

The Ridgeline costs $10,595 more and is less efficient, achieving only 21 combined MPG versus the Terrain's 27 combined MPG. You must weigh the need for Ridgeline's truck capabilities against the sustained savings of the Terrain.

Which vehicle is better for city driving based on size?

The 2025 GMC Terrain is much better suited for tight city maneuvers. It is substantially shorter in length at 181.0 inches compared to the Ridgeline's 210.2 inches.

Can I tow more effectively with the Ridgeline?

While exact towing capacities are not listed, the Ridgeline's 280 hp engine and standard All-Wheel Drive system strongly suggest superior towing capability over the less powerful, FWD-based Terrain.

Does the Terrain offer more passenger or cargo space inside?

The Terrain is structured as a traditional crossover, offering superior enclosed utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo room, whereas the Ridgeline is designed with an open bed, providing only 7.3 cu ft of storage space.

Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying refueling for owners of either vehicle.