2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 GMC Terrain ignites entry-level excitement with a sharp $30,000 MSRP, offering efficiency with 27 MPG combined in a nimble 181.0-inch package. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander commands attention with significantly superior performance, boasting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, creating a genuinely spirited drive. While the Terrain focuses on economical movement with its 175 hp output, the Highlander projects premium capability, albeit at a hefty $45,270 starting price—a massive $15,270 premium over the GMC. The size difference is notable too; the Highlander stretches nearly 14 inches longer than the Terrain. Performance-wise, the 90 hp gap in power output suggests the Highlander pulls much harder when the road opens up, but the Terrain counters with better city efficiency at 26 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its lower $30,000 MSRP and superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is better suited for families, offering greater overall length (194.9 inches) and substantially more power (265 hp) for confident highway merging.
2026 Toyota Highlander
Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 Toyota Highlander for its thrilling 310 lb-ft of torque and standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain provides undeniable financial value, costing $15,270 less than the Highlander while still delivering respectable utility.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Your primary concern is keeping the initial purchase price low, starting at just $30,000.
- Maximizing fuel economy on daily drives is essential, as it achieves 27 MPG combined.
- You prefer the slightly more maneuverable dimensions of a vehicle measuring 181.0 inches long.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You demand significant power, provided by the 265 horsepower engine.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a necessity for your driving conditions.
- You prioritize a larger footprint and increased utility derived from the 8-speed automatic transmission and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Terrain | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.0" | 194.9" |
| Width | 74.5" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5800 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 in | 8.0 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.6 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 57.2 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.0 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Terrain and the 2026 Highlander?
The performance delta is substantial: the 2026 Highlander offers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, completely outclassing the 2025 Terrain's 175 horsepower rating. This means the Highlander provides significantly quicker acceleration, especially from a standstill.
How does the fuel economy compare for city driving?
The 2025 GMC Terrain is the clear winner for stop-and-go traffic, achieving an EPA estimate of 26 MPG in the city. The 2026 Toyota Highlander is rated lower at 21 MPG in the city, likely due to its larger size and more powerful engine.
Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander worth the extra $15,270 over the GMC Terrain?
The added cost of $15,270 buys a substantial upgrade in power (90 more hp) and standard All-Wheel Drive, plus a larger platform. Value depends on whether those features align with your driving needs versus the Terrain’s superior base affordability.
Which vehicle has more usable space inside?
While the Highlander is physically longer, the Terrain actually offers a better maximum cargo rating listed at 29.8 cu ft compared to the Highlander’s 16 cu ft. However, the Highlander is physically larger externally at 194.9 inches long.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither the 2025 GMC Terrain nor the 2026 Toyota Highlander demands premium fuel; both are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
What is the difference in their transmissions?
The 2025 GMC Terrain utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smooth efficiency, while the 2026 Toyota Highlander employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically offers a more direct and engaging driving feel.
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