What To Know
- The Terrain’s V6 engine, on the other hand, returns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Forester offers a more affordable entry point, but the Terrain’s more powerful engine and larger infotainment system may be worth the extra cost for some buyers.
- If you’re looking for more power, a more luxurious interior, and a larger infotainment system, the Terrain may be a better fit.
The 2019 Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain are two popular subcompact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and off-road capability. But how do these two vehicles stack up against each other? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester vs GMC Terrain 2019, exploring their performance, features, and overall value.
Exterior Design
The Subaru Forester presents a rugged yet refined exterior, boasting a muscular stance and angular lines. Its signature hexagonal grille and LED headlights add a touch of sophistication. In contrast, the GMC Terrain exudes a more urban appeal with its sleek curves and chrome accents. Its bold front fascia and swept-back headlights lend it a sporty and modern look.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Forester and Terrain offer spacious interiors with ample room for passengers and cargo. The Forester’s cabin features a well-designed dashboard with intuitive controls and comfortable seating. The Terrain’s interior is equally impressive, with a user-friendly infotainment system and high-quality materials. However, the Forester offers a slightly more generous cargo capacity, making it a better choice for hauling larger items.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Subaru Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The GMC Terrain offers a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. In terms of handling, the Forester’s standard all-wheel drive system provides excellent stability and off-road capability. The Terrain’s available all-wheel drive system also offers impressive traction, but it’s not quite as capable as the Forester’s when the going gets tough.
Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the GMC Terrain. The Forester’s four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Terrain’s V6 engine, on the other hand, returns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Technology and Features
Both the Forester and Terrain offer a generous suite of technology and convenience features. The Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera. The Terrain offers a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Bose premium audio system.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. The Terrain also received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but it only earned a Good rating in the IIHS’s small overlap front crash test. In terms of reliability, both vehicles have a solid track record, with the Forester consistently ranking higher in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study.
Value and Pricing
The 2019 Subaru Forester has a starting price of $24,495, while the 2019 GMC Terrain starts at $25,000. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying features and options. The Forester offers a more affordable entry point, but the Terrain’s more powerful engine and larger infotainment system may be worth the extra cost for some buyers.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the 2019 Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel economy, off-road capability, and reliability, the Forester is an excellent option. If you’re looking for more power, a more luxurious interior, and a larger infotainment system, the Terrain may be a better fit.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester has slightly better fuel economy than the GMC Terrain.
Q: Which vehicle has more interior space?
A: The Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain offer similar interior space, but the Forester has a slightly more generous cargo capacity.
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Terrain has a more powerful engine than the Subaru Forester.
Q: Which vehicle offers more technology features?
A: The GMC Terrain offers a slightly more generous suite of technology features than the Subaru Forester, including a larger infotainment system and navigation.
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: Both the Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain have a solid track record of reliability, but the Forester consistently ranks higher in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study.