Subaru forester vs gmc terrain: 5 key differences that matter

The 2019 Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain are two popular compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, versatility, and style. But how do they compare head-to-head? This comprehensive guide will delve into the key features, performance, safety, and cost of these two SUVs, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Exterior and Interior Design

Exterior

The 2019 Subaru Forester sports a rugged and sporty exterior with a bold grille, sleek headlights, and muscular body lines. The GMC Terrain, on the other hand, has a more refined and sophisticated look with its sharp angles, chrome accents, and a spacious cabin.

Interior

Inside, the Forester offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Terrain’s interior is equally impressive, featuring premium materials, advanced technology, and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Performance

The Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Terrain offers a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Efficiency

The Forester’s fuel efficiency ratings are slightly better than the Terrain’s. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Terrain gets 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the 1.5-liter engine.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety

Both the Forester and Terrain have received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Terrain also offers a comprehensive range of safety features, such as forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.

Driver Assistance

The Forester’s EyeSight driver assistance system offers a variety of advanced features, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and emergency braking. The Terrain’s Pro Safety Plus system provides similar capabilities, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Technology and Connectivity

Infotainment

The Forester’s infotainment system is user-friendly and feature-rich, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system. The Terrain’s infotainment system is also impressive, offering a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a Bose premium audio system.

Connectivity

Both the Forester and Terrain offer a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB ports. The Forester also features a standard in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, while the Terrain offers an optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

Cargo Space and Versatility

Cargo Space

The Forester offers a generous 28.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Terrain provides slightly less cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Versatility

Both the Forester and Terrain offer a versatile interior with split-folding rear seats and adjustable cargo shelves. The Forester’s rear seatbacks can be reclined for added comfort, while the Terrain’s cargo area features a hidden storage compartment.

Pricing and Value

Pricing

The 2019 Subaru Forester has a starting MSRP of $24,295, while the GMC Terrain starts at $25,000. The price of each SUV can vary depending on the trim level and options selected.

Value

Both the Forester and Terrain offer excellent value for their price. The Forester provides a rugged and spacious SUV with a high level of safety and technology features. The Terrain offers a more refined and stylish SUV with a powerful engine and a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems.

Which One Should You Choose?

The 2019 Subaru Forester is a great choice for those who prioritize ruggedness, safety, and fuel efficiency. The GMC Terrain is a better option for those who prefer a more refined and stylish SUV with a powerful engine and advanced technology.

Final Note: The Best Compact SUV for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best compact SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a rugged and reliable SUV with excellent safety features and fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more refined and stylish SUV with a powerful engine and advanced technology, the GMC Terrain is a great option.

What People Want to Know

Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

The GMC Terrain has a slightly more spacious interior than the Subaru Forester.

Which SUV has a higher starting price?

The GMC Terrain has a slightly higher starting price than the Subaru Forester.

Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency?

The Subaru Forester offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the GMC Terrain.

Which SUV is more reliable?

The Subaru Forester has a slightly better reliability rating than the GMC Terrain.

Which SUV has a more powerful engine?

The GMC Terrain offers a more powerful engine than the Subaru Forester.