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| 28 mpg / 39 mpg | Fuel Economy | 28 mpg / 34 mpg |
| 3,500 lbs | Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs. |
| 5 Passengers | Seating | 5 Passengers |
The compact SUV is expected to thread the line between fuel economy, engine power, and cargo utility. A popular pick for families, drivers seeking adventure, and even the daily commuter, the compact SUV offers up a broad range of curb appeal. Two top-performing vehicles in this class are the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Honda CR-V. Both of these vehicles are compact SUV standouts, while others in this class become a part of the background noise. The value that both of these vehicles bring to the table puts them front and center. From the level of power tucked beneath the hood to the amount of cargo and passenger space that you can take full advantage of, both of these SUVs are arguably pretty impressive. All that said, which one is the superior vehicle, and more importantly, which SUV serves to be the better buy? Continue reading, and we’ll compare the performance, interior features, and safety of these two compact SUVs, to show you which offers the most bang for your buck.
When you sit behind the wheel of a compact SUV, chances are you’ll get to take advantage of a punchy four-cylinder that delivers all of the horsepower and torque you need to get the job done. Small and mighty, these engines may not compete with large six-cylinder blocks, but they do a good job of conserving fuel, which is a huge plus for SUV drivers. The 2019 GMC Terrain falls within this category of hosting a small and mighty four-cylinder engine. While you can opt for an upgraded 252 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, you can expect base models to sport a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft worth of torque. This turbocharged engine truly delivers on the road, and thanks to the 9-speed automatic transmission found on base models, you can expect engine performance that doesn’t hesitate.
For compact SUVs, towing capacity is a plus, but drivers don’t often expect a whole lot. The 2019 GMC Terrain changes that expectation, with base models able to haul up to 1,500 lbs. Take a step up to that 2.0L Turbocharged engine, and you’ll find tow weight maxes out around 3,500 lbs. To make an already incredible performing vehicle even better, the 2019 GMC Terrain does an excellent job at conserving gasoline. While you’ll likely experience lower numbers in the 2.0L engine, the diesel model earns an EPA-rated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The 2019 GMC Terrain is also a great choice for the avid camper and adventurer, as some models come with a fully capable AWD drivetrain, which makes short work of light off-roading and poor road conditions.
The 2019 Honda CR-V offers comparative stats when it comes to performance. Base models sport a 184-horsepower inline-4 engine that provides drivers up to 179 lb-ft worth of torque. While this may seem like superior power compared to the base 2019 GMC Terrain, this Honda SUV’s engine is paired with a CVT or continuously variable transmission. Unfortunately, some drivers have complained about mechanical issues and general sluggishness that a CVT can cause. And for the 2019 Honda CR-V, the level of horsepower and torque is certainly hindered by this transmission alternative. That said, the Honda CR-V still gets some good gas mileage, earning an EPA-rated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
While the 2019 Honda CR-V has some pretty considerable engine power, it doesn’t really pay off in terms of towing, as the CR-V only has a max towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. A certain plus for the 2019 Honda CR-V is the fact that all trims can be equipped with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, which is bound to excite drivers who want a compact SUV with a bit of a rugged edge.
While performance is a huge deal for defining a high-value compact SUV, we’d be remiss if we didn’t focus on the interior features. Starting with the GMC Terrain, the base model offers standard features that are found as top-level features in competitive vehicles. When you get behind the wheel of a base model GMC Terrain, you’ll find 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, rear seats that fold flat, active noise cancellation, keyless ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a sprawling 7.0-inch touchscreen that is both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Higher trim options push the envelope, offering premium-level features such as leather seating, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and an even bigger 8.0-inch display. Cargo space was a huge focus for GMC as well apparently, as behind the rear seats drivers will find 29.6 cubic feet of gear space. Fold those rear seats flat, and that number jumps to 63.3 cubic feet. And in terms of interior comforts, both front and rear passengers will find great levels of space, as both get to enjoy 40.9 and 39.7 inches of legroom, respectively.
The 2019 Honda CR-V comparatively falls a little short of its American competitor, as paying the base model price lends for some base model features. The entry-level model sports the bare minimum, offering power windows and locks, Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and a 5.0-inch touchscreen display that isn’t tooled with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a feature which is becoming considered standard for other automakers. If you want more premium-level features, you’ll have to spend a bit more cash and climb that trim option ladder.
Fortunately, for what the Honda CR-V lacks in interior features, it makes up for in interior space. Behind the rear seats, drivers will find 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which can be expanded to a particularly cavernous 75.8 cubic feet. Although, while great for gear, we’d have like to see more bells and whistles in the standard model.
In terms of safety, the 2019 GMC Terrain brings things back to basics offering only a rearview camera and an interesting teen-driving feature which allows parents to set a time limit on how long their children can spend behind the wheel. Besides that, you’ll find the standard fare, including airbags and a passenger sensing system. In order to get active safety features, you’ll have to go up into higher trim levels. If you invest in higher trim options, you’ll find the kind of active safety features that one should be able to expect. This includes parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and a pair of premium headlights. While this can be somewhat disappointing for those who have come to find at least automatic emergency braking as standard, others might find the extra safety bells and whistles are a little distracting.
When it comes to safety, the 2019 Honda CR-V is placed in a similar boat as the 2019 GMC Terrain. Base models get the usual spread of airbags, and stability control, however, the Honda CR-V falls a little short as you won’t find any clever ‘teen-driving feature’ anywhere throughout the array of trim options. That said, if you decide to spend a little bit more money, you can enjoy a Honda CR-V complete with active safety features like forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitors, and a clever driver attention monitor.
Our team of expert dealers at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC of Duluth, GA have earned a reputation throughout Atlanta and northern Georgia for providing our customers with the best dealership experience possible. While other dealerships may herald promises of being a top-rated dealership, our team at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, actually means it. We make this possible by customizing each of our services to help you make the most out of your visit. Drivers from near and far flock to our dealership for more than just a place to purchase new and used Buick and GMC vehicles; they visit us for our wide array of automotive services. From our personalized financing plans to our skilled and fully equipped maintenance team, we strive to satisfy each of our customers’ automotive needs. If you’re looking to purchase a new, used, or commercial vehicle, our team of sales experts will walk you step by step through the process. From the moment you arrive at our dealership to when you drive off in the car of your dreams, we strive to give you everything you need to have the best experience possible.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.