Looking for a versatile vehicle? You’re probably considering a few of the popular options for compact SUVs, like the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Ford Escape. Both the new Terrain and Escape are excellent choices among their contenders in the compact class. However, the 2019 GMC Terrain has the edge over the Escape in quite a few categories. Overall, the Terrain emerges as the much more versatile option in the compact class and at a similar price point to the Escape. Not convinced? Let take a look at five ways the 2019 GMC Terrain outperforms the 2019 Ford Escape.
#1. Better Performance
Both the 2019 GMC Terrain and 2019 Ford Escape offer three powerful engine options, however, the Terrain offers improved horsepower and a much higher towing capacity. When equipped with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, the 2019 GMC Terrain can produce up to 252 hp and offers a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 LBS. This high towing capacity offers a great deal more capability than the Escape which offers only 2,000 LBS of maximum towing capacity when equipped with its most powerful engine. Overall, the 2019 GMC Terrain is the more powerful and capable SUV and at nearly the same starting price. If you’re looking to use your compact SUV for the occasional trip to the lake or family vacation, you’ll be able to bring along a recreational vehicle and plenty of cargo with the Terrain.
#2. Class-Leading Efficiency
In addition to offering higher performance, the 2019 GMC Terrain also offers class-leading fuel efficiency. This is due to the Terrain’s 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which produces up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. This engine is available on the SLE and SLT models, which serve as the second and third trim levels. Drivers choosing to stick with the base model of the 2019 GMC Terrain can enjoy fuel efficiency ratings of 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which are still higher numbers for the compact SUV class. Meanwhile, at most, the 2019 Ford Escape offers up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway when equipped with its 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. However, it’s base model offers only 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. If you’re looking to cut future costs at the gas pump, you’ll want to opt for the 2019 GMC Terrain in either the SLE or SLT model for its 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine.
#3. Intuitive Entertainment Suite
In general, Ford vehicles are more about the essentials where GMC focuses on offering premium features at an affordable price. This is especially true when it comes to the entertainment suite of the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Ford Escape. On the Terrain, you’ll have more than enough standard entertainment features to keep you and any passengers entertained and connected at all times. These standard features on the base model include a 7-inch infotainment system, fours USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. However, if you’re looking to upgrade to even more features, the Terrain also offers plenty of available entertainment features through its higher trim levels and packages.
Meanwhile, the standard entertainment suite on the 2019 Ford Escape falls short of the Terrain’s, featuring a small 4.2-inch display, one USB port, and your typical 6-speaker sound system. Besides these features, you won’t find much else on the Escape’s base model. Drivers will have to upgrade to a higher trim level to experience more advanced entertainment features, however, the Escape is still fairly low even on its list of available entertainment features. Overall, the 2019 GMC Terrain and 2019 Ford Escape have very similar starting prices, however, the Terrain comes with substantially more standard entertainment features than the Escape.
#4. Upscale Cabin & Design
GMC has earned a reputation for offering upscale interiors and modern styling, and the 2019 GMC Terrain is no exception. On the inside of this compact SUV, you’ll be greeted with premium materials that are soft-to-the-touch and are appointed with modern trims and textures. This is true on even the base model of the Terrain, however, increases with each trim level. Drivers looking for the ultimate luxury experience with their 2019 GMC Terrain will want to opt for the Denali trim which lives up to its incredibly upscale reputation. With the 2019 GMC Terrain Denali, drivers can enjoy features like a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, heated front seating, leather upholstery, and even available heated rear seats.
However, the 2019 Ford Escape offers a much less luxurious cabin. On its base model, the interior is composed of cheaper plastics and upholstery, with a more simplistic design. Higher trim levels do offer a more premium cabin, however, the design remains largely the same. While the 2019 GMC Terrain specializes in affordable luxury, the 2019 Ford Escape focuses on only the essentials.
#5. More Driver Assist Technology
Driver assist technology has become a prominent component of safety suites onboard new vehicles. For many drivers, having as many of these features as possible is a necessity. However, these features are typically found among higher trim levels and available packages. The 2019 GMC Terrain comes standard with a rearview camera and Teen Driver technology which allows drivers to set volume and speed restrictions for teen and secondary drivers. The Terrain offers a long list of available driver assist features including forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and blind spot monitoring.
The 2019 Ford Escape comes standard with a rearview camera and MyKey which gives drivers similar capabilities to Teen Driver technology. However, its list of available driver assist features is shorter than what’s offered on the 2019 GMC Terrain. These features include lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. If you’re looking to upgrade to a nice suite of driver assist features, you’ll enjoy what the 2019 GMC Terrain has to offer.
The 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Ford Escape in Stats
When it comes to comparing vehicles, the truth is often in the stats. So, let’s take a look at how the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Ford Escape perform in a few critical stats.
2019 GMC Terrain
- MSRP: $25,000
- Fuel Economy: 28 City/39 Highway
- Towing Capacity: up to 3,500 LBS
- Horsepower: up to 252 hp
- Seating: 5
2019 Ford Escape
- MSRP: $24,105
- Fuel Economy: 23 City/30 Highway
- Towing Capacity: up to 2,000 LBS
- Horsepower: up to 245 hp
- Seating: 5
Check The 2019 GMC Terrain at Your Local Dealer, Today!
If you’re interested in the 2019 GMC Terrain, head to your local GMC dealer and see it in person. At your local GMC dealer, you should be able to see the new Terrain in a variety of models and configurations. Be sure to check out as many models as you can to ensure that you’ve chosen the ideal vehicle for you. The staff at your local dealer should be knowledgeable and helpful, so feel free to ask any questions that you may have about the Terrain or any other GMC vehicles.
