2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$30,000 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a practical, smaller SUV like the 2025 GMC Terrain and a much larger contender such as the 2026 Hyundai Palisade often comes down to budget versus capability. The Terrain offers immediate savings, starting at an MSRP of $30,000 compared to the Palisade's $39,435—a $9,435 gap. For daily driving and minimizing gas stops, the Terrain's superior fuel economy nets 27 MPG combined, beating the Palisade's 21 MPG combined, which is a noticeable difference over a year. However, the Palisade brings substantial power with 287 hp versus the Terrain's 175 hp. While the Terrain is slightly more maneuverable at 181.0 inches long, the Palisade's extra size compromises efficiency and initial cost, forcing buyers to weigh upfront savings and low running costs against sheer size and performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 GMC Terrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain is the clear winner for commuters due to its significantly better 27 MPG combined fuel economy and lower entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Despite being more expensive, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade's larger size (199.2 inches long) and greater power are generally more appealing for family hauling needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade delivers 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which dramatically outperforms the Terrain's 175 hp output for a more engaging drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

With an MSRP that is $9,435 lower and better fuel economy, the Terrain provides superior value proposition for the average buyer.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Your absolute top priority is saving money upfront, as the Terrain starts at only $30,000.
You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Terrain achieves 27 MPG combined versus the Palisade's 21 MPG.
You prefer a more compact footprint for easier city parking, measuring only 181.0 inches in length.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You need maximum power, benefiting from the Palisade's 287 hp engine.
You frequently transport many passengers or need more interior space, despite its smaller provided cargo volume spec.
You prefer the smooth shifting feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Hyundai Palisade
Length	181.0"	199.2"
Width	74.5"	78.0"
Height	66.2"	69.5"
Wheelbase	107.5"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
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	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	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	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	58.8 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	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	56.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

Is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade a three-row SUV compared to the 2025 GMC Terrain?

While specific seating configurations weren't provided, the Palisade's substantially larger dimensions (199.2 inches long) strongly suggest it is a three-row vehicle, whereas the Terrain's 181.0-inch length typically indicates a two-row setup.

How significant is the performance difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is significant; the Palisade offers 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, meaning it has 112 more horsepower than the Terrain's 175 hp, translating to much quicker acceleration.

Which car costs less to run regularly in terms of fuel?

The 2025 GMC Terrain will be cheaper to fuel over time because it achieves 27 MPG combined compared to the Palisade's 21 MPG combined.

If I tow frequently, which vehicle is likely better suited?

Based on the power specifications, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, with its higher horsepower and torque figures, is almost certainly better equipped for towing duties.

What is the price difference and does the Palisade's size justify it?

The Palisade starts $9,435 higher, priced at $39,435 versus the Terrain's $30,000 MSRP; this premium buys significantly more horsepower and physical length.