GMC Terrain vs. Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Terrain and Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander.
When we compare the GMC Terrain's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the GMC Terrain's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander is a better car than the GMC Terrain.
Pricing: A used 2024 GMC Terrain ranges from $26,492 to $40,893 while a used 2024 Toyota Highlander is priced between $41,719 to $53,965. For a new model, the GMC Terrain's price is between $28,237 and $42,677, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $41,955 and $54,332.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Terrain loses 44 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 4.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the GMC Terrain.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Terrain is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the GMC Terrain being ranked 17 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 6 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Terrain is 8.0 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the GMC Terrain.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the GMC Terrain’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Highlander, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The GMC Terrain, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the GMC Terrain and the Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$28,237 - $42,677
Starting MSRP:
$28,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,955 - $54,332
Starting MSRP:
$39,270
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,911
Price Range:
$26,492 - $40,893
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,293
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
22,383
# Good or Great Deals:
384
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,051
Price Range:
$41,719 - $53,965
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
693
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
22,334
# Good or Great Deals:
124
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$12,958
Depreciation %:
45.2%
Resale Value $:
$15,742
Residual Value %:
54.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,607
Depreciation %:
39.7%
Resale Value $:
$23,663
Residual Value %:
60.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
GMC Terrain Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Terrain
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
GMC Terrain Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 56Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
51 out of / 67Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 56Summary 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 Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Spacious interior
- Fuel efficient engine
- Smooth ride
- Limited cargo space
- High starting price
- Base engine needs more power
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
GMC Terrain Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, SLE, SLT
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
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:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1500 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 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 / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 29 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 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:
132.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3419 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:
4155 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 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:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Blue
Downpour Metallic / Riptide Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Metallic
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint / Moon Dust
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Cypress
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Medium Ash Gray/Jet Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
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