Subaru crosstrek vs. gmc terrain: battle of the budget-friendly explorers
What To Know
- 0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the Terrain with the 1.
- The GMC Terrain also offers a high level of safety, earning a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.
- The Crosstrek is a more affordable and off-road-capable choice, while the Terrain offers a more luxurious and feature-rich experience.
The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, with automakers vying for attention with their latest offerings. Two standout contenders are the Subaru Crosstrek and the GMC Terrain. Both vehicles boast impressive features, but which one ultimately emerges as the superior choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key aspects of each SUV to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Close Contest
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and GMC Terrain offer a range of engine options. The Crosstrek’s standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Terrain, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available, producing 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Crosstrek has a slight edge over the GMC Terrain. The Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine gets 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, the Terrain with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers a more impressive 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Off-Road Prowess: The Crosstrek’s Edge
If off-road adventures are your thing, the Subaru Crosstrek reigns supreme. Its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system, combined with its higher ground clearance, provides exceptional traction and stability on rough terrain. The Crosstrek also features X-Mode, a specialized driving mode that optimizes performance for off-road conditions.
While the GMC Terrain offers all-wheel drive as an option, its ground clearance is lower than the Crosstrek’s, limiting its off-road capabilities. However, the Terrain’s available active twin-clutch all-wheel drive system provides improved traction in slippery conditions.
Interior Space and Comfort: A Matter of Preference
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and GMC Terrain offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Crosstrek’s cabin features a user-friendly layout and high-quality materials, while the Terrain boasts a more luxurious and upscale interior.
In terms of cargo space, the Crosstrek provides 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Terrain offers slightly more cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Safety and Reliability: Subaru’s Renown
Subaru has a well-established reputation for safety, and the Crosstrek is no exception. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Crosstrek comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The GMC Terrain also offers a high level of safety, earning a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. It comes standard with a similar array of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.
Technology and Connectivity: Feature-Rich Options
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and GMC Terrain offer a range of technology and connectivity features. The Crosstrek’s infotainment system features a user-friendly touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium audio system. The Terrain’s infotainment system is also user-friendly and offers similar features, including a larger touchscreen, built-in navigation, and a Bose premium audio system.
Price and Value: Crosstrek’s Affordability
The Subaru Crosstrek offers a lower starting price than the GMC Terrain. The Crosstrek starts at $22,245, while the Terrain starts at $27,600. However, the Terrain comes standard with more features, including a larger engine, a more luxurious interior, and more advanced safety features.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The Subaru Crosstrek and GMC Terrain are both excellent compact SUVs, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Crosstrek is a more affordable and off-road-capable choice, while the Terrain offers a more luxurious and feature-rich experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual priorities and budget.
What People Want to Know
Which SUV has a better off-road performance?
The Subaru Crosstrek has a clear advantage in off-road performance due to its standard all-wheel drive system, higher ground clearance, and X-Mode driving mode.
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine. However, the Terrain with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers better fuel economy than the Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter engine.
Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
The GMC Terrain offers slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Crosstrek. However, both SUVs provide ample space for passengers and cargo.