Suv showdown: gmc terrain vs ford explorer – who offers the best value for your money?

In the realm of compact SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the GMC Terrain and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of capability, comfort, and style, making the decision between them a challenging one. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key aspects of each SUV, compare their features, and help you determine the one that best suits your needs.

GMC Terrain: A Refined Ride with Off-Road Prowess

The GMC Terrain exudes sophistication with its sleek exterior and premium interior. Its spacious cabin provides ample legroom and headroom for all occupants, ensuring a comfortable ride. The Terrain’s infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a large touchscreen display and seamless smartphone integration.

Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the Terrain’s available all-wheel drive system, which provides enhanced traction and stability in challenging conditions. The Terrain also boasts a generous ground clearance, allowing it to navigate rough terrain with ease.

Ford Explorer: A Versatile and Capable Family Hauler

The Ford Explorer is renowned for its versatility and spaciousness. Its cavernous interior offers seating for up to seven passengers, making it an ideal choice for families and those who frequently transport large groups. The Explorer’s cargo capacity is equally impressive, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment.

In terms of performance, the Explorer offers a range of engine options, including a powerful EcoBoost V6 that delivers ample power for towing and hauling. The Explorer’s advanced suspension system ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, both on-road and off-road.

Interior Comparison: Comfort and Convenience

Both the GMC Terrain and the Ford Explorer offer well-appointed interiors with a focus on comfort and convenience. The Terrain features premium materials and soft-touch surfaces, while the Explorer boasts a spacious and airy cabin.

In terms of infotainment, the Terrain’s intuitive system features a 7-inch touchscreen display, while the Explorer offers a larger 8-inch screen with a more advanced interface. Both vehicles provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration.

Exterior Design: Style and Functionality

The GMC Terrain‘s exterior design is characterized by its bold and muscular stance. Its sharp angles and geometric lines give it a modern and aggressive appearance. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, has a more traditional SUV design with smooth contours and a sleek profile.

Both vehicles offer a range of exterior colors and trim options to cater to different tastes. The Terrain’s Denali trim adds a touch of luxury with unique wheels and chrome accents, while the Explorer’s Platinum trim offers a premium look with a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery.

Safety Features: Advanced Protection

Safety is a top priority for both GMC and Ford. The Terrain and the Explorer come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

The Explorer also offers a semi-autonomous driving system called Co-Pilot360, which provides adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and evasive steering assistance.

Performance Comparison: Power and Efficiency

The GMC Terrain offers a choice of two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The former produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, while the latter generates 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

The Ford Explorer offers a wider range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6. The 2.3-liter engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0-liter engine generates 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid V6 delivers 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine earns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Pricing and Value: Which SUV Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

The GMC Terrain starts at an MSRP of $29,095 for the base SLE trim. The top-of-the-line Denali trim starts at $41,595. The Ford Explorer starts at an MSRP of $33,495 for the base XLT trim. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $58,495.

When comparing base trims, the GMC Terrain offers a slightly lower price point. However, the Ford Explorer offers more standard features, including a larger touchscreen display, a more powerful engine, and a more advanced safety suite.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best choice between the GMC Terrain and the Ford Explorer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, a spacious interior, and a lower price point, the GMC Terrain is a compelling option. If you require more power, versatility, and advanced safety features, the Ford Explorer may be a better fit.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which SUV has a better towing capacity?

A: The Ford Explorer offers a higher towing capacity than the GMC Terrain. The Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds, while the Terrain can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

A: The Ford Explorer has a more spacious interior than the GMC Terrain. The Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers, while the Terrain seats up to five.

Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?

A: The GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine. The Terrain gets 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.