The SUV market is stuffed full of excellent vehicles, making it difficult for customers to zero in on any particular model. Presumably, if you’ve been eyeing some of the more affordable options on the market, we’re sure you’ve been comparing the 2018 GMC Terrain vs. 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
When we usually compare a pair of models, one of the targets will clearly be superior to the competition. That’s not really the case this time around, as both models are impressive in their own way. While we don’t want to give away any spoilers, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a perfectly logical option … but it still trails the 2018 GMC Terrain by a wide margin.
We’ve compared some of the most important attributes below, including performance, interior amenities, and safety functions. Dive in and see why the 2018 GMC Terrain should be the SUV that you’re going to pursue.
Performance
2018 GMC Terrain
If you’re a fan of choices, you’ll surely appreciate the various options that are included in the 2018 GMC Terrain. The vehicle can be equipped with a number of different engine offerings, allowing customers to choose from whatever attribute they’re seeking, whether that be performance, efficiency, or a combination of the two.
The brand-new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines deliver all of the power you could possibly want, while the accompanying nine-speed automatic transmission assures that you’re always in complete control. Specifically, the 2.0-liter engine delivers optimal acceleration specs, so this is a clear target who want power from their ride.
Of course, the vehicle is equipped with many additional mechanical amenities that will improve the entire driving experience. The Traction Select system allows you to adapt your GMC Terrain to the impending road conditions, and you’ll be able to overcome whatever obstacles come your way. There’s also a front-wheel-drive system that assures that you are always in complete control of your ride.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
If you’re looking for engine options as you’re shopping for your new ride, you’re not going to find it in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle can really only be equipped with a single engine, although you might see some different specs based on the trim you opt for.
Ultimately, the 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve (with D-CVVT) V6 engine delivers consistent power numbers across the board. Drivers can expect 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque from the unit, which is more than enough power to overcome your fellow drivers on the highway. However, the vehicle hasn’t necessarily been commended for drivability so you may want to be wary of your ability to control the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the unit is relatively fuel efficient, delivering 25 miles per gallon on the highway (when the SUV is equipped with the front-wheel-drive capabilities). This number will be slightly reduced to 25 miles per gallon when you opt for the SE or SE Ultimate variation of the Santa Fe. While these numbers are surely impressive, we wouldn’t say they’re anything to write home about.
Interior
2018 GMC Terrain
You always want to remain comfortable and entertained when you’re operating a brand-new vehicle, right? Well, you’ll appreciate all of the amenities that are included in the 2018 GMC Terrain. Each of these features will boost the overall driving experience.
For instance, customers can choose between either a seven-inch or eight-inch touchscreen system, providing you with quick and easy access to any of your preferred applications. Plus, thanks to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, you can easily connect your smartphone to the unit, allowing you to access many of your phone’s basic functions (like text messages and phone calls).
The vehicle can also be equipped with a 4G LTE Wi-FI hotspot, providing a reliable wireless internet connection for all of your occupants. Finally, thanks to the myGMC mobile application, you’ll be able to stay connected with your vehicle at all times, regardless of where you may be.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
While the Hyundai’s interior is plenty comfy and spacious, engineers seemed to skimp out on technological features in the 2018 Santa Fe. While the offerings are relatively impressive, the list of available features isn’t nearly as long as the 2018 GMC Terrain’s list.
The vehicle is equipped with an intuitive touchscreen, and drivers can easily connect their smartphone thanks to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The vehicle can also be equipped with a giant panoramic sunroof, allowing drivers to have fresh air streaming into their cabin quickly.
However, that’s really the extent of entertainment or convenience features. Sure, the 160-cubic-feet of total interior volume is appreciated, as is the 31.5-inches of third-row leg room. However, if you value those technological amenities, you may want to look elsewhere if you’re looking for more from your ride.
Safety
2018 GMC Terrain
We’re sure you’re going to want to remain safe when you’re behind the wheel of your new ride, and that will certainly be possible when you’re operating the 2018 GMC Terrain. Many of these features are intended to help drivers prevent accidents from occurring altogether, meaning you can rest easy knowing that you’re always in the best hands.
For instance, the Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator will alert the driver when a collision is imminent, while the Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking will maximize the vehicle’s braking power to help you avoid those accidents altogether.
There are plenty of additional safety functions that should help drivers avoid accidents, including:
- Surround Vision camera
- Lane Keep Assist (with Lane Departure Warning)
- Lane Change Alert (with Side Blind Zone Alert)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Safety Alert Seat
In other words, you’ll never have to worry about you or your passengers’ well-being when you’re behind the wheel of the 2018 GMC Terrain. All of these safety functions will combine to either prevent those accidents or keep you safe in the event of an emergency.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
There’s not a whole lot to trash when analyzing the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe’s safety functions. After all, the accolades seem to speak for themselves: the nameplate has been awarded a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it’s earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Features like the Emergency Braking (with Pedestrian Detection), the Blind Spot Detection (with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert), and the Lane Departure Warning should help drivers avoid potentially devastating collisions. The Dynamic Bending Light is a unique and underrated safety function, as is the Smart Cruise Control unit (which allows drivers to take a brief break from driving). There’s even a rear-view camera, which allows drivers to monitor everything that’s happening outside of their vehicle at all times.
Safety is truly the Santa Fe’s only attribute that can reasonably rival the GMC Terrain. However, considering GMC’s long-standing ability to deliver some of the safest vehicles in the industry, you probably know which nameplate we’d opt for.
It should be pretty clear that the 2018 GMC Terrain is the superior option across the board. While we’re certainly impressed by the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe’s ability to keep up with the rival nameplate (especially when it comes to safety), it’s still a step behind the GMC.
