Starting at
Starting at
137-252 HP | Horsepower | 203 HP |
203-260 lb-ft | Torque | 184 lb-ft |
28/39 MPG | Max Fuel Economy | 26/35 MPG |
Researching the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Toyota RAV4? You’ve come to the right place! These compact SUVs are two of the most popular selections in their class. They are versatile, advanced, and offer the latest safety technology.
The 2019 GMC Terrain is known for its upscale interior and available diesel engine, while the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is synonymous with practicality and simplicity. Which of these vehicles is right for you? Before you determine whether the Terrain or RAV4 is right for you, it’s important to take a close look at how they compare in terms of performance, interior features, and safety. So, let’s take a look!
The 2019 GMC Terrain is a tough vehicle to beat in the compact SUV class, especially in the category of performance. Compared to the 2019 Toyota RAV4, the Terrain is more powerful, efficient, and capable, making it the more ideal choice for drivers shopping for a performance-focused SUV. However, the RAV4 is not too far behind and is a versatile vehicle overall.
Drivers interested in purchasing the 2019 GMC Terrain will have three engine options to choose from. The base engine is a well-rounded 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 170 hp and 203 lb-ft torque. This engine earns high fuel economy ratings for the compact SUV class at up to 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway; however, the Terrain’s Diesel engine exceeds these figures.
The most powerful engine available on the Terrain is the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which offers up to 252 hp and 260 lb-ft torque. This engine still manages to produce good fuel economy ratings at up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, but these estimates will drop slightly when equipped with AWD.
The available Diesel engine offers a high level of torque and the vehicle’s best fuel economy ratings at up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Both gasoline engines are paired with GMC’s popular 9-speed automatic transmissions, while the diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the 2019 GMC Terrain even offers excellent capability ratings with a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 LBS. This is one of the highest towing capacities available in the compact SUV class, making it possible to transport small to midsize recreational equipment with ease.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 203 hp and 184 lb-ft torque. This engine offers up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which are high ratings for the compact SUV class but cannot quite compete with the Terrain’s diesel engine. While this engine is incredibly versatile, drivers do not have the choice of additional power or efficiency, so you’re SUV will be equipped with this engine no matter which trim level you choose to invest in.
The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can be configured in FWD or AWD. Drivers prioritizing efficiency will want to consider the slightly lower fuel economy ratings associated with AWD. Of course, the RAV4 can also be purchased in a hybrid model.
This version of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 offers slightly more horsepower power and excellent fuel efficiency ratings with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and electric motors. However, this model of the RAV4 comes at a high price increase from the starting MSRP. Overall, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a versatile vehicle in the category of performance. However, the Terrain gives drivers more opportunities to customize their vehicle to their exact needs and is much more powerful and capable.
If you’re shopping for a base model vehicle, you may expect not to see a long list of standard features included at the starting price. However, both the 2019 GMC Terrain and 2019 Toyota RAV4 offer a generous amount of standard features, including advanced entertainment technology and convenience features. As a GMC vehicle, the Terrain is well-known for offering an upscale interior, while the RAV4 is known for its simple interior and more practical feel. While both vehicles offer a nice selection of features, the Terrain simply offers more and combines these features with premium materials and upholsteries.
If you’re looking for plenty of standard features and a luxury cabin at an affordable price, it’s hard to pass up on the 2019 GMC Terrain. This compact SUV comes with nearly everything modern drivers are looking for in a new vehicle, without having to upgrade. Standard entertainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and Bluetooth.
Meanwhile, active noise cancellation and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are also included on the base model. Optional features allow the Terrain to become even more advanced and luxurious, and include features like an 8-inch touchscreen display, satellite radio, navigation, a Bose sound system, wireless device charging, leather upholstery, heated front, and rear seats, and ventilated front seats.
Drivers looking for the ultimate luxury experience onboard their 2019 GMC Terrain will want to opt for the highly coveted Denali trim, which offers nearly every feature available on the Terrain as a standard feature. In terms of design and interior quality, the Terrain excels compared to its competitors. High-quality materials that are soft-to-the-touch are found throughout the cabin, while comfortable upholsteries are appointed on each seat. If you’re looking for a comfortable, advanced, and luxurious cabin, you’ll want to check out the 2019 GMC Terrain.
The RAV4 has made great improvements in terms of its standard features over the last few years. Previous models of the RAV4 were essentially bare in terms of standard features, especially in regards to entertainment and convenience features. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is the most improved model yet, offering a long list of standard features onboard it's base model.
These features include a 7-inch touchscreen display, a 6-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. However, the RAV4 is one of the few vehicles not to offer Android Auto as a standard or available feature. This compact SUV also offers only one USB port compared to the Terrain’s four USB ports, which can make keeping everyone onboard entertained and connected more difficult. Optional entertainment features on the 2019 Toyota RAV4 include an 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless charging, a JBL 11-speaker sound system, and additional USB ports.
Standard convenience features are underwhelming compared to those on the Terrain; yet, available upgrades make the interior of the RAV4 more upscale and include heated and cooled front seats, memory controlled seating, and SofTex seats. When it comes to interior styling and quality, the RAV4 is designed with simplicity in mind. Materials and upholsteries are functional and inexpensive, so hard plastics will be found throughout the cabin. While the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has made big improvements to its interior, it still has a few more upgrades to make.
Both the 2019 GMC Terrain and 2019 Toyota RAV4 offer advanced safety technology and have achieved high safety scores from the NHTSA for their performance in multiple crash test categories. However, the Terrain earned a higher score than the RAV4 in the frontal crash test category, which is one of the most important safety tests available. If you’re looking for a vehicle that will keep everyone onboard as safe as possible, the Terrain is the better option with more advanced front crash prevention technology.
Drivers will find a long list of standard and optional driver assist features available on the 2019 GMC Terrain, as well as all of the safety essentials needed to keep passengers onboard as safe as possible. The Terrain’s safety technology has been proven by rigorous testing with the NHTSA, which awarded the Terrain a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating. This score included a 5-star rating in nearly every category tested, including the frontal crash, side barrier, and side crash categories.
The Terrain also offers an excellent warranty program, which includes a 3-year/36,000 mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty, corrosion coverage for 6 years/100,000 miles, and a roadside assistance plan. The Terrain has also earned a reputation for its reliability over the years, making it an excellent option for small families or daily commuters.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a nice selection of features, thanks to the included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and emergency braking. Meanwhile, the RAV4 also offers a full airbag system, stability and traction control, and child car seat anchors. The NHTSA awarded the 2019 Toyota RAV4 high safety ratings, but this SUV earned lower ratings than the Terrain in the frontal crash category.
The RAV4 also earned a 4 out of 5-star rating in the rollover test category, representing a second are of concern for drivers. While the RAV4 offers plenty of safety features at no additional cost, it simply does not have the high safety scores of the Terrain to prove its technology. Drivers looking for a safe family vehicle will want to choose the 2019 GMC Terrain over the 2019 Toyota RAV4.