2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
Trying to choose between ultimate efficiency and budget-friendliness in a crossover? That’s a tough call! The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, starting at an MSRP of $46,820, offers serious fuel savings, achieving an excellent 35 combined MPG, which is 8 MPG better than the 2026 GMC Terrain's 27 combined MPG. However, the Terrain enters the ring at a much lower $30,100, saving you a significant $16,720 upfront. While the Highlander Hybrid boasts 243 horsepower for better highway merging, the Terrain provides nearly double the cargo space at 29.8 cu ft versus the Highlander’s 16 cu ft. This comparison pits high fuel economy and power against affordability and practicality for hauling gear, with the AWD capability of the Highlander contrasting with the FWD standard setup of the Terrain.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy, significantly lowering running costs.
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain is the better family choice because it offers substantially more usable space with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid caters better to driving enjoyment with 243 hp, clearly outclassing the Terrain’s 175 hp.
2026 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is the value champion by offering a $16,720 lower starting MSRP ($30,100 vs $46,820).
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel savings, leveraging the 35 MPG combined efficiency rating.
- You need the extra power provided by its 243 horsepower engine for easier passing.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather conditions.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is paramount, thanks to the $30,100 MSRP.
- You need maximum storage, utilizing the larger 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You are comfortable with a lower power output (175 hp) to save money upfront.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 181.0" |
| Width | 76.0" | 74.5" |
| Height | 68.1" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 35/35 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 598.5/598.5 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.4 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 Highlander Hybrid and 2026 GMC Terrain.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to buy initially?
The Highlander Hybrid has a significant initial price difference, with an MSRP of $46,820 compared to the GMC Terrain's $30,100. This represents a $16,720 price gap favoring the Terrain right off the lot.
Which vehicle is significantly better for saving money on gas over time?
The 2025 Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner for long-term fuel savings, boasting 35 combined MPG. The 2026 Terrain only achieves 27 combined MPG, resulting in an 8 MPG difference in efficiency.
Is the power difference noticeable between the 243 hp Highlander and the 175 hp Terrain?
Yes, the 68 horsepower advantage held by the Highlander Hybrid (243 hp vs 175 hp) will be noticeable, especially during highway acceleration or merging maneuvers.
Which crossover offers more space for hauling groceries or gear?
The 2026 GMC Terrain is much more practical for cargo, offering 29.8 cu ft of space. The Highlander Hybrid is quite limited in comparison, providing only 16 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Does one vehicle come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). In contrast, the standard 2026 GMC Terrain listed here utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
Are both crossovers using the same type of transmission?
Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). This design choice helps both vehicles aim for efficiency rather than aggressive shifting performance.
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