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Terrain vs enclave: the gmc suv showdown that will leave you stunned

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • In the realm of SUVs, the GMC Terrain and Enclave stand as two formidable contenders, offering a blend of performance, space, and versatility.
  • While the Terrain is more suitable for urban environments, the Enclave excels in providing a spacious and versatile cabin for families and those who need more hauling capacity.
  • By carefully considering your needs and comparing the features and specifications outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision and choose the SUV that best suits your lifestyle.

In the realm of SUVs, the GMC Terrain and Enclave stand as two formidable contenders, offering a blend of performance, space, and versatility. However, when it comes to choosing the right SUV for your specific needs, it’s essential to understand their key differences. This comprehensive guide will delve into the GMC Terrain vs Enclave debate, providing an in-depth comparison of their features, capabilities, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior and Dimensions

The GMC Terrain is a mid-size SUV with a sleek and aerodynamic profile. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating urban areas and tight parking spaces. The Enclave, on the other hand, is a full-size SUV that boasts a larger and more imposing presence. Its spacious cabin and ample cargo capacity cater to families and those who require more room.

Interior and Features

Inside, the Terrain offers a modern and well-equipped cabin with a user-friendly dashboard and comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The Enclave, with its larger size, provides even more interior space and seating for up to seven. Both SUVs feature advanced infotainment systems, Bose premium audio, and a host of safety technologies.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the Terrain offers a choice of two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower. The Enclave, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower. While the Terrain is more fuel-efficient, the Enclave offers superior power and towing capacity.

Cargo Capacity and Versatility

The GMC Terrain provides 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, which expands to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Enclave offers a more generous cargo capacity of 58.9 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded down. Both SUVs feature a hands-free liftgate for easy access to the cargo area.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

In terms of fuel economy, the GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine offers slightly lower fuel economy at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Enclave, with its larger engine, gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features and Ratings

Both the GMC Terrain and Enclave have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are also available.

Pricing and Trims

The GMC Terrain has a starting price of around $26,000 for the base SLE trim. The Enclave starts at a higher price point of around $40,000 for the base Preferred trim. Both SUVs offer a range of trim levels with varying levels of equipment and features.

Which SUV is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between the GMC Terrain and Enclave depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact and fuel-efficient SUV for urban commuting, the Terrain is an excellent choice. However, if you require more space, power, and towing capacity, the Enclave is the better option.

The Verdict:

The GMC Terrain and Enclave are both exceptional SUVs that offer a compelling blend of performance, space, and safety. While the Terrain is more suitable for urban environments, the Enclave excels in providing a spacious and versatile cabin for families and those who need more hauling capacity. By carefully considering your needs and comparing the features and specifications outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision and choose the SUV that best suits your lifestyle.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine offers better fuel economy than the Enclave.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The GMC Enclave offers more cargo space than the Terrain, with 58.9 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded down.

Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The GMC Enclave has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the Terrain’s towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Enclave has a more powerful engine, with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower, compared to the Terrain’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The GMC Terrain has a lower starting price than the Enclave.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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