2025 Volvo XC40 vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Volvo XC40 launches onto the scene with a punch, boasting 247 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), delivering an energetic Scandinavian driving pulse for $40,650. In contrast, the newly redesigned 2026 GMC Terrain champions efficiency and practicality, offering a compelling starting MSRP of just $30,100 and superior utility. While the XC40 offers a potent 258 lb-ft of torque and a brisk 23/30 MPG split, the Terrain counters with a class-leading 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity—significantly more than the Volvo's 20.4 cu ft—and a slight edge in overall fuel economy at 27 MPG combined, running on cheaper regular unleaded fuel. The $10,550 initial price gap highlights the core decision: do you prioritize premium performance and AWD assurance from the XC40, or seek robust, fuel-conscious size from the value-driven Terrain?
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its lower operating costs stemming from the $30,100 MSRP and superior city MPG of 26.
2026 GMC Terrain
The Terrain offers substantially more space for family hauling, providing 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the XC40's 20.4 cu ft.
2025 Volvo XC40
The 2025 Volvo XC40 provides significantly more output with 247 hp and standard AWD, translating to a much more engaging driving dynamic.
2026 GMC Terrain
With a $10,550 lower starting price and lower fuel requirements (regular unleaded), the Terrain delivers excellent utility for the dollar.
Choose the Volvo XC40 if...
- You demand lively acceleration, evidenced by its 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- All-Wheel Drive security is non-negotiable for your driving conditions.
- You appreciate the recommended premium driving experience paired with a sophisticated design.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Maximizing utility is paramount, given its robust 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Sticking to a tighter budget is key, thanks to the $30,100 MSRP and regular unleaded requirement.
- You prioritize steady-state efficiency, boasting 26/28 MPG city/highway figures.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC40 | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.8" | 181.0" |
| Width | 73.7" | 74.5" |
| Height | 65.0" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 106.4" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 326.6/426.0 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.2 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 250W | — |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 8-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC40 and 2026 GMC Terrain.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 XC40 and the 2026 Terrain?
The 2025 Volvo XC40 is clearly the performance leader, generating 247 horsepower, which significantly outmuscles the 2026 GMC Terrain's 175 horsepower rating. This 72-horsepower gap means the XC40 will feel noticeably quicker in acceleration runs and highway passing maneuvers.
How does the fuel economy stack up between these two crossovers?
Both are competitive, but the 2026 Terrain edges out the Volvo slightly with a 27 MPG combined rating using regular unleaded fuel. The XC40 achieves 26 MPG combined but mandates premium unleaded fuel, increasing long-term running costs.
Is the 2026 GMC Terrain significantly larger than the Volvo XC40?
Yes, the Terrain is physically larger in overall dimensions, measuring 181.0 inches in length compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches. More importantly for cargo, the Terrain offers nearly 10 cubic feet more storage space at 29.8 cu ft versus the Volvo's 20.4 cu ft.
Which vehicle is the better choice for navigating winter weather or slippery roads?
The 2025 Volvo XC40 includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, making it inherently better suited for severe weather conditions right out of the box. The 2026 GMC Terrain comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, often requiring an optional upgrade for AWD capability.
What accounts for the $10,550 price discrepancy between the two models?
The higher MSRP of $40,650 for the XC40 reflects its more powerful engine, standard AWD system, and premium brand positioning. The Terrain undercuts it substantially at $30,100 by featuring a less powerful powertrain and standard FWD.
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