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Suv face-off: gmc terrain vs hyundai santa fe – explore the key differences that matter

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

  • Both the GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
  • The GMC Terrain has a starting price of $30,395, while the Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,935.
  • Both the GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets and preferences.

The midsize SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with numerous compelling options vying for buyers’ attention. Two standout contenders in this category are the GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both offer a blend of practicality, performance, and style, but which one emerges victorious? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these vehicles to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

Engine Options:
The GMC Terrain offers a variety of engine options, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.6-liter V6. The Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.5-liter V6.

Power and Torque:
The most powerful engine in the GMC Terrain lineup is the 3.6-liter V6, which produces 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Santa Fe‘s 3.5-liter V6 delivers 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Economy:
In terms of fuel economy, the GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine boasts an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Interior

Cabin Space:
Both the GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer spacious cabins with ample room for passengers and cargo. The GMC Terrain has 103.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the Hyundai Santa Fe has 102.7 cubic feet.

Seating and Comfort:
The GMC Terrain offers a comfortable ride with supportive seats and ample headroom and legroom. The Hyundai Santa Fe also provides a comfortable interior with plush seating and a panoramic sunroof.

Technology and Features:
The GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe come equipped with a range of advanced technology features. The Terrain features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a Bose premium audio system. The Santa Fe offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

Safety

Safety Features:
Both the GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Driver Assist Systems:
The GMC Terrain offers an array of driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert. The Hyundai Santa Fe also provides a comprehensive suite of driver assist systems, such as highway driving assist, smart cruise control, and a surround-view monitor.

Exterior

Styling:
The GMC Terrain has a bold and rugged exterior design with a muscular stance and aggressive grille. The Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, features a more refined and elegant exterior with sleek lines and a sophisticated front fascia.

Dimensions:
The GMC Terrain is slightly smaller than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with a length of 182.3 inches and a width of 72.4 inches. The Santa Fe is 193.5 inches long and 74.8 inches wide.

Reliability

J.D. Power Reliability Ratings:
In the J.D. Power 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the GMC Terrain received a score of 83 out of 100, while the Hyundai Santa Fe scored 90 out of 100. This indicates that the Santa Fe is considered more reliable by owners.

Warranty Coverage:
The GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe come with comprehensive warranty coverage. The Terrain has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Santa Fe has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Price

Base Price:
The GMC Terrain has a starting price of $30,395, while the Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,935.

Trim Levels and Options:
Both the GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets and preferences. The Terrain comes in SLE, SLT, and Denali trim levels, while the Santa Fe offers SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trim levels.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between the GMC Terrain and the Hyundai Santa Fe ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and reliability, the Santa Fe may be a better option. If you value style and affordability, the Terrain could be a more suitable choice.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieves better fuel economy than the GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The GMC Terrain offers slightly more cargo space than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Terrain with the 3.6-liter V6 has a more powerful engine than the Hyundai Santa Fe with the 3.5-liter V6.

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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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