The GMC Terrain and Ford Escape are both compact crossovers with a lot to offer in terms of cabin space, performance, and good fuel economy numbers.
Both crossovers also have a similar price range, which makes them perfect for a quick comparison. The 2022 Ford Escape starts at $26,010 and the 2022 GMC Terrain starts at $27,900.
Let’s take a look at how the two crossovers compare by the numbers.
Power and Performance
The first thing most drivers want to know about a vehicle is what kind of power it can provide.
The Ford Escape offers a choice of two engines with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbo three-cylinder as the standard engine and the 2.0-liter turbo-four as the optional engine. Both engines offer respectable horsepower numbers at 181 and 250 respectively.
The GMC Terrain offers only one engine choice, and that engine is a 1.5-liter turbo-four that makes 170 horsepower and 203 pounds of torque. In terms of pure power, it appears that the Ford Escape has the edge over the GMC Terrain.
Fuel Economy
Right behind the power is fuel economy as a top concern for many drivers. Compact crossovers are often sold by promoting good fuel economy ratings as most drivers who buy them navigate largely urban environments.
The Ford Escape’s standard engine gets 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. If you spring for the more powerful engine, then you’ll get 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
Over on the GMC side, the Terrain’s one engine makes 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. That’s pretty similar to the Escape’s standard engine and is definitely what you’ll want if you mostly drive in high-traffic city environments.
Interior Space
Inside, the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape have very similar total interior cargo volume at 65 cubic feet for the Escape and 63 cubic feet for the Terrain. The main difference between the two is that the Terrain uses most of its cargo volume to make roomier seating areas, which gives a more luxurious feel.
The Escape, on the other hand, pushes most of its interior cargo volume to the area behind the rear seats. Compared to the Terrain, the Escape has about eight cubic feet more space in the rear of the vehicle. So, choosing between these two compact crossovers based on interior space will depend on whether you want a more roomy passenger experience or more cargo area to haul things.
As you can see, by the raw numbers, the Ford Escape appears to offer more than the GMC Terrain. However, the GMC Terrain is more focused on a luxurious experience, which is why it has a roomier passenger area. It also offers more luxury trim options and a longer list of standard niceties vs. the Escape.
The choice is clear–if you have certain numbers in mind regarding horsepower and fuel economy, then the Escape is probably your best option. If you’re looking for comfort and luxury, then the Terrain is more likely to deliver what you want.
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