12 SUVs Similar to the GMC Terrain

The smallest SUV in the GMC lineup is similar to many vehicles that fit this market niche. However, the Terrain is a second-generation rendition of this GMC SUV that made its introduction in 2010. The Terrain is a much smaller SUV than the Tahoe. However, it has what is needed to carry five passengers and tow up to 1500 pounds.

There are a few younger upstarts here and those that have undergone several significant changes over the years, like the Terrain. Some may be more or less expensive, and two are almost identical. However, if you are searching for a small to mid-size SUV, the littlest Jimmy is worth a look, as are vehicles similar to the GMC Terrain.

Features of the GMC Terrain

Available in four trim levels and two drive options, the MSRP of the base model GMC Terrain SLE is$29,795. On the other end is the GMC Denali trim that changes a very nice interior into a luxurious space.

The entry price for the top-of-the-line, all-wheel-drive Terrain Denali is $ 38,495. All models have five seats and are not an option for a third-row seat.

All trim levels of the Terrain have seating for five. They are powered by a turbocharged 1.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine. It produces 170 horsepower and 203-pound feet of torque, giving it enough grunt to tow up to 1500 pounds.

Power goes to the front wheels via a nine-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive is available on all models except for the SLE trimmed Terrain. The lack of all-wheel drive available for every model puts the Terrain at a disadvantage against many of its competitors. 

Mileage is 25 city and 30 highway miles per gallon for the SLE. Mileage with all-wheel drive will be a bit lower. The speed from 0-60 mph for the GMC Terrain is 9.3 seconds, except for the Denali, which takes a time of 9.5 seconds. The slower time is likely due to the standard all-wheel drive of the Denali.

Three cars most similar to the GMC Terrain

The Chevrolet Equinox shares the same platform as the GMC Terrain. However, they have different prices and features than their siblings. For example, the Buick Encore is slightly smaller, with less power, but offers all the utility of the other two in a smaller package. However, it is also easier to maneuver and has the same five-passenger capacity as the Terrain does.

1. Features of the Chevrolet Equinox

They may be built on the same platform. However, Equinox has a different attitude than GMC Terrain. To me, it is sportier, and the GMC is more upper-end. Also available in four trim levels, the Equinox can be purchased as an LS, LT, RS, and Premier. It, too, is a five-seater with no option for a third-row seat.

The price range for a new Equinox has a base MSRP of $27,695 for the LS. The Premier, when equipped with all-wheel drive, is $34,495. Like the Terrain, the Equinox gets the option of all-wheel drive on one trim level. Expanding this option across all of the models would make the Equinox more appealing against the competition.

The Equinox uses the same turbocharged 1.5 L 4-cylinder as the Terrain. However, instead of a nine-speed transmission, the Equinox uses a six-speed with overdrive. Oddly, the six-speed gearbox offers better mileage than the nine-speed automatic of the Terrain.

The difference in mileage between the two is negligible, and the Equinox fuel mileage is 26 city and 31 highway miles per gallon, slightly higher than the entry-level Terrain.

The towing capacity of the Equinox is 1500 pounds. Its time from 0-60 miles per hour in 8.7 seconds. That’s half a second over the Terrain, which doesn’t seem much until you try to enter, exit, or merge on the freeway.

Related: 25 Cars Similar to Chevy Equinox

2. Features of the Buick Encore

The Buick Encore has only three trim levels. However, there are two engine options. The price of the Buick Encore ranges from an MSRP of $25,595 for the Preferred model to $30,195 for the Essence trim level.

The base level Preferred and the Encore are powered by a turbocharged 1.2 L engine that produces 137 horsepower. Fuel mileage with this engine is 29 city/ 31 highway and 30 combined miles per gallon. Towing capacity for the Buick Encore is 1000 pounds, which is lower than the GMC and Chevy and worth keeping in mind if you need to tow a trailer.

The Buick Encore Essence is powered by a turbocharged 1.3 L engine that produces 155 horsepower. Fuel mileage for this model is 29 city/ 32 highway and 30 combined miles per gallon. Both models have seating for five with no option of a third seat. The zero to 60 times for the Buick Encore is 9.0 seconds.

3. Features of the BMW X1

Selecting a third vehicle similar to the GMC Terrain wasn’t easy. However, I recently followed a BMW X1 down the highway, and they are as attractive as any vehicle on this list.

However, the base price of a BMW X1 sDrive28i is roughly the same as a GMC Terrain Denali and comes in at $36,600. The highest-priced trim level, the BMW xDrive28i, has an MSRP of $37,400. For the price, however, you get more power and features. For example, fuel mileage for the X1 is 24 city /33 highway and 27 combined miles per gallon.

The standard power of both BMW trim levels comes from a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with a TwinPower turbo. With 228 horsepower on tap, the BMW X1 can run from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds. The X1 also has a better towing capacity of 3500 pounds when properly equipped, which opens the door to larger toys.

Other SUVs similar to the GMC Terrain

4. Audi Q3

Like the BMW X1, the price of the Audi Q3 is closer in price to the top line Terrain than the base model. The starting MSRP of an Audi Q3 is $36,400 for the 40 Premium and $42,000 for the Audi Q3 45 S line Premium. 

The Q3 gets its power from a turbocharged 2.0 L inline four-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower. This power will launch the Audi Q3 from zero to 60 in 8.5 seconds. Consider, however, that the Audi is an all-wheel drive SUV, which explains the course time.

Fuel mileage for Q3 is 25 city/ 30 highway and 26 combined miles per gallon. Towing capacity falls between the Terrain and X1 at 4,400 pounds.

5. Ford Escape

With a similar price and size, the Ford Escape prices range from $27,185 for the Escape S model to $40,700 for the Ford Escape Titanium Plug-in hybrid, which is not similar to the Terrain. The Escape S’s base model is the most similar model to the GMC Terrain in size and price.

A turbocharged 1.5 L three-cylinder engine powers the three models fueled by gas alone. It produces 181 horsepower. This power will take the Escape S from zero to 60 miles per hour in 7.7 seconds. The Ford Escape has a front-wheel drive standard, or you can opt for all-wheel drive.

Fuel mileage for the Ford Escape S is 28 city/ 31 highway and 28 combined miles per gallon. The towing capacity of the Ford Escape is 2000 pounds for the mentioned trim level.

6. Honda CRV

Like the GMC Terrain, the Honda CRV has been around for many years. However, it has changed from looking like a breadbox to the sleek little SUV it has become. There are five trim levels for the Honda CRV, and the base price of the CRV is LX is $26,800 and ranges to $36,600 for the CRV touring, which has all-wheel drive as a standard feature. 

Power for the Honda CRV comes from a turbocharged 1.5 L 4-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower across all trim levels. In addition, the EX and EX-L trim levels are available with the gas engine and hybrid assist. The gas-powered front-wheel drive Honda CRV is 28 city/ 34 highway and 30 combined miles per gallon.

The CRV can make the run from zero to 60 in 7.8 seconds, which is more in line with the BMW X1 than the Terrain. In addition, the towing capacity of the Honda CRV is 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.

7. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is an older concept than the GMC Terrain. First sold in 2005, its third generation began in 2015. As the years have gone by, the shape of Tucson has changed and has a more flowing modern appearance than its ancestors. 

Available in five trim levels, the price range of the Tucson is from $25,800 for the Tucson SE to $35,300 for the Tucson Limited. All gas-powered trim levels of the Tucson are powered by a 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower. Fuel mileage for the Hyundai is 26 city/ 33 highway and 29 combined miles per gallon.

The zero to 60 times for Tucson is 8.8 seconds. The towing capacity is 2000 pounds, which places it a little higher in towing ability than the Terrain.

8. Jeep Cherokee

Another icon, the Jeep Cherokee, is very similar to the Terrain. However, the price range of the Cherokee ranges from $29,995 for the Cherokee X to $39,345 for the Jeep Cherokee Limited.

Although similar to the Terrain, the most significant difference between the two is the Cherokee has an option of a third-row seat that increases your passenger capacity to seven. The Jeep Cherokee is also available with three different engines, as opposed to one, which gives you more options.

The standard power for the Cherokee is a 2.4 L inline-four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower. However, the two optional engines are a turbocharged 2.0 L 4-cylinder that produces 270 horsepower and a 3.2 L V6 that produces 271 horsepower.

With the base engine, the Cherokee gets 20 city and 29 highway miles per gallon, placing it close to the bottom of the list for fuel mileage. The added horsepower only gives the Cherokee the capacity to tow 2000 pounds.

9. Mitsubishi Outlander

Available in 12 trim levels, you get options with the Mitsubishi Outlander, as well as the option for a third-row seat. The extra seating will allow your Outlander to carry seven passengers instead of five. Pricing for the Outlander ranges from $29,545 for the SE model to $32,645 for the Outlander SEL, 2.5 with a seven-seat capacity.

Power for the Outlander is provided by a 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower. The time for the Outlander to run from zero to 60 takes 8.6 seconds. Fuel mileage is 24 city and 31 highway miles per gallon. The towing capacity of this SUV is 2000 pounds.

Like the Jeep Cherokee, seating capacity is the most significant difference between the Outlander and the Terrain.

10. Mazda CX5

Available in eight trim levels, the Mazda CX-5 price range is $26,250 for the base 2.5S model to $39,000 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature. The six lower trim levels get their power from a 2.5 L 4-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower.

The 2.5 Turbo Signature squeezes 227 horsepower from the same 2.5-liter engine by adding a turbocharger. The zero to 60 times for the naturally aspirated engine is 7.2 seconds, and the turbocharged model makes the run in 6.1 seconds.

Fuel mileage for the base model is 24 city and 30 highway miles per gallon for the CX-5 base. The turbocharged engine returns 22 city and 27 highway miles per gallon. Towing capacity for the Mazda CX-5 is 2000 p0unds, placing it solidly in the competition.

11. Nissan Rogue

The Rogue has become a top-rated SUV for many good reasons. The base MSRP of the Nissan Rogue is $27,150 for the entry-level FWD S model. The Platinum is at the other end of these four trim levels, with a base MSRP of $36,930.

Power for the Nissan Rogue comes from a 1.5 L VC-Turbo™ engine that produces 201 horsepower. Fuel mileage is 30 city/ 35 highway and 33 combined miles per gallon when equipped with front-wheel drive. This is the best mileage of any SUV on the list. 

The Rogue can make it from zero to 60 miles per hour in 8.2 seconds and has the power to tow 1500 pounds.

12. Toyota RAV4

Another SUV that has been on the roads for several decades, the RAV4, has changed quite a bit over the years. It is a little larger, has more power, and it’s a Toyota.

With six trim levels, there are now more choices than ever when shopping for a Toyota RAV 4. These models range from $26,975 for the LE to $35,475 for the RAV 4 Limited.

The base engine for the RAV4 is a 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower. However, a mild hybrid version uses the same engine and develops 219 combined horsepower. Fuel mileage for the base RAV 4 is 26 city/ 35 highway and 30 combined miles per gallon. The hybrid, however, returns 41 city and 38 miles per gallon highway.

The zero to 60 times of the RAV4 with the base engine is eight seconds. Its towing capacity, like the Terrain, is 1500 pounds.

FAQs about SUVs similar to the GMC Terrain

Is the GMC Terrain a good SUV?

Like all cars, the Terrain may have problems. However, GMC makes a good product and stands by its quality.

Do the smaller motors in these cars last as long as older engine types?

Sixty years ago, a car would do well to reach 100,000 miles. However, today’s cars are logging up to 200,000 miles and more before falling apart.

Is the third-row seat on small SUVs large enough for adults?

Some of them are, but when one is added to some mid-size SUVs, the seat is only suitable for smaller adults and children.