What To Know
- To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of the Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain, providing a detailed analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics.
- However, the Terrain’s fuel economy drops to an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway when equipped with the 2.
- The Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features to ensure the protection of passengers and drivers alike.
In the realm of family-friendly SUVs, the Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain stand as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles boast spacious interiors, versatile features, and impressive capabilities, making them ideal choices for families on the go. However, discerning buyers may find themselves torn between these two exceptional SUVs. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of the Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain, providing a detailed analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics.
Performance and Power: A Tale of Two Engines
Under the hood, the 2023 Ford Explorer offers a range of engine options, including a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Explorer also comes with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the 2023 GMC Terrain features a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. For those who desire more muscle, the Terrain offers an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine provides an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, the Terrain’s fuel economy drops to an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway when equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Family
Both the Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain offer spacious and comfortable interiors, catering to the needs of families on the go. The Explorer boasts three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, while the Terrain provides seating for up to five passengers. In terms of cargo space, the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Terrain, on the other hand, provides 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 63.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
When it comes to interior features, both SUVs offer a range of amenities to enhance comfort and convenience. The Explorer features a SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. The Terrain comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Bose premium audio system.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features: Protecting Your Loved Ones
The Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features to ensure the protection of passengers and drivers alike. The Explorer offers features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Terrain provides similar features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
In terms of crash test ratings, both the Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain have received high marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Explorer earned a five-star overall safety rating, while the Terrain received a four-star overall safety rating.
Off-Road Capabilities: Exploring the Great Outdoors
For families who enjoy outdoor adventures, both the Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain offer off-road capabilities to tackle challenging terrain. The Explorer features an available four-wheel drive system with Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to select different driving modes for optimal performance in various conditions. The Terrain also comes with an available four-wheel drive system, along with an optional off-road package that includes skid plates, hill descent control, and a more rugged suspension.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,225, while the GMC Terrain starts at $29,800. However, the price can vary depending on the trim level, engine choice, and optional features. Both SUVs offer a range of trim levels and packages to cater to different budgets and preferences.
The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. The Explorer offers more power, seating capacity, and cargo space, while the Terrain provides better fuel economy and a lower starting price. Both SUVs offer a range of features and capabilities that make them ideal choices for families on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions: Answering Your Queries
1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer or GMC Terrain?
The GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine provides better fuel efficiency than the Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine.
2. Does the Ford Explorer have more cargo space than the GMC Terrain?
Yes, the Ford Explorer offers more cargo space than the GMC Terrain, with 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows folded down compared to the Terrain’s 63.3 cubic feet.
3. Which SUV has more powerful engine options, the Ford Explorer or GMC Terrain?
The Ford Explorer offers more powerful engine options than the GMC Terrain, with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque compared to the Terrain’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
4. Does the GMC Terrain come with a four-wheel drive system?
Yes, the GMC Terrain offers an available four-wheel drive system, along with an optional off-road package that includes skid plates, hill descent control, and a more rugged suspension.
5. Which SUV has a higher starting price, the Ford Explorer or GMC Terrain?
The Ford Explorer has a higher starting price than the GMC Terrain, with a base price of $33,225 compared to the Terrain’s starting price of $29,800.