VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5600
284hp @ 6400
Torque
184lb-ft @ 1750-4800
259lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
27 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 @ 5600 while the Nissan Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Terrain returns 27 mpg est. while the Pathfinder uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $30,100 for the Terrain and $37,500 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 TerrainFWD 4dr Elevation 2026 - From $30,100
Nissan PathfinderS 2WD 2026 - From $37,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
175hp @ 5600
284hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
184lb-ft @ 1750-4800
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
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26 (2025)mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28 (2025)mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.8gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181in
197.7in
Width (in)
74.5in
77.9in
Height (in)
65.81in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
107.48in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3446lbs
4334lbs
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Terrain
Value
Terrain
Practicality
Pathfinder
Pros & Cons
GMC Terrain
Better fuel economy (27 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,100)
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 27 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 @ 5600 and 184lb-ft @ 1750-4800 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 $30,100 and the Pathfinder from $37,500. The Terrain is cheaper by $7,400 at this variant level. 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.