Suv showdown: gmc terrain vs ford escape – who packs the bigger punch?

The compact SUV market is teeming with formidable contenders, and two of the most prominent players are the GMC Terrain and the Ford Escape. These vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, style, and performance. However, determining which one emerges victorious in the GMC Terrain vs. Ford Escape showdown requires a thorough examination of their key attributes.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The GMC Terrain and Ford Escape offer a range of engine options to cater to diverse needs. The Terrain comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. For more power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine cranks out 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

The Ford Escape, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque is available as an upgrade.

In terms of fuel economy, the GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine drops to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The Ford Escape with the 1.5-liter engine earns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine delivers 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Capacity

Both the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape offer spacious and well-appointed cabins. The Terrain features a modern and ergonomic interior with premium materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. It provides ample headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows.

The Ford Escape‘s interior is equally impressive, boasting a sleek and modern design with comfortable seating and ample storage space. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and can be folded down to create a generous cargo area.

In terms of cargo capacity, the GMC Terrain offers 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Ford Escape provides 33.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Technology and Safety Features

The GMC Terrain and Ford Escape come equipped with a suite of advanced technology and safety features. The Terrain features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a Bose premium audio system. It also offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning.

The Ford Escape boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 4A, which offers a customizable interface and advanced voice recognition. It also includes a number of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Pricing and Value

The GMC Terrain has a starting price of $27,400 for the base SLE trim. The higher-end SLT trim starts at $33,100, and the top-of-the-line Denali trim starts at $40,900.

The Ford Escape has a starting price of $26,495 for the base S trim. The SE trim starts at $28,770, the SEL trim starts at $31,590, and the top-of-the-line Titanium trim starts at $36,825.

In terms of value, both the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape offer competitive pricing for their respective features and capabilities. However, the Ford Escape has a slight edge in terms of standard features and overall value.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The GMC Terrain and Ford Escape are both excellent choices in the compact SUV segment. The Terrain offers a more powerful engine lineup and a more spacious interior, while the Escape boasts better fuel economy and a more advanced infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you prioritize performance and interior space, the GMC Terrain is an excellent option. However, if fuel efficiency and advanced technology are your top priorities, the Ford Escape may be the better choice.

Beyond the Showdown: Choosing the Perfect SUV

In addition to the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape, there are several other compact SUVs worth considering. Here are a few key competitors:

• Honda CR-V: Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior.
• Toyota RAV4: A well-rounded SUV with a comfortable ride, impressive off-road capabilities, and a wide range of trim levels.
• Hyundai Tucson: Offers a stylish design, a powerful engine lineup, and a feature-rich interior.
• Kia Sportage: Features a modern and spacious cabin, a long list of standard features, and a competitive price.

When choosing the perfect SUV for your needs, consider the following factors:

• Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on a new SUV.
• Size: Choose an SUV that offers enough space for your passengers and cargo.
• Performance: Consider the engine power, fuel economy, and handling that best suit your driving style.
• Features: Decide which features are most important to you, such as infotainment systems, safety technologies, and comfort amenities.
• Reliability: Research the reliability ratings of different SUV models to ensure you’re choosing a vehicle that will last.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Terrain offers a more powerful engine lineup, with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 252 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Ford Escape has better fuel economy, with the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine achieving an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The GMC Terrain has a more spacious interior, with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: The Ford Escape has a more advanced infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and SYNC 4A, which offers a customizable interface and advanced voice recognition.

Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape have good reliability ratings, but the Ford Escape has a slight edge in terms of long-term reliability.