2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 GMC Terrain lies in performance capability, where the Palisade delivers 291 horsepower against the Terrain's 175 horsepower, a substantial 116 hp advantage. This power difference is reflected in the MSRP gap, with the Palisade starting at $37,200 compared to the Terrain's $30,100, a $7,100 premium. Conversely, fuel economy heavily favors the smaller Terrain, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 22 combined MPG. The Terrain also provides superior utility, boasting 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially more than the Palisade's 18 cubic feet. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel and front-wheel drive standard, but the Palisade's larger dimensions (196.7 inches long) suggest greater passenger volume, contrasting with the Terrain's lower starting price for budget-conscious buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain is the preferred choice for commuters due to its superior 27 combined MPG efficiency compared to the Palisade's 22 MPG.
2026 GMC Terrain
The Terrain offers significantly more space with 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, better serving the utility needs of most families than the Palisade's 18 cubic feet.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade caters to performance enthusiasts by offering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the Terrain's 175 hp and 184 lb-ft.
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain offers better value by having a $7,100 lower MSRP while still delivering competitive efficiency metrics.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You prioritize engine output, as the Palisade provides 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the stability and presence of a physically larger vehicle, measuring 196.7 inches in length.
- You prefer the familiar shifting characteristics of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Achieving maximum fuel efficiency is crucial, highlighted by the Terrain's 27 combined MPG rating.
- Your budget is firmly under $31,000, given the Terrain's $30,100 MSRP.
- Maximum utility space is required, as the Terrain offers 29.8 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to 18 cubic feet in the Palisade.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 181.0" |
| Width | 77.8" | 74.5" |
| Height | 68.9" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.1 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.7 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 GMC Terrain.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Palisade and the 2026 Terrain?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is significantly more powerful, generating 291 horsepower from its engine, whereas the 2026 GMC Terrain produces 175 horsepower. This results in a 116 hp performance deficit for the Terrain, though the Palisade requires premium dimensions to house that larger engine.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade compared to the 2026 GMC Terrain?
The Palisade carries a higher base MSRP of $37,200, making it $7,100 more expensive than the Terrain's starting price of $30,100. This price accounts for the Palisade's increased horsepower and physical size.
Which vehicle is better for minimizing annual fuel costs based on MPG figures?
The 2026 GMC Terrain is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG (26 city/28 highway). The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is rated lower at 22 combined MPG (19 city/26 highway).
Does the larger Palisade offer substantially more cargo space than the smaller Terrain?
No, counterintuitively, the smaller Terrain offers significantly more dedicated storage, boasting 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Palisade's 18 cubic feet. This suggests a substantial difference in interior packaging layout.
Are there differences in the transmission types offered on these front-wheel-drive models?
Yes, the Palisade utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2026 GMC Terrain employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT). This affects the driving feel during acceleration and cruising.
Do both crossovers require the same fuel type?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 GMC Terrain are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither mandates the use of more expensive premium gasoline for their standard powertrains.
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