Starting at
Starting at
170 - 252 HP | Horsepower | 190 HP |
170 - 252 LB-FT | Torque | 179 LB-FT |
3,500 LBS | Towing Capacity | 1,500 LBS |
With every automaker releasing compact crossovers these days, the market might seem to be a bit saturated. However, two petite SUVs stand out in the crowd. If you are looking for a fun, athletically-styled crossover, you should take a moment to compare the 2020 GMC Terrain vs 2020 Honda CR-V. These two models are similar enough to compete head-to-head, and they are unique enough to grab attention even in a sea of other compact crossovers.
One of the categories that these two vehicles stack up in is the size. Both are classified as compact SUVs, and they can each carry five passengers comfortably. The GMC Terrain provides 29.6 cubic feet of room behind the back row of seating. This area can grow up to 63.3 cubic feet by simply folding down the back seats. The Honda CR-V is slightly larger, with a cargo area measuring 37.6 cubic feet. Folding down the seats will grant you access to 75.8 cubic feet, which is quite spacious for a vehicle such as this. If you think that’s impressive, there’s one more thing you should know about the Terrain. The front passenger seat can lay flat, increasing the overall cargo area to 81 cubic feet.
The size is just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s take a closer look at the performance specs, interiors, and exteriors of each model.
What’s life without a little variety? The new 2020 GMC Terrain comes with one of two engines. You can decide which one is more suited to your daily driving needs. First is the turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. Using a 9-speed automatic transmission coupled with front-wheel drive, this powertrain produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. It can also tow up to 1,500 pounds, and it gets about 28 mpg combined (26 city/30 highway). The other option is a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that generates a robust 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With the capability to pull 3,500 pounds, this version has a fuel economy set at 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway). Keep in mind that this powertrain is only available on the SLT and Denali trims. To make going down steep hills/roads easier, all Terrain models have been equipped with hill-descent control. They also have electronic stability and traction control.
While most SUVs of all sizes have more than one powertrain to choose from, the 2020 Honda CR-V only has one. This is a bit of a negative point since not every household needs the same amount of strength in a vehicle. Under the hood of the CR-V is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, it pushes out 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Able to haul 1,500 pounds, it has a fuel economy set at 30 mpg combined (28 city/34 highway). The trade-off here is slightly better gas mileage, but fewer options.
What makes most vehicles unique is what’s inside. The new 2020 GMC Terrain comes in four trims that are each unique. All of these trim comes with standard safety features such as low-speed forward collision warning, emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, and lane-keeping assist.
The base SL model is well-appointed with several power outlets located throughout the cabin, a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, and keyless ignition/entry. Even the infotainment interface is nice. Displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen, it operates with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for hands-free calling and seamless audio streaming. With 6-speakers pumping your favorite music, you will enjoy every second on the road.
Next is the SLE model, which can be equipped with a few extra packages. The Infotainment I package upgrades the 7-inch touchscreen to an 8-inch one. It also adds an SD card reader, two additional USB ports, an HD rearview camera, a 100-volt outlet, and SiriusXM Radio. Another package that can be added is the Driver Confidence package. This includes heated front seats with lumbar support for comfort, remote start, and dual-zone climate control.
Moving into the realm of luxury, the SLT is a great choice. The seating is covered in leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel has been added for comfort during the winter months. All of the packages from the SLE level come standard on the SLT. Finally, the premium Denali model adds a cooling option to the seats for the summer months.
The 2020 Honda CR-V is also available in four trims. Each one is unique and somewhat similar to the Terrain models. All version comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety suite. This includes a collision mitigation braking system, a road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and a lane-keeping assist function.
First is the base LX trim. This includes automatic climate control, keyless entry, and an infotainment interface that is displayed on a 5-inch LCD monitor. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling, and Pandora radio attempts to substitute for the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The four-speaker stereo is also two speakers short of the Terrain model.
Next is the EX model. This adds push-button start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an infotainment upgrade. Displayed on a larger 7-inch touchscreen, this system operates with six speakers, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Stepping up to the EX-L will get you two additional speakers for better sound. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Touring version comes with a wireless charging pad and a voice-recognition navigation system with Honda HD Digital Traffic.
You probably already know that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. While this might be the case for novels, it’s a bit different for vehicles. Of course, people judge them by how they appear on the outside. Making a first impression with your daily driver is important to many folks. Luckily, each firm level for both models comes with its own unique styling elements on the outside.
On the GMC Terrain SL, 17-inch aluminum wheels are painted silver and surrounded by all-terrain tires. The external side mirrors are heated and power-adjustable for ease-of-use. This model also includes GMC’s signature LED lights and rear privacy glass to prevent passersby from peeking inside. The SLE model is the same as the SL, but it also comes with a 16-inch spare wheel. As for the SLT, it rides on 18-inch wheels that have stylish gray accents. It also has roof rails for additional storage space and integrated turn signals on the side mirrors. The cream-of-the-crop Denali drives on 19-inch wheels and features a SkyScape power sunroof. It even has a hands-free power liftgate and a 17-inch spare wheel in case of a flat.
On the other hand, the Honda CR-V LX also rides on 17-inch wheels. This base model even comes with LED signature lighting. Adding fog lamps and rear privacy glass, the EX model is a step up from the base. Next is the EX-L, which adds a hands-free power liftgate. Finally, the Touring version includes 19-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and LED headlights. Dual chrome exhaust tips give it a sleek exterior look, and roof rails have also been added for extra storage space.
As for the paint colors, the GMC Terrain is very special. It comes in a special edition model known as the Elevation Edition. With an aggressively-styled, darkened aesthetic and 19-inch wheels, it comes in only four colors. These include Satin Steel Metallic, Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, and Graphite Gray Metallic. If you don’t get this special edition model, you can choose from nine paint options. These include Summit White, White Frost Tricoat, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Smokey Quartz Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, Red Quartz Tintcoat, and Blue Emerald Metallic.
Available in eight shades, the Honda CR-V comes in Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Aegean Blue Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, and Radiant Red Metallic.