VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
221lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
26 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
—
1800lbs
Engine
1.5L/90ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the GMC Terrain and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The GMC Terrain delivers 175hp @ 5800 while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 201hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Terrain returns 26 mpg est. while the Tiguan uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $32,100 for the Terrain and $32,305 for the Tiguan. 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 Elevation 2026 - From $32,100
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T S 4MOTION 2026 - From $32,305
Performance
Power Output (hp)
175hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
221lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5L/90ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28 (2025)mpg
30mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181in
184.4in
Width (in)
74.5in
73in
Height (in)
65.81in
66.5in
Wheelbase (in)
107.48in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3598lbs
3801lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1800lbs
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
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Tiguan
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiguan
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tiguan
Pros & Cons
GMC Terrain
Lower starting price ($32,100)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Tiguan
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Terrain or Tiguan?
The Terrain gets 26 mpg est. and the Tiguan gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tiguan 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 Tiguan?
The Terrain produces 175hp @ 5800 and 203lb-ft @ 2000-4000 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 201hp @ 5000 and 221lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Tiguan is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Terrain and Tiguan?
The Terrain starts from $32,100 and the Tiguan from $32,305, a difference of just $205, 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 Tiguan?
The Terrain has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Tiguan can tow 1800lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Terrain or the Tiguan?
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.