What To Know
- Both the GMC Terrain and the Lexus NX have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- 5-liter engine delivers 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine achieves 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
- If you are looking for a rugged and capable SUV with a spacious interior and a competitive price point, the GMC Terrain is a solid choice.
The GMC Terrain and the Lexus NX are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a blend of comfort, style, and performance. While both vehicles share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that may influence your decision-making process. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each SUV to help you make an informed choice between the GMC Terrain vs Lexus NX.
Exterior Design
The GMC Terrain boasts a rugged and muscular exterior, featuring a bold grille and angular lines. Its commanding presence is accentuated by its squared-off wheel arches and a high ground clearance. In contrast, the Lexus NX exudes a more refined and sophisticated appearance, with its sleek curves and sharp creases. Its signature spindle grille and sweeping headlights give it a distinctive and eye-catching design.
Interior Comfort
Inside, the GMC Terrain offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there is ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Lexus NX, on the other hand, provides a more luxurious and upscale interior, with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. Its seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the cabin is adorned with soft-touch surfaces and ambient lighting.
Performance and Handling
The GMC Terrain is available with a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both engines offer decent performance, but the 2.0-liter engine provides more power and torque for a more spirited driving experience. The Lexus NX, meanwhile, offers a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine or a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged engine delivers impressive acceleration and passing power. Both the GMC Terrain and the Lexus NX offer a comfortable and composed ride, with well-tuned suspensions that absorb bumps and road imperfections effectively.
Technology and Features
The GMC Terrain comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels add features such as an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium Bose audio system. The Lexus NX, on the other hand, features a more advanced infotainment system with a 9.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. It also offers a wide range of advanced safety and driver-assistance features, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety and Reliability
Both the GMC Terrain and the Lexus NX have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Lexus NX, however, has a slight edge in terms of reliability, with J.D. Power and Associates ranking it higher than the GMC Terrain in its Vehicle Dependability Study.
Fuel Economy
The GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine returns 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Lexus NX with the 2.5-liter engine delivers 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine achieves 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Pricing and Value
The GMC Terrain has a starting price of $29,300, while the Lexus NX starts at $39,550. Both vehicles offer a wide range of trim levels and optional features, so the final price will depend on your specific configuration. However, the Lexus NX typically commands a higher price premium due to its more luxurious interior, advanced technology, and higher safety ratings.
The Verdict: GMC Terrain vs Lexus NX
Ultimately, the choice between the GMC Terrain and the Lexus NX depends on your individual priorities and preferences. If you are looking for a rugged and capable SUV with a spacious interior and a competitive price point, the GMC Terrain is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize luxury, advanced technology, and a higher level of safety, the Lexus NX is worth considering despite its higher price tag.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Lexus NX with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine produces more horsepower and torque than the GMC Terrain with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Lexus NX with the 2.5-liter engine has slightly better fuel economy than the GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The GMC Terrain offers a more spacious cabin with more headroom and legroom than the Lexus NX.
Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: The Lexus NX has a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, more features, and a higher-quality audio system.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: The Lexus NX has a slightly better reliability rating than the GMC Terrain according to J.D. Power and Associates.