2026 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a new crossover often boils down to budget versus capability, and the 2026 GMC Terrain ($30,100 MSRP) versus the 2026 Subaru Outback ($34,995 MSRP) perfectly illustrates this choice. The Terrain undercuts the Outback by a significant $4,895, offering a slightly more compact footprint at 181.0 inches long, which helps ease tight city parking maneuvers. While the Terrain provides 175 hp and 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space, the Outback counters with a slightly punchier 180 hp and substantially more storage capacity at 34.6 cu ft. Both vehicles share an identical 27 MPG combined rating, utilizing regular unleaded fuel, making fuel economy a neutral factor. Ultimately, buyers must weigh the Terrain's lower initial cost and simpler FWD setup against the Outback's superior standard all-wheel drive and greater overall utility for adventurous weekends.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain wins for commuters due to its lower $30,100 MSRP and smaller dimensions, making daily driving costs and maneuvering simpler.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the family winner because it offers significantly more room with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback earns the enthusiast nod because its standard all-wheel drive provides better traction and handling confidence across varied terrain.
2026 GMC Terrain
The 2026 GMC Terrain offers superior value by saving the buyer $4,895 upfront while still delivering decent capability.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Your budget is the primary constraint, as the Terrain starts $4,895 lower than the Outback.
- You prefer easier handling in tight parking situations due to the Terrain's shorter 181.0-inch length.
- You don't require all-wheel drive, as the standard FWD setup of the base Terrain is sufficient for your needs.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You frequently encounter adverse weather or need off-pavement security, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive.
- You prioritize maximum storage, as the Outback provides an extra 4.8 cubic feet of cargo space (34.6 vs 29.8).
- You value the extra 5 horsepower (180 hp) and slightly better highway efficiency (31 MPG vs 28 MPG).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Terrain | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.0" | 191.7" |
| Width | 74.5" | 74.0" |
| Height | 65.8" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 108.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 18.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.0 in | 12.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.0 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 GMC Terrain and 2026 Subaru Outback.
Is the fuel cost significantly different between the 2026 Terrain and the 2026 Outback?
Not really; both vehicles are rated for 27 MPG combined and both use regular unleaded fuel. While the Outback gets 31 highway MPG compared to the Terrain's 28 MPG highway, the overall cost to run them day-to-day should be nearly identical.
Why is the Subaru Outback nearly $5,000 more expensive than the GMC Terrain?
The main reason for the $4,895 price gap is likely the Outback's standard inclusion of all-wheel drive, which the base Terrain lacks, coupled with its larger dimensions and cargo capacity.
Which car is better for loading bulky items for a weekend trip?
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear winner here, offering 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the 2026 GMC Terrain's 29.8 cubic feet. That extra space adds up quickly when packing for a family.
If I live in the city, does the 175 hp Terrain feel underpowered compared to the 180 hp Outback?
With only a 5-horsepower difference and both utilizing a continuously variable transmission, you are unlikely to feel a significant performance difference during routine city driving. Both are geared toward comfortable, efficient travel.
How much taller is the Subaru Outback than the GMC Terrain?
The 2026 Subaru Outback sits slightly taller than the Terrain, measuring 67.5 inches in height compared to the Terrain's 65.8 inches. This contributes to the Outback's increased ground clearance and overall commanding presence.
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