2025 Volvo XC60 vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the luxurious 2025 Volvo XC60 and the budget-friendly 2026 GMC Terrain boils down to how much you value premium features versus upfront savings. This is a classic trade-off: Do you prioritize performance and refinement or exceptional affordability? The XC60 commands a significant premium, starting at $47,050 compared to the Terrain's $30,100—a $16,950 difference. That extra cost buys you 247 hp versus the Terrain's 175 hp, giving the Volvo a substantial 72 hp advantage for spirited driving. However, the Terrain edges out the Volvo slightly on efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG (running on cheaper regular unleaded) compared to the Volvo’s 26 combined MPG (which recommends premium fuel). While both are similarly sized crossovers, the $17k savings on the Terrain make it incredibly compelling for practical buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain offers better efficiency with 27 combined MPG running on regular fuel, ideal for daily driving costs.
2025 Volvo XC60
Despite the higher price, the Volvo XC60 offers standard All-Wheel Drive and a more robust build that many families prioritize for safety and capability.
2025 Volvo XC60
The 2025 Volvo XC60 clearly wins on power delivery with 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque compared to the Terrain's lower output.
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain offers substantially better overall value, starting at nearly $17,000 less than the Volvo XC60.
Choose the Volvo XC60 if...
- You want significantly more power, benefiting from the XC60's 247 horsepower rating.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box.
- You are comfortable paying the $47,050 MSRP for premium features and a refined driving experience.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Your primary concern is saving money, given the Terrain's $30,100 starting price.
- You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline instead of the Volvo's recommended premium fuel.
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy in stop-and-go city driving with 26 city MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC60 | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 181.0" |
| Width | 74.9" | 74.5" |
| Height | 65.2" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 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) | 432.4/564.0 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 220W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 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 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.4 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/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 Power Adjustments | 8-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 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.4 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 Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
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 XC60 and 2026 GMC Terrain.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Volvo XC60 than the 2026 GMC Terrain?
The Volvo XC60 holds a significant advantage, producing 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This is a considerable 72 horsepower difference when compared to the 2026 GMC Terrain's 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Is the extra cost of the XC60 worth it if I mostly commute?
For pure commuting value, probably not; the GMC Terrain starts $16,950 cheaper. While the Volvo has slightly lower combined MPG (26 vs. 27), the Terrain’s lower MSRP and ability to run on regular unleaded usually make it more cost-effective for high-mileage commuters.
Which crossover is physically bigger?
The Volvo XC60 is slightly longer at 185.4 inches versus the Terrain’s 181.0 inches. Conversely, the 2026 Terrain is slightly taller at 65.8 inches compared to the Volvo’s 65.2 inches.
Do I have to pay more for AWD in the Terrain?
Yes, based on the provided specifications, the base 2026 GMC Terrain comes standard with Front Wheel Drive. The 2025 Volvo XC60, however, includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
How does fuel economy compare between these two AWD/FWD models?
The FWD Terrain nets 27 combined MPG, while the AWD XC60 achieves 26 combined MPG. If efficiency is paramount, the lower output Terrain is marginally better on fuel.
Which vehicle has better driving dynamics for spirited driving?
The 2025 Volvo XC60 is the better choice for enthusiasts due to its higher output (247 hp) and torque (266 lb-ft), paired with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission for potentially snappier shifts.
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