2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 GMC Terrain

$39,995 · Crossover

$30,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the newly redesigned 2026 GMC Terrain and the established 2025 Subaru Ascent often comes down to balancing initial cost against long-term capability. The most glaring difference is the MSRP: the Terrain starts at a highly competitive $30,100, significantly undercutting the Ascent's $39,995—a difference of nearly $10,000. However, the Ascent counters with superior muscle, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Terrain's 175 hp. While the Terrain offers better fuel economy at a combined 27 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG, the Ascent’s standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and larger exterior dimensions (196.8 inches long) suggest better performance in adverse conditions, despite its smaller 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Terrain’s massive 29.8 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 GMC Terrain

The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Terrain

The Terrain is better suited for families needing storage, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 29.8 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent appeals more to driving enthusiasts thanks to its powerful 260 hp engine and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2026 GMC Terrain

The 2026 GMC Terrain provides better upfront value, saving buyers $9,895 in initial purchase price.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You frequently need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for handling snow or rugged terrain.
You prioritize engine performance, needing the 277 lb-ft of torque the Ascent provides.
You need the largest possible physical footprint, as the Ascent is 196.8 inches long.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Saving money upfront is critical, given the $9,895 lower starting MSRP.
Maximizing cargo volume is a priority, with the Terrain offering 29.8 cu ft.
You want better day-to-day running costs with a 5 MPG combined fuel economy advantage.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	GMC Terrain
Length	196.8"	181.0"
Width	76.0"	74.5"
Height	71.6"	65.8"
Wheelbase	113.8"	107.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	GMC
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	GMC
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 1750 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	Subaru	GMC
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
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	Subaru	GMC
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	15.0 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 Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	GMC
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	44.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	55.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	GMC
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	51.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	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	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is the 2026 GMC Terrain powerful enough compared to the Subaru Ascent?

The Terrain produces 175 hp, which is noticeably less than the Ascent's 260 hp. If towing or rapid acceleration is a top priority, the 85 hp deficit might be felt regularly.

Which crossover has better real-world hauling space?

The 2026 GMC Terrain is the clear winner here, offering 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Subaru Ascent only manages 17.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up, which is a significant difference.

Does the Subaru Ascent come standard with AWD, unlike the Terrain?

Yes, the specification provided indicates the 2025 Subaru Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 GMC Terrain defaults to Front-Wheel Drive.

How much more expensive is the Subaru Ascent upfront?

The starting MSRP for the 2025 Subaru Ascent is $39,995, making it $9,895 more expensive than the $30,100 starting price of the 2026 GMC Terrain.

Which vehicle will cost less to fuel over a year?

Based on the MPG figures, the Terrain is more frugal, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. This 5 MPG advantage translates directly to lower regular unleaded fuel costs.

Are the vehicles similar in size for city parking?

No, the Ascent is significantly larger; its length of 196.8 inches makes it over 5 inches longer than the Terrain's 181.0 inches. The Ascent is also taller at 71.6 inches.