2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander explodes onto the scene with 265 horsepower, promising a robust, large-scale family hauler ready for long hauls, boasting a commanding 201.4 inches in length. Contrast this might with the nimble 2026 GMC Terrain, which champions efficiency and accessibility, starting at a tempting $30,100—a significant $10,760 less than the Toyota's $40,860 entry point. While the Terrain is exceptionally practical with 29.8 cu ft of cargo space, the Grand Highlander counters with superior grunt and a slightly better 21/28 MPG (City/Highway) split for its size. The performance gulf is palpable, as the Toyota wields 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the GMC's 184 lb-ft, positioning them at opposite ends of the driving engagement spectrum despite both being front-wheel-drive crossovers utilizing regular unleaded fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy of 27 MPG combined and significantly lower starting MSRP of $30,100.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers superior passenger and cargo capacity due to its 201.4-inch length, making it better suited for larger family needs.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander delivers vastly superior excitement with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Terrain's 175 hp.
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain offers a compelling financial proposition, undercutting the Grand Highlander by $10,760 while still providing excellent combined mileage.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You require maximum towing or passing power, evidenced by its 90 hp advantage over the Terrain.
- You frequently carry large groups and need the space offered by its longer 201.4-inch frame.
- Your driving style demands high torque, leveraging the Grand Highlander's massive 310 lb-ft output.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Terrain saves you $10,760 off the line compared to the Toyota.
- Prioritizing city efficiency is key, given its 26 MPG city rating versus the Toyota's 21 MPG city rating.
- You value a more manageable footprint for tighter urban parking, as the Terrain is 181.0 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 181.0" |
| Width | 78.3" | 74.5" |
| Height | 70.1" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 GMC Terrain.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander than the 2026 GMC Terrain?
The Grand Highlander boasts 265 horsepower, giving it a substantial 90 hp advantage over the 2026 Terrain's 175 horsepower rating. This extra power translates to 310 lb-ft of torque for the Toyota, compared to the GMC's 184 lb-ft.
Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 GMC Terrain edges out the competition with a 27 MPG combined rating, slightly better than the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG combined figure. Specifically, the Terrain achieves 26 MPG in the city while the Toyota only manages 21 MPG in urban environments.
What is the price difference between these two family vehicles?
There is a significant difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price; the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander starts at $40,860, whereas the 2026 GMC Terrain starts at a much lower $30,100, saving buyers $10,760.
Is the Grand Highlander actually that much larger than the new Terrain?
Yes, the size difference is substantial, impacting both interior space and maneuverability. The Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches in length, making it over 20 inches longer than the 181.0-inch Terrain.
Do these models offer much more cargo room?
The smaller 2026 GMC Terrain surprisingly offers more raw cargo volume at 29.8 cu ft compared to the larger Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft behind the last row. This suggests the Terrain maximizes utility in its more compact shell.
How do the transmissions differ between the two front-wheel-drive crossovers?
The Toyota Grand Highlander uses a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, pairing well with its high-output engine. Conversely, the GMC Terrain employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, optimized for maximizing its efficiency rating.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool