2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 GMC Terrain is the power output, with the Pathfinder producing 284 hp compared to the Terrain's 175 hp, a substantial 109 hp difference. This power deficit in the Terrain is offset by superior fuel economy, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG. Furthermore, the Pathfinder offers a larger physical footprint at 197.7 inches in length, while the Terrain maximizes utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo space against the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft. Pricing also represents a major split, with the Pathfinder starting at $36,400 while the more efficient Terrain is significantly more accessible at $30,100. Torque figures follow the horsepower trend, with the Pathfinder providing 259 lb-ft against the Terrain's 184 lb-ft, illustrating fundamentally different driving dynamics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and a lower initial MSRP of $30,100.
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain provides significantly more practicality for families, offering 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the clear choice for enthusiasts, boasting 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque versus the Terrain's 175 hp.
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain offers superior overall value, being $6,300 cheaper and achieving 4 MPG better efficiency.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You prioritize engine performance, needing the 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque offered by the Pathfinder.
- Your typical driving involves highway cruising where its 27 highway MPG might still be competitive despite the lower combined rating.
- You require the maximum physical size, benefiting from the Pathfinder's 197.7-inch overall length.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Terrain has a $6,300 lower starting MSRP at $30,100.
- Maximizing utility is essential, given the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prioritize running costs through better efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Pathfinder | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 181.0" |
| Width | 77.9" | 74.5" |
| Height | 70.9" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/499.5 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.3 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | โ | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.6 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | โ | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 GMC Terrain.
What is the key performance difference between the 2025 Pathfinder and the 2026 Terrain?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder significantly outperforms the 2026 GMC Terrain in power, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Terrain's 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 GMC Terrain is the more economical choice, achieving 27 combined MPG (26 city/28 highway). The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder trails slightly with 23 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway).
How much more expensive is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
The starting MSRP for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is $36,400, which is $6,300 higher than the 2026 GMC Terrain's base price of $30,100.
Which crossover provides more interior storage space?
The 2026 GMC Terrain leads substantially in cargo capacity, offering 29.8 cu ft, while the larger 2025 Nissan Pathfinder provides only 16.6 cu ft behind the second row.
Are there notable differences in transmission types between these two models?
Yes, the Pathfinder uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Terrain employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Do both vehicles utilize the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 GMC Terrain are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for operation.
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