VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5800
284hp @ 6400
Torque
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
259lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
26 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
1.5L/90ci
3.5 L/213ci
Choosing between the GMC Terrain and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The GMC Terrain delivers 175hp @ 5800 while the Nissan Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Terrain returns 26 mpg est. while the Pathfinder uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,800 for the Terrain and $41,900 for the Pathfinder. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
GMC TerrainAWD 4dr Denali 2026 - From $41,800
Nissan PathfinderSV 4WD 2026 - From $41,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
175hp @ 5800
284hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
259lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5L/90ci
3.5 L/213ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28 (2025)mpg
26 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181in
197.7in
Width (in)
74.5in
77.9in
Height (in)
66.16in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
107.48in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3598lbs
4495lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Pathfinder
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Terrain
Value
Tied
Practicality
Pathfinder
Pros & Cons
GMC Terrain
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($41,800)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Pathfinder
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Terrain or Pathfinder?
The Terrain gets 26 mpg est. and the Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Terrain is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Terrain or Pathfinder?
The Terrain produces 175hp @ 5800 and 203lb-ft @ 2000-4000 of torque while the Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Terrain and Pathfinder?
The Terrain starts from $41,800 and the Pathfinder from $41,900, a difference of just $100, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Terrain or Pathfinder?
The Terrain has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Pathfinder can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Terrain or the Pathfinder?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.