GMC Terrain vs. Nissan Xterra
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Terrain and Nissan Xterra 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 GMC Terrain and the Nissan Xterra.
When comparing the GMC Terrain's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the GMC Terrain's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2015 GMC Terrain ranges from $7,900 to $17,899 while a used 2015 Nissan Xterra is priced between $10,213 to $25,498.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the GMC Terrain’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Nissan Xterra base engine makes 261 horsepower. The Terrain is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 576 miles. The Xterra is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. This gives the GMC Terrain the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Xterra. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Xterra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The GMC Terrain, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The GMC Terrain has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,070
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$12,486
Price Range:
$7,900 - $17,899
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
315
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
107,713
# Good or Great Deals:
124
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,781
Price Range:
$10,213 - $25,498
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
51
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
118,116
# Good or Great Deals:
14
GMC Terrain Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Terrain
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Xterra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
GMC Terrain Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
23 out of / 59Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Nissan Xterra Rankings
Summary 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 Nissan Xterra is a rugged two-row SUV with plenty of cargo space and a suspension designed for those with adventurous lifestyles. The Xterra was discontinued after the 2015 model year.
Pros and Cons
- Spacious interior
- Fuel efficient engine
- Smooth ride
- Limited cargo space
- High starting price
- Base engine needs more power
Pros and Cons
- Powerful engine
- Off-road capability
- Durable interior materials
- Unrefined on-road ride
- Short list of standard features
- Low fuel economy
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
GMC Terrain Trim Levels
Denali, SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2
Nissan Xterra Trim Levels
PRO-4X, S, X
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 100000 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 6700 rpm
Torque:
172 foot-lbs @ 4900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 32 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
396 / 576 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
31.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
127.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
136.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3853 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
185.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4148 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
74.9 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Onyx Black
Silver
Quicksilver Metallic
White
Summit White
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Blue
Metallic Blue
Gray
Night Armor
Red
Cayenne Red / Lava Red
Yellow
SolarFlare Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
