Toyota and GMC might not seem like natural competitors. However, when it comes to the tightly packed and highly competitive world of crossover SUVs, everyone is trying to get a leg up on the other guy. Toyota was among the first automakers in the world to recognize the potential for efficient, convenient and easy-to-drive platforms like the crossover SUV. In fact, the Toyota Highlander is one of the charter members of the class. The new model year is just getting underway at White River Toyota and that means it's time to start checking out what our inventory can offer. Examining the 2018 Toyota Highlander vs. 2018 GMC Terrain is going to be very telling for customers interested in this particular segment of the automotive industry. The 2018 Highlander is just one year removed from a pretty radical redesign and the new Terrain has been completely redeveloped for this year.
Performance is not going to be much of an issue for either the 2018 Highlander or its 2018 Terrain competitor. There are, however, some important difference to point out. At the base level of both crossover SUVs, each uses a great example of an efficient four-cylinder engine. The 2.5-liter engine of the 2018 Highlander outperforms the turbocharged, 1.5-liter power plant offered by the all-new Terrain. Additionally, the new Highlander is one of the only vehicles in its class that offers a V-6 upgrade as an option for its entry-level trim. There are two important things to point out for the 2018 Terrain; one, it doesn't offer a V-6 engine anymore and, two, the difference in fuel-economy scores is negligible considering all of the extra space available in the new Highlander. Furthermore, the gains in efficiency for the 2018 Highlander come in large part thanks to the new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Obviously, interior space for passengers and cargo is a very important factor when families are choosing their next vehicle. There is almost no way the 2018 Terrain can compete with the 2018 Toyota Highlander in this regard. First, the 2018 Highlander offers three rows of seats. Even when the owners have reached the maximum eight-passenger capacity, those in the third row are going to be in a great position to be comfortable with nearly 30 available inches of legroom. Both the second and third rows of seats in the 2018 Highlander are a 60/40 split bench design. The second row can slide, recline and be folded up; while the third row can recline or fold.
When the need to move large amounts of cargo, the 2018 Highlander is more than willing to put its best foot forward thanks to an available 83.7 cubic-feet of cargo space. This is better than 30 percent more space than what is available in the 2018 GMC Terrain.
