Hyundai Tucson Vs Gmc Terrain: A Tale Of Two Subcompact Suvs

The Hyundai Tucson and GMC Terrain are two popular compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality. Both vehicles have earned a reputation for their reliability, safety, and feature-rich interiors. However, each SUV has its own unique strengths and weaknesses that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Hyundai Tucson and GMC Terrain, helping you make an informed decision about which SUV is the right choice for your needs.

Performance and Power: Thrill vs. Efficiency

1. Engine Options and Power Output:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and a 2.0L turbocharged engine delivering 276 horsepower.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain comes standard with a 1.5L turbocharged engine generating 170 horsepower, with an available 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 252 horsepower.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson’s 2.5L engine boasts an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged 2.0L engine delivers an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain’s 1.5L engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.0L turbocharged engine offers an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

3. Driving Dynamics and Handling:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson provides a balanced driving experience with responsive handling and a comfortable ride. Its suspension absorbs bumps effectively, ensuring a smooth ride quality.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain offers a more rugged and athletic driving experience. Its suspension is tuned for off-road adventures, providing excellent stability and control on uneven surfaces.

Interior Comfort and Convenience: Space, Style, and Tech

1. Cabin Space and Seating:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson offers a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, providing comfort during long journeys.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain’s cabin is slightly smaller than the Tucson’s, but it still offers comfortable seating and sufficient legroom. The front seats are designed for long-distance comfort, with adjustable lumbar support.

2. Interior Design and Materials:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson’s interior features a modern and stylish design, with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The infotainment system is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with smartphones.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain’s interior has a more traditional and rugged design, with durable materials and a focus on functionality. The infotainment system is easy to use, but it lacks some of the advanced features found in the Tucson.

3. Cargo Capacity and Flexibility:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson offers a generous cargo area with 38.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 87.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain provides a slightly smaller cargo area, with 30.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones

1. Standard Safety Features:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain also offers a range of standard safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera.

2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson offers a variety of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain provides a similar range of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

3. Crash Test Ratings:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson has received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain has also earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.

Off-Road Prowess: Exploring the Great Unknown

1. All-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson is available with an optional all-wheel drive system that provides enhanced traction and stability in challenging conditions.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain comes standard with an all-wheel drive system, ensuring confident handling on various surfaces, including snow, mud, and sand.

2. Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, with approach and departure angles of 18.6 degrees and 23.5 degrees, respectively.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain offers a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.9 inches, with approach and departure angles of 20.7 degrees and 22.9 degrees, respectively.

3. Off-Road Performance:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson’s all-wheel drive system and decent ground clearance make it capable of handling light off-road trails and mild adventures.
• GMC Terrain: With its standard all-wheel drive system, higher ground clearance, and more aggressive approach and departure angles, the Terrain is better equipped for tackling challenging off-road terrain.

Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot

1. Starting MSRP:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson has a starting MSRP of $26,450 for the base SE trim.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $27,900 for the base SL trim.

2. Trim Levels and Options:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson offers five trim levels – SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line, and Limited – with various features and options to choose from.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain is available in four trim levels – SL,SLE, SLT, and Denali – each with its own unique set of features and options.

3. Value Proposition:

• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson offers a competitive value proposition, providing a well-rounded package of features, performance, and safety at an affordable price.
• GMC Terrain: The Terrain commands a slightly higher price, but it offers a more rugged and off-road-oriented experience, along with a premium interior and advanced technology features.

Summary: Choosing the Right Compact SUV for Your Needs

The Hyundai Tucson and GMC Terrain are both excellent compact SUVs with unique strengths and characteristics. The Tucson offers a spacious interior, impressive fuel efficiency, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it an ideal choice for urban commuters and families. On the other hand, the Terrain excels in off-road capability, rugged design, and a premium interior, making it a suitable option for adventure-seekers and those who frequently venture off the beaten path. Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Tucson and GMC Terrain depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

What People Want to Know

1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency?

• The Hyundai Tucson has slightly better fuel efficiency than the GMC Terrain, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Terrain’s 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

• The Hyundai Tucson has a slightly more spacious interior than the GMC Terrain, with more headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows.

3. Which SUV has a higher ground clearance?

• The GMC Terrain has a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.9 inches compared to the Hyundai Tucson’s 8.3 inches.

4. Which SUV has a better warranty?

• Both the Hyundai Tucson and GMC Terrain offer competitive warranty coverage, with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

5. Which SUV is better for off-roading?

• The GMC Terrain is better for off-roading thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system, higher ground clearance, and more aggressive approach and departure angles.