2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$30,000 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between a sharp, economical choice like the 2025 GMC Terrain and a larger, more powerful option like the 2026 Subaru Ascent can feel tricky. Buyers must weigh the $10,795 MSRP difference immediately. The Terrain starts strong at $30,000, offering a noticeable edge in frugality with 27 MPG combined, beating the Ascent's 22 MPG combined rating. However, the Ascent throws down significantly more muscle, boasting 260 hp compared to the Terrain's 175 hp, and features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Terrain’s FWD. The size difference is also considerable; the Ascent is longer at 196.8 inches and taller at 71.6 inches, accommodating more passengers, while the smaller Terrain (181.0 inches) prioritizes maneuverability and slightly better cargo space at 29.8 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. This choice boils down to budget and power needs versus size and efficiency.

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 MPG combined, which saves money on daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is better for families because it is substantially larger, measuring 196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches tall, likely accommodating more people or gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Subaru Ascent because it offers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Terrain's 175 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain presents better immediate value, starting nearly $11,000 less at an MSRP of $30,000.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

You want to keep your purchase price low, as the Terrain starts at $30,000.
Fuel economy is paramount, given its 27 MPG combined rating versus the Ascent’s 22 MPG.
You prefer a more compact footprint for easier city parking, measuring 181.0 inches long.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require maximum power, as the Ascent delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
All-weather capability is essential, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You need the space afforded by its larger dimensions, particularly its 71.6-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Subaru Ascent
Length	181.0"	196.8"
Width	74.5"	76.0"
Height	66.2"	71.6"
Wheelbase	107.5"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Subaru
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	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	11.6 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	57.8 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	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Subaru
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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How much more power does the 2026 Ascent have than the 2025 Terrain?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers substantially more power with 260 horsepower, which is 85 hp more than the 2025 GMC Terrain's 175 hp. This extra output also comes with more torque, 277 lb-ft versus the Terrain's 203 lb-ft.

Is the price difference between the two crossovers worth the extra features on the Ascent?

There is a significant $10,795 difference in starting MSRP, with the Terrain at $30,000 and the Ascent at $40,795. You are paying that premium for standard AWD, more horsepower, and a larger vehicle size.

Which vehicle is better for long highway commutes based on efficiency?

The 2025 GMC Terrain is the clear winner for highway efficiency, rated at 28 MPG Highway compared to the 2026 Ascent's 26 MPG Highway. The Terrain's 27 MPG combined rating also tops the Ascent's 22 MPG combined.

Does the size difference impact cargo hauling capabilities?

Yes, despite being the smaller vehicle externally, the 2025 GMC Terrain actually offers more usable space with 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the larger 2026 Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.

What is the main mechanical difference between the base models?

The primary mechanical difference is the drivetrain; the 2025 Terrain comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), whereas the 2026 Ascent includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across all trims.

Are both vehicles capable of using regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Subaru Ascent specify that they use regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep running costs down for both vehicles.