2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$30,000 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the substantial 102 horsepower gap, with the Santa Fe offering 277 hp against the Terrain's 175 hp. This power discrepancy is reflected in their MSRPs, where the Santa Fe demands $34,800 compared to the Terrain's lower entry price of $30,000. Fuel economy also shows a quantifiable trade-off; the Terrain achieves a superior 27 MPG combined (26 city/28 highway), while the Santa Fe yields 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway). Dimensionally, the Santa Fe is longer at 190.2 inches versus 181.0 inches for the Terrain. However, the larger Santa Fe segment surprisingly results in less usable space, offering only 14.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly behind the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the higher power and larger external dimensions of the Santa Fe against the Terrain's superior fuel efficiency and cargo volume at a lower purchase price.

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 better fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Terrain

Despite being smaller externally, the Terrain offers substantially more storage space, boasting 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear choice for performance due to its significantly higher output of 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain presents better value by being $4,800 cheaper and delivering superior combined MPG figures.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

If the primary concern is minimizing operating costs via better efficiency (27 MPG combined).
If maximizing interior storage is critical, as it provides 29.8 cu ft of cargo room.
If minimizing the initial outlay is a priority, given its $30,000 MSRP.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

If driving performance is paramount, leveraging the 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
If a larger exterior footprint is desired, evidenced by its 190.2-inch length.
If the buyer prefers a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	181.0"	190.2"
Width	74.5"	74.8"
Height	66.2"	67.7"
Wheelbase	107.5"	110.8"

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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	311 lb-ft @ 4000 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	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	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	17.7 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	44.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	56.5 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	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	54.9 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 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/60R18
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 Santa Fe.

What is the definitive performance difference between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe generates 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, creating a 102 hp advantage over the 2025 GMC Terrain's 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is more practical for highway commuting based on fuel economy?

The 2025 GMC Terrain is superior for pure fuel efficiency, rating at 28 MPG highway compared to the Santa Fe's 29 MPG highway, but the Terrain's 27 MPG combined rating is better than the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined rating.

Does the larger Santa Fe offer more cargo space than the smaller Terrain?

No, the data indicates the opposite; the shorter 181.0-inch Terrain provides 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the 190.2-inch Santa Fe only offers 14.6 cu ft.

What is the exact MSRP difference between the two models?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has an MSRP of $34,800, making it $4,800 more expensive than the 2025 GMC Terrain, which starts at $30,000.

Are there differences in the transmission type between the two vehicles?

Yes, the Terrain utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the Santa Fe comes equipped with a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping fueling costs consistent on that metric.