2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$30,000 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the affordable, straightforward 2025 GMC Terrain and the tech-forward 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is a classic budget-versus-tech dilemma. The Terrain enters the fray with a compelling $30,000 MSRP, significantly undercutting the Tucson PHEV's $40,075 price tag, saving buyers over $10,000 upfront. However, the Tucson fights back with superior performance, delivering a robust 268 hp compared to the Terrain's 175 hp, alongside better overall efficiency (35 MPG combined vs. 27 MPG combined). While the Terrain offers slightly more utility with 31.9 cu ft of cargo space (vs. 29.8 cu ft in the Terrain, wait, correction: the Tucson PHEV has 31.9 cu ft vs Terrain's 29.8 cu ft), the Tucson’s 32-mile electric range offers a compelling daily fuel-saving solution that the standard gasoline Terrain simply cannot match. Ultimately, your priorities regarding initial cost versus long-term fuel savings and power will dictate the winner here.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV wins for commuters due to its 32 miles of electric range and superior 35 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Families will appreciate the Tucson's standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly larger 31.9 cu ft cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson dominates in driving engagement, offering 93 more horsepower (268 hp vs. 175 hp) and more torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain provides strong value with a $10,075 lower starting MSRP at $30,000.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Your absolute top priority is minimizing the initial purchase price, as the MSRP is $30,000.
You prefer the simplicity and established nature of a non-hybrid powertrain using regular unleaded fuel.
You don't need extreme horsepower, as the 175 hp engine is adequate for typical errands.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize fuel savings and want to utilize the 32 miles of electric range before relying on gasoline.
You need better traction, as the Tucson comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
You desire significantly more power, boasting 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	181.0"	182.7"
Width	74.5"	73.4"
Height	66.2"	66.3"
Wheelbase	107.5"	108.5"

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	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	268 hp
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	271 lb-ft
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	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	12.3 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	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	54.5 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	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside 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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the primary fuel economy advantage of the 2026 Tucson PHEV over the 2025 Terrain?

The Tucson PHEV is substantially more efficient, boasting a combined 35 MPG compared to the Terrain’s 27 MPG combined. Crucially, the Tucson offers 32 miles of pure electric driving before needing the gas engine.

Is the price difference between these two models worth the extra features on the Tucson?

The Tucson costs $10,075 more, starting at $40,075 versus the Terrain's $30,000. This premium gets you significantly more horsepower (268 hp vs. 175 hp) and the electric driving capability.

Which crossover has more usable space for hauling gear?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV edges out the competition slightly, offering 31.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Terrain’s 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

How do the driving dynamics compare between the two 175-inch-long crossovers?

The Terrain uses a CVT, optimizing for gentle driving, while the Tucson features a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with 271 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear choice for driving enthusiasts.

Do I need premium fuel for either of these vehicles?

Fortunately, both the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

While very close in size, the 2026 Tucson is slightly longer at 182.7 inches compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches, though the Terrain is slightly wider.