What To Know
- When comparing similarly equipped trims, such as the Terrain SLE and the Seltos S, the Terrain has a higher price tag of $32,500 compared to the Seltos’s $28,290.
- The Kia Seltos is a more economical and fuel-efficient option that offers a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a range of user-friendly technology features.
- While the Kia Seltos offers a compelling combination of style, economy, and technology, it falls short in areas where the Terrain excels.
In the ever-competitive compact SUV market, the GMC Terrain and Kia Seltos stand out as two formidable contenders. With their rugged capabilities, stylish designs, and advanced features, these vehicles offer drivers a compelling blend of practicality and adventure. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the GMC Terrain against the Kia Seltos to determine which SUV reigns supreme.
Performance and Capabilities
The GMC Terrain offers a choice of two powertrains: a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Seltos comes with a single engine option: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of acceleration, the Terrain with the 2.0-liter engine outperforms the Seltos, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds compared to the Seltos’s 9.1 seconds. However, the Seltos’s smaller engine provides better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway compared to the Terrain’s 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
For off-road adventures, the Terrain offers an optional all-wheel-drive system with an available terrain management system that optimizes traction on various surfaces. The Seltos also features an optional all-wheel-drive system, but it lacks the Terrain’s advanced off-road capabilities.
Design and Interior
The GMC Terrain boasts a bold and rugged exterior with a muscular stance and sharp lines. The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, exudes a more refined and urban aesthetic with its sleek profile and stylish accents.
Inside, the Terrain’s cabin is spacious and well-equipped, offering comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The Seltos’s interior is slightly smaller but still provides ample space for passengers and cargo. Both SUVs feature high-quality materials and offer a range of user-friendly infotainment systems.
Technology and Safety
The GMC Terrain and Kia Seltos come packed with advanced technology features. The Terrain features a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Seltos offers a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with the same smartphone integration.
In terms of safety, both SUVs received top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Terrain offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos also provides a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist.
Pricing and Value
The GMC Terrain has a starting price of $27,900 for the base SLE trim. The Kia Seltos has a slightly lower starting price of $23,590 for the base LX trim. However, the Terrain offers more standard features and a more powerful engine than the Seltos.
When comparing similarly equipped trims, such as the Terrain SLE and the Seltos S, the Terrain has a higher price tag of $32,500 compared to the Seltos’s $28,290. However, the Terrain offers a more spacious interior, better performance, and a more advanced off-road system.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The GMC Terrain is the ideal choice for drivers who prioritize performance, off-road capabilities, and a spacious interior. Its powerful engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and well-equipped cabin make it an excellent companion for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
The Kia Seltos is a more economical and fuel-efficient option that offers a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a range of user-friendly technology features. Its smaller size and lower price make it an appealing choice for urban dwellers and those on a budget.
Verdict: The Winner
In the battle of the compact SUVs, the GMC Terrain emerges as the victor. Its superior performance, off-road capabilities, and spacious interior make it the better choice for drivers who demand a versatile and adventure-ready vehicle. While the Kia Seltos offers a compelling combination of style, economy, and technology, it falls short in areas where the Terrain excels.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Terrain with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has a more powerful engine than the Kia Seltos.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Kia Seltos has better fuel economy than the GMC Terrain, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway compared to the Terrain’s 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The GMC Terrain has a more spacious interior than the Kia Seltos, offering more legroom, headroom, and cargo space.
Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: The Kia Seltos has a larger touchscreen and a more user-friendly infotainment system than the GMC Terrain.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Kia Seltos has a lower starting price than the GMC Terrain, making it more affordable for budget-conscious buyers.