2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 GMC Terrain often boils down to budget versus outright power. The Highlander commands a significantly higher starting price tag at $40,320 compared to the Terrain's approachable $30,100, representing a $10,220 gap. However, the Highlander delivers a substantial performance advantage, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, vastly overshadowing the Terrain's 175 hp output. While the Highlander is physically larger at 194.9 inches long, the smaller Terrain maximizes utility, offering a much greater maximum cargo capacity of 29.8 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft. Fuel economy is close, with the Terrain netting a slightly better combined 27 MPG compared to the Highlander’s 25 MPG. Ultimately, buyers must decide if the Highlander’s superior engine performance justifies the major upfront cost difference over the budget-friendly, cargo-focused Terrain.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its slightly better 27 combined MPG and lower initial purchase price.
2026 GMC Terrain
The Terrain is the better family choice because it offers nearly double the cargo space at 29.8 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the Highlander due to its significant power advantage, offering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 GMC Terrain
The Terrain offers superior value by saving buyers $10,220 upfront while achieving better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You prioritize engine performance and need the robust 265 hp delivered by the standard engine.
- You require the larger exterior footprint (194.9 inches long) for a more commanding presence on the road.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a continuously variable setup.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Sticking strictly to a budget is paramount, given the $30,100 starting MSRP versus $40,320 for car 1.
- Maximum internal storage is key, as the Terrain offers 29.8 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
- You value efficiency slightly more, as the Terrain manages 27 combined MPG compared to 25 MPG for the Highlander.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 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: 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 | 39.4 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| 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. |
| 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 and 2026 GMC Terrain.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Highlander than the 2026 Terrain?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander has a significant edge, producing 265 horsepower, which is 90 hp more than the 2026 GMC Terrain's 175 hp. This 90 hp difference will be noticeable when merging or passing.
Which crossover is better for hauling gear or luggage?
The 2026 GMC Terrain is substantially better for cargo, providing 29.8 cu ft of space. The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers only 16 cu ft behind its third row, making the Terrain the clear winner for hauling volume.
Is the price difference worth the performance drop in the Terrain?
The Terrain saves you $10,220 on the sticker price but costs 90 hp. If you rarely demand high acceleration, saving over ten thousand dollars is likely a worthwhile trade-off.
Are there major differences in fuel economy?
The fuel economy is quite competitive, but the smaller Terrain edges out the Highlander slightly, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Highlander’s 25 combined MPG. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 76.0 inches in width. The 2026 GMC Terrain is more compact at 181.0 inches long and 74.5 inches wide.
Do the transmissions differ significantly between these two crossovers?
Yes, the Highlander uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Terrain is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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