Fuel Efficiency Face-off: Subaru Outback Vs Gmc Terrain – Which Suv Has The Edge?

In the realm of compact SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the Subaru Outback and the GMC Terrain. Both vehicles boast exceptional features, making them popular choices among adventure-seekers and families alike. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we delve into the intricacies of each SUV, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences. Whether you prioritize ruggedness, versatility, or a comfortable ride, this guide will help you determine which vehicle best suits your needs.

Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Powertrains

The Subaru Outback and GMC Terrain offer distinct powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences. The Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery. Alternatively, the Terrain offers a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing responsive acceleration and confident handling.

Capability and Versatility: Embracing the Great Outdoors

Both the Subaru Outback and GMC Terrain excel in off-road capabilities, making them ideal companions for outdoor enthusiasts. The Outback boasts Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which seamlessly distributes power to all four wheels, ensuring optimal traction and stability in challenging conditions. Additionally, the Outback offers an impressive ground clearance of 8.7 inches, allowing it to navigate rough terrain with ease. The Terrain, on the other hand, features GMC’s Terrain Management System, which offers various drive modes tailored to different terrains, including snow, mud, and sand. With a ground clearance of 8.4 inches, the Terrain also demonstrates impressive off-road prowess.

Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Haven for Passengers

When it comes to interior comfort and convenience, the Subaru Outback and GMC Terrain deliver exceptional experiences. The Outback’s cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The front seats provide ample support and adjustability, ensuring a comfortable ride for long journeys. The Terrain’s interior is equally impressive, featuring soft-touch surfaces and a user-friendly infotainment system. Both vehicles offer generous cargo space, making them suitable for hauling gear and luggage.

Safety and Reliability: Prioritizing Peace of Mind

The Subaru Outback and GMC Terrain prioritize safety and reliability, offering a comprehensive suite of features to protect occupants and ensure peace of mind. The Outback comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety technologies, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Terrain, on the other hand, features GMC’s Pro Safety Plus package, which includes similar safety features as the Outback, along with a rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot monitoring system. Both vehicles have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Performance and Economy

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many car buyers, and the Subaru Outback and GMC Terrain offer comparable performance in this area. The Outback achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Terrain returns 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These figures indicate that both vehicles deliver respectable fuel economy for their size and capabilities.

Value for Money: A Comparative Analysis

When it comes to value for money, the Subaru Outback and GMC Terrain offer competitive pricing and a range of features that justify their cost. The Outback starts at a slightly lower price point than the Terrain, making it a more affordable option. However, the Terrain offers a more powerful engine and a more comprehensive infotainment system as standard. Ultimately, the best value proposition depends on individual preferences and priorities.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs

The Subaru Outback and GMC Terrain are both excellent compact SUVs with unique strengths and characteristics. The Outback excels in all-wheel drive capability, fuel efficiency, and safety, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a versatile vehicle. The Terrain, on the other hand, offers a more powerful engine, a more spacious interior, and a more comprehensive infotainment system, making it a compelling option for those seeking a comfortable and capable SUV. Ultimately, the decision between these two vehicles depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Which SUV offers better off-road capabilities?

Both the Subaru Outback and GMC Terrain offer impressive off-road capabilities, but the Outback has a slight edge due to its higher ground clearance and Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

2. Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

The GMC Terrain offers a slightly more spacious interior than the Subaru Outback, with more headroom and legroom in both rows of seats.

3. Which SUV has a better infotainment system?

The GMC Terrain features a more advanced infotainment system than the Subaru Outback, with a larger touchscreen, more features, and a more user-friendly interface.

4. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?

The Subaru Outback is slightly more fuel-efficient than the GMC Terrain, achieving better mpg ratings in both city and highway driving.

5. Which SUV is more affordable?

The Subaru Outback has a lower starting price than the GMC Terrain, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.