What To Know
- 5L engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine delivers 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Santa Fe also offers a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Terrain offers a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.
- Both SUVs earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the Santa Fe received a “Top Safety Pick++” designation from the IIHS, while the Terrain received a “Top Safety Pick” designation.
In the realm of midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe and GMC Terrain stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles boast impressive features, stylish designs, and a comfortable ride. However, discerning buyers may wonder which SUV truly excels in various aspects. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Hyundai Santa Fe and GMC Terrain, helping you make an informed decision about your next SUV purchase.
Performance and Efficiency: A Tale of Two Engines
Under the hood, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice of two potent engines: a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine generating 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive shifting.
The GMC Terrain, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. It also offers an optional 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing a refined driving experience.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe slightly edges out the GMC Terrain. The Santa Fe with the 2.5L engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine delivers 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The GMC Terrain with the 1.5L engine returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0L engine provides 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for All
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and GMC Terrain offer ample interior space, accommodating up to five passengers comfortably. The Santa Fe provides 38.2 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom in the front, while the Terrain offers 39.7 inches of headroom and 40.9 inches of legroom. In the second row, the Santa Fe provides 38.2 inches of headroom and 38.6 inches of legroom, while the Terrain offers 39.7 inches of headroom and 39.7 inches of legroom.
In terms of cargo space, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The GMC Terrain provides 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
Technology and Connectivity: Keeping You Connected
The Hyundai Santa Fe and GMC Terrain come equipped with a suite of advanced technology features to keep you connected and entertained on your journeys. The Santa Fe features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad. The Terrain offers an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Bose premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad.
Both SUVs offer a range of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Santa Fe also offers a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Terrain offers a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.
Safety and Reliability: Peace of Mind on the Road
The Hyundai Santa Fe and GMC Terrain have both received impressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both SUVs earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the Santa Fe received a “Top Safety Pick++” designation from the IIHS, while the Terrain received a “Top Safety Pick” designation.
In terms of reliability, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly better reputation than the GMC Terrain. J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked the Santa Fe in the top 10 for midsize SUVs, while the Terrain ranked slightly lower.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,985, while the GMC Terrain starts at $29,995. However, the Santa Fe offers more standard features for the price, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, and more driver assistance technologies.
Which SUV is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and GMC Terrain depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, interior space, and technology, the Hyundai Santa Fe may be the better choice. However, if you value a more powerful engine, a more refined driving experience, and a higher safety rating, the GMC Terrain may be the better option.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
In addition to the key differences highlighted above, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and GMC Terrain:
- Towing Capacity: The Hyundai Santa Fe can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the GMC Terrain can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
- Off-Road Capability: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers an optional all-wheel drive system with a terrain management system, while the GMC Terrain offers an optional all-wheel drive system with a hill descent control system.
- Warranty: The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the GMC Terrain comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Terrain offers a more powerful engine option, with the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 252 horsepower compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe’s 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower.
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly better fuel economy than the GMC Terrain, with the 2.5L engine achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, compared to the Terrain’s 1.5L engine achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly more spacious interior than the GMC Terrain, offering more headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows.