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Subaru forester vs gmc terrain: clash of the compact suvs

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

  • The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Terrain gets 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the 1.
  • In terms of value, the Subaru Forester is a better choice for those who want a vehicle with excellent off-road capability and a spacious interior.
  • The GMC Terrain is a better choice for those who want a vehicle with a more powerful engine and a larger infotainment system.

The Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of cargo space, and a variety of features that make them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Subaru Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The GMC Terrain offers a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel economy, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the GMC Terrain. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Terrain gets 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the 1.5-liter engine and 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the 2.0-liter engine.

Handling and Off-Road Capability

The Subaru Forester is known for its excellent handling and off-road capability. The vehicle features a standard all-wheel drive system that provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. The Forester also has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which is higher than the Terrain’s 8.0 inches.

The GMC Terrain is also a capable off-road vehicle, but it doesn’t quite match the Forester’s capabilities. The Terrain features an available all-wheel drive system, but it is not as advanced as the Forester’s system. The Terrain also has a lower ground clearance than the Forester.

Interior and Cargo Space

The Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Forester has a total passenger volume of 108.9 cubic feet and a cargo volume of 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Terrain has a slightly larger passenger volume of 111.3 cubic feet, but a smaller cargo volume of 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Both vehicles offer a variety of features to make your ride more comfortable, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Forester also offers an available third row of seats, which is a great option for families with multiple children.

Technology and Safety Features

The Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain offer a variety of technology and safety features to keep you connected and protected on the road. The Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Terrain offers a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well.

Both vehicles offer a variety of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Forester also offers an available EyeSight driver assistance system, which includes features such as lane keep assist and pre-collision braking.

Price and Value

The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $24,995, while the GMC Terrain has a starting price of $25,995. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and options, so the price will vary depending on the specific configuration you choose.

In terms of value, the Subaru Forester is a better choice for those who want a vehicle with excellent off-road capability and a spacious interior. The GMC Terrain is a better choice for those who want a vehicle with a more powerful engine and a larger infotainment system.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best way to decide which vehicle is right for you is to test drive both the Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain. This will give you a chance to experience the differences between the two vehicles firsthand and see which one is a better fit for your needs.

Final Verdict: The Ultimate Adventure Companion

Both the Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain are excellent choices for adventure-seekers who want a vehicle that can handle any terrain. The Forester is the better choice for those who want a vehicle with excellent off-road capability and a spacious interior. The Terrain is the better choice for those who want a vehicle with a more powerful engine and a larger infotainment system.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the GMC Terrain in terms of fuel economy.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The GMC Terrain has a slightly larger passenger volume than the Subaru Forester, but the Forester has a larger cargo volume.

Q: Which vehicle has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The GMC Terrain offers a larger infotainment system than the Subaru Forester, but both systems offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

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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