2026 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$30,100 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2026 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe lies in performance metrics, highlighted by a massive 102 horsepower advantage for the Santa Fe, which produces 277 hp versus the Terrain’s 175 hp. This power gap is mirrored in torque, with the Santa Fe delivering 311 lb-ft compared to the Terrain’s 184 lb-ft. Conversely, the Terrain establishes a clear efficiency lead, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating, surpassing the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined. Pricing shows the Terrain significantly more accessible at an MSRP of $30,100 against the Santa Fe's $34,800, a $4,700 difference. Furthermore, the Terrain offers more than double the practical storage, boasting 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, despite the Santa Fe being 9.2 inches longer overall.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 GMC Terrain

The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Terrain

The Terrain provides substantially more utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear enthusiast choice, offering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 GMC Terrain

The Terrain wins on upfront value, costing $4,700 less than the Santa Fe while delivering better fuel economy.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

Budget constraints require an entry price below $31,000 (MSRP of $30,100).
Maximizing cubic footage for hauling is a priority, as it offers 29.8 cu ft of cargo space.
Fuel efficiency is paramount, with the Terrain achieving 27 MPG combined.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Maximum acceleration and passing power are desired, evidenced by 277 hp.
A preference for a larger overall footprint is noted (190.2 inches in length).
A more engaging driving experience is expected, supported by the 311 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	181.0"	190.2"
Width	74.5"	74.8"
Height	65.8"	67.7"
Wheelbase	107.5"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic 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 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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5600 rpm	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm	311 lb-ft @ 4000 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	GMC	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	44.0 in.	44.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.7 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	54.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 GMC Terrain and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

What is the exact cost difference between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a higher MSRP of $34,800, making it $4,700 more expensive than the 2026 GMC Terrain, which starts at $30,100.

Which vehicle offers better city driving efficiency?

The GMC Terrain is rated for 26 MPG in the city, whereas the Hyundai Santa Fe trails slightly with 20 MPG in the city, making the Terrain more economical for stop-and-go traffic.

How does the transmission type impact driving feel?

The Terrain uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smoothness and efficiency, while the Santa Fe employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic, generally offering more defined shifts suitable for spirited driving.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe significantly larger than the GMC Terrain?

Yes, the Santa Fe is physically larger in key dimensions, measuring 190.2 inches in length versus the Terrain's 181.0 inches, and is slightly taller at 67.7 inches compared to 65.8 inches.

Does the increased size of the Santa Fe translate to more cargo space?

No, despite being longer, the Santa Fe offers significantly less usable space with only 14.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the Terrain provides 29.8 cu ft.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2026 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, minimizing ongoing running costs regardless of powertrain differences.