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Gmc terrain and ford escape: the search for the perfect family vehicle ends here

What To Know

  • 5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the 2.
  • The IIHS awarded the Terrain a “Good” rating in all six crash tests, while the Escape received a “Good” rating in five crash tests and an “Acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap front crash test.
  • The Terrain received a score of 83 out of 100, while the Escape received a score of 82 out of 100.

The automotive landscape is teeming with a plethora of compact SUVs, each vying for a slice of the highly competitive market. Among the most notable contenders are the GMC Terrain and the Ford Escape, two vehicles that have consistently garnered praise for their versatility, performance, and features. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the GMC Terrain against the Ford Escape, scrutinizing their key attributes to determine which compact SUV emerges victorious.

Performance: Power and Efficiency Under the Hood

Engine Options

Both the Terrain and Escape offer a range of engine options to cater to diverse driving needs. The Terrain’s base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim levels feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Escape, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available on select trims, offering 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Terrain and Escape are neck and neck. The Terrain’s 1.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine earns 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Escape’s 1.5-liter engine returns 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine delivers 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Interior: Comfort, Space, and Technology

Cabin Space and Comfort

Both the Terrain and Escape offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Terrain provides ample headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows, with supportive seats and a well-designed dashboard. The Escape’s cabin is equally roomy, featuring comfortable seats and a user-friendly layout. However, the Terrain’s wider stance gives it a slight edge in terms of shoulder room.

Cargo Capacity

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Terrain and Escape are again closely matched. The Terrain offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Escape provides 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which increases to 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Technology and Features

Both the Terrain and Escape come equipped with a range of advanced technology features. The Terrain’s infotainment system boasts an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Bose premium audio system. The Escape’s infotainment system features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, SYNC 4 connectivity, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. Both vehicles also offer a suite of driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

Safety: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones

Crash Test Ratings

The GMC Terrain and Ford Escape have both earned impressive crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Terrain a “Good” rating in all six crash tests, while the Escape received a “Good” rating in five crash tests and an “Acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap front crash test.

Driver-Assistance Features

As mentioned earlier, both the Terrain and Escape offer a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. These features help enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents by providing drivers with warnings and assistance in various driving situations.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Reliability Ratings

According to J.D. Power, the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape have both received above-average reliability ratings. The Terrain received a score of 83 out of 100, while the Escape received a score of 82 out of 100. These ratings indicate that both vehicles are expected to experience fewer problems and require less maintenance than average.

Ownership Costs

The estimated five-year ownership costs for the GMC Terrain range from $35,000 to $50,000, while the estimated five-year ownership costs for the Ford Escape range from $33,000 to $48,000. These costs include the purchase price, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Which Compact SUV Is Right for You?

The GMC Terrain and Ford Escape are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of performance, comfort, technology, and safety. However, there are some key differences between the two vehicles that may influence your decision.

If you prioritize power and performance, the GMC Terrain is the better choice. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and torque than the Escape’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

If you prioritize fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape has a slight edge over the GMC Terrain. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine achieves better gas mileage than the Terrain’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

If you prioritize interior space and comfort, both the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape offer similar levels of roominess and comfort. However, the Terrain’s wider stance gives it a slight edge in terms of shoulder room.

If you prioritize cargo capacity, the Ford Escape has a slight advantage over the GMC Terrain. It offers more cargo space behind the rear seats and with the seats folded down.

If you prioritize technology and features, both the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape come equipped with a range of advanced technology features. However, the Escape’s larger touchscreen and SYNC 4 connectivity system give it a slight edge.

Ultimately, the best compact SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Test drive both the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape to experience their unique characteristics and determine which one is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?

The GMC Terrain has a higher towing capacity than the Ford Escape. The Terrain can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Which vehicle has a better warranty?

The GMC Terrain and Ford Escape both come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Which vehicle has a better resale value?

According to Kelley Blue Book, the GMC Terrain has a better resale value than the Ford Escape. The Terrain is projected to retain 58% of its value after five years, while the Escape is projected to retain 53% of its value after five years.

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