2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Volvo XC60

$30,000 · Crossover

$49,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the pragmatic budget-friendly crossover and the premium entry is a tough call. The 2025 GMC Terrain starts at a much more accessible $30,000 compared to the 2026 Volvo XC60's $49,700 MSRP, a substantial $19,700 gap. While the Terrain offers decent efficiency with 27 MPG combined, the XC60 compensates with significantly more muscle, boasting 247 hp versus the Terrain's 175 hp. Daily drivers will appreciate the Terrain's FWD setup and regular unleaded requirement, whereas the Volvo mandates premium fuel alongside its standard AWD. Though marginally smaller externally at 181.0 inches long, the Terrain still provides a usable 29.8 cu ft of cargo space. Ultimately, this comparison pits accessible practicality against premium power and standard sophistication.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 GMC Terrain

The Terrain wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost of $30,000 and more accessible regular unleaded fuel requirement.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volvo XC60

The 2026 XC60 is likely preferred by families for its standard All-Wheel Drive capability and potentially higher safety ratings, despite being longer at 185.4 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volvo XC60

The XC60 dominates in performance with 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Terrain's 175 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

With a $19,700 lower MSRP and better combined fuel economy at 27 MPG, the Terrain offers considerably better immediate value.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Your budget is firmly set near the $30,000 mark, as the $19,700 savings is significant.
You prioritize minimal running costs by using regular unleaded gasoline.
Everyday city driving is your norm, where 26 MPG in the city is respectable.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

Having 247 horsepower on tap for merging and passing is a requirement.
You need the assurance of standard All-Wheel Drive traction.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Volvo XC60
Length	181.0"	185.4"
Width	74.5"	-
Height	66.2"	65.2"
Wheelbase	107.5"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Volvo
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	247 hp
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	266 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	Volvo
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	432.4/564.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	18.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Volvo
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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Volvo
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	11.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
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	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	220W
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	GMC	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Volvo
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	58.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	56.4 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
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Volvo
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	55.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Volvo
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	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Volvo
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2026 Volvo XC60.

How does the fuel economy differ between the two crossovers?

The 2025 GMC Terrain edges out the Volvo slightly, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the 2026 XC60’s 26 MPG combined. However, remember the Terrain takes regular unleaded while the XC60 recommends premium fuel, impacting real-world running costs.

Is the performance difference noticeable between the 175 hp Terrain and the 247 hp XC60?

Yes, the 72 horsepower advantage for the XC60 (247 hp vs. 175 hp) means the Volvo will feel significantly quicker and more responsive, especially when loaded down.

Which vehicle is better for winter weather driving?

The 2026 Volvo XC60 is likely better equipped for severe weather as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 GMC Terrain comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.

How close are the cargo capacities?

The GMC Terrain offers 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space. While the Volvo's exact figure isn't listed, the Terrain's 181.0-inch length suggests a focused, slightly more compact exterior design.

Why is the XC60 so much more expensive than the Terrain?

The $49,700 MSRP for the XC60 reflects its positioning as a more premium product, including a more powerful engine, standard AWD, and likely higher-grade interior materials compared to the entry-level $30,000 GMC Terrain.

Do these vehicles use the same type of transmission?

No, they use distinct systems; the Terrain employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the XC60 utilizes a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic.