Starting at
Starting at
252 HP | Max Horsepower | 250 HP |
203 LB-FT | Base Torque | 190 LB-FT |
3,500 LBS | Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 LBS |
If you are looking for a comfortable, well-built, fun crossover that isn’t too big, you should compare the 2020 GMC Terrain vs 2020 Ford Escape. These two petite SUVs are quite sporty and loaded with the coolest features. Both can seat up to five passengers, and they each have admirable safety features that come standard.
Even though they are comparable to a certain extent, there are still many differences between these two vehicles besides the brand name. For example, the GMC Terrain offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the back row. Folding down the rear seats will give you access to 63.3 cubic feet. On the other hand, the Ford Escape boasts a surprising 37.5 cubic feet of room in the back and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While it may seem like the Escape wins the round for maximum cargo area, there’s one more thing to take note of. The Terrain’s front passenger seat can also be folded down, expanding the area to a whopping 81 cubic feet. That’s cavernous for such a petite vehicle.
That’s not all that is different between these two compact crossovers. Let’s dive deeper to look at the performance specs, interior features, and exterior styling elements.
When it comes to SUVs of any size, the vehicle must have enough power to handle five people and their possessions with ease. Many SUVs have more than one engine option to choose from due to the varying needs of the consumers.
The 2020 GMC Terrain is one of those SUVs. The first engine option is a turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder that uses a 9-speed automatic transmission and FWD to generate 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain can haul up to 1,500 pounds and has a fuel economy set at 28 mpg combined (26 city/30 highway). You can also choose a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that produces 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Available only on the SLT and Denali trims, this powertrain can pull 3,500 pounds. It also gets 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway). All GMC Terrain models feature traction and electronic stability control for optimized handling. Hill-descent control also comes in handy for going down steep declines.
On the other hand, the 2020 Ford Escape is offered with two traditional gasoline engine choices. First, we have the turbocharged 1.5L Ecoboost I-3 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD. It generates 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque and has a fuel economy set at 30 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway). The other gasoline option is a turbocharged 2.0L Ecoboost I-4 engine that pumps out 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, paddle shifters, and FWD to get about 26 mpg combined (23 city/31highway).
Available in four trims, the 2020 GMC Terrain base is known as the SL. It is well-equipped with keyless ignition/entry, multiple power sources including 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin, and a convenient 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. The infotainment interface is displayed on a 7-inch screen and operates with voice controls. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows for seamless audio streaming of your personalized playlists. You can enjoy your top tunes through the 6-speaker stereo system.
Stepping up to the SLE will make the Terrain eligible for numerous package upgrades. The Driver Convenience package includes remote start, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats with lumbar support. You can also opt for the Infotainment I package for the larger 8-inch touchscreen and 3-month trial to SiriusXM Radio. Two additional USB ports have also been added as well as an SD card reader, a 100-volt power outlet, and an HD rearview camera.
If you want something more luxurious, you can choose the SLT model. With leather upholstery throughout the cabin, this model even has a heated steering wheel to keep your hands warm in the winter. Ambient lighting is included as well as all of the package features from the SLE model. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Denali comes with all of those cool features plus a cooling element in the front seats. Standard safety features across all Terrain models include low-speed forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera.
With five trims to choose from, the 2020 Ford Escape base model is called the S. It is very different than the Terrain base model. Featuring the Sync infotainment interface and a 6-speaker stereo, those are the two most similar features. It also comes with three power sources and a slew of safety features with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. Blindspot monitoring, pre-collision assist, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency braking, a rearview camera, and lane-keeping assist come standard.
Moving up to the SE trim will add heated seats for comfort during the winter. It also includes an updated Sync3 infotainment interface and satellite radio. On the SEL version, you will get upgraded ActiveX seating, a leather-wrapped/heated steering wheel, and SiriusXM Radio with Travel Link.
Finally, the premium Titanium model adds leather trim to the seats, dual-zone climate control for optimized comfort, and an impressive 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with a subwoofer. Remote start has also been added along with Active Park Assist 2.0 to help with parallel parking. Even with these features, it won't match the luxury features offered on the GMC Terrain.
Exterior styling elements on both vehicles varies greatly depending on the trim. You will notice the most differences between the wheel designs and color palettes.
The 2020 GMC Terrain SL rides on 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels with all-season tires. Heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, LED lights, and rear privacy glass are also included. The SLE adds a 16-inch steel spare wheel for emergencies. Rolling on larger 18-inch aluminum wheels with dark grey accents, the SLT also features integrated turn signal indicators on the side mirrors and roof rails for extra storage. The top-tier Denali gets beautiful 19-inch bright aluminum wheels, a 17-inch spare wheel, an optional SkyScape power sunroof, and a power liftgate.
On the flip side, the 2020 Ford Escape S also features 17-inch wheels. However, it comes with black accents on the spoiler, moldings, grille, and side mirrors. It also includes skid plates to protect from damage. The SE is recognizable for its chrome grille and moldings with a body-colored spoiler and LED lighting. As for the SE Sport Hybrid, its 17-inch wheels are painted black. The SEL gets 18-inch wheels and a black mesh grille with chrome accents. It also receives fog lights and a hands-free liftgate. Lastly, the Titanium model rolls on 17-inch wheels and features chrome moldings, a chrome grille, and black roof rails.
Your vehicle's paint color is another important point to cover. The GMC Terrain is available in the Elevation Edition, which features a darkened aesthetic and 19-inch wheels. It is only available in four colors, including Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, and Graphite Gray Metallic. However, the other models come in 9 paint options, including White Frost Tricoat, Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Smokey Quartz Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic, Blue Emerald Metallic, and Red Quartz Tintcoat.
The Ford Escape comes in 10 shades, including Rapid Red, Star White, Velocity Blue, Dark Persian Green, Magnetic, Oxford White, Sedona Orange, Ingot Silver, Agate Black, and Desert Gold. The Desert Gold paint is brand new to the 2020 model year.