GMC Terrain vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Terrain and Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Volkswagen Tiguan.
When comparing the GMC Terrain's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The GMC Terrain and Volkswagen Tiguan have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the GMC Terrain's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the GMC Terrain is a better car than the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Pricing: A used 2024 GMC Terrain ranges from $26,492 to $40,893 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $28,946 to $39,417. For a new model, the GMC Terrain's price is between $28,237 and $42,677, with the Volkswagen Tiguan priced between $30,000 and $40,812.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Terrain loses 44 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Tiguan retains 2.7 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 Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the GMC Terrain being ranked 8 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 13 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the GMC Terrain is ranked 17 and the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 31.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Terrain is 8.0 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the GMC Terrain a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the GMC Terrain’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower. Both the Terrain and the Tiguan are rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 432 and 459 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room and rear shoulder room. The GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the GMC Terrain has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.65 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
28237 - 42677
Starting MSRP:
28700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23860 - 30300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30000 - 40812
Starting MSRP:
28880
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23860 - 30300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
32911
Price Range:
26492 - 40893
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29649 - 36546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1451
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
25414
# Good or Great Deals:
497
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33675
Price Range:
28946 - 39417
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29649 - 36546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1447
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
15786
# Good or Great Deals:
532
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12958
Depreciation %:
0.45150448
Resale Value $:
15742
Residual Value %:
0.54849552
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.42031495
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.29061823 - 0.47283242
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12141
Depreciation %:
0.42040682
Resale Value $:
16739
Residual Value %:
0.57959318
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.42031495
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.29061823 - 0.47283242
GMC Terrain Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.593782 / 10
Reliability:
8.021952 / 10
Retained Value:
7.759395 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.214043 / 10
Reliability:
7.410545 / 10
Retained Value:
7.931585 / 10
Safety:
9.3 / 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:
0.107
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
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:
0.008
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.608968146959203
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:
2.036456157180586
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
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 / 67Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
34 out of / 34Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Summary 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 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.
Pros and Cons
- Spacious interior
- Fuel efficient engine
- Smooth ride
- Limited cargo space
- High starting price
- Base engine needs more power
Pros and Cons
- New generation is roomier and more fuel efficient
- Optional three-row seating is occasionally useful
- Driving dynamics are engaging
- Acceleration not as strong as some competitors
- Fuel efficiency could be better
- First-generation’s cargo space was limited
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
GMC Terrain Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, SLE, SLT
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
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:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
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):
4.65 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:
Not yet available
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:
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 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 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
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:
Standard
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:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.0 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:
3732 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
186.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.4 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P215/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Blue
Downpour Metallic / Riptide Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Metallic
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Pure White
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Medium Ash Gray/Jet Black
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
