2018 GMC Terrain vs. 2018 Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 GMC Terrain and 2018 Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 GMC Terrain and the 2018 Subaru Forester.
When comparing the 2018 GMC Terrain's and the 2018 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2018 GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2018 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 2018 GMC Terrain and 2018 Subaru Forester have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 GMC Terrain's and the 2018 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2018 GMC Terrain.
Pricing: A used 2018 GMC Terrain ranges from $10,995 to $21,997 while a used 2018 Subaru Forester is priced between $12,249 to $23,896.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 GMC Terrain loses 49.3 percent of its value and the 2018 Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Subaru Forester retains 12.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 GMC Terrain.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Terrain is 7.9 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the GMC Terrain being ranked 10 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 19. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the GMC Terrain is ranked 21 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 3.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Terrain is 7.7 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the GMC Terrain.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2018 GMC Terrain and the 2018 Subaru Forester makes 170 horsepower. The Terrain is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 447 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 445 miles. This gives the 2018 GMC Terrain the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Subaru Forester. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 GMC Terrain and the 2018 Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$16,465
Price Range:
$10,995 - $21,997
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$16,311
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$12,871 - $23,031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
534
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
97,648
# Good or Great Deals:
256
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,137
Price Range:
$12,249 - $23,896
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$16,311
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$12,871 - $23,031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
806
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
93,037
# Good or Great Deals:
299
GMC Terrain Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 GMC Terrain
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
11%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 14
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 14
GMC Terrain Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 54Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 54Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
42 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 54Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 54Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Summary Review
The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five people with a roomy cabin and impressive fuel economy. The current Terrain was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,939 and 3-year-old models averaging $24,337.
Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
- Spacious interior
- Fuel efficient engine
- Smooth ride
- Limited cargo space
- High starting price
- Base engine needs more power
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 GMC Terrain Trim Levels
Denali, SL, SLE, SLE Diesel, SLT, SLT Diesel
2018 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Premium Black Edition, 2.5i Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 30 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
387 / 447 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 445 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
142.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3449 lbs
Width:
72.4 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
182.3 inches
Wheelbase:
107.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3322 lbs
Width:
80.5 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
181.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Silver
Quicksilver Metallic
White
Summit White
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Blue
Quartz Blue Pearl
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Green
Jasmine Green Metallic
Red
Venetian Red Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
