Seemingly every car brand now has at least one compact SUV to choose from. Considering the number of options that are currently on the market, we don’t blame you if you’re a bit overwhelmed with all of the choices. Fortunately, after just a little bit of research, you’ll recognize that your search will likely come down to two specific models: the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Jeep Compass.
These two vehicles are worthy rivals, as they both offer incredible performance and a stylish exterior. However, both brands have put recent efforts in optimizing their interiors. Whether they’ve looked to cram in comfort features, entertainment amenities, or safety functions, engineers of both Jeep and GMC have done an excellent job of providing customers with an incredible driving experience.
Below, we explored how the interiors of the 2019 GMC Terrain and 2019 Jeep Compass stack up against each other. Take a look at which compact SUV ultimately reigns supreme.
2019 GMC Terrain
The 2019 GMC Terrain has generally been known for its performance and exterior style, but engineers have put forth a significant effort to boost the vehicle’s interior opulence. Whether you’re seeking comfort, technology, convenience, or roominess (as well as a sprinkle of safety) from your next SUV, you’ll surely find it in the 2019 GMC Terrain.
For starters, the vehicle includes a number of features that will make any commute a lot more tolerable. The soft-touch materials are plenty comfortable, allowing you to avoid any of the back pains that generally accompany longer journeys. Alternatively, customers can opt for the luxurious leather-appointed front seats, which will add a bit of comfort and opulence to your interior. Speaking of opulence, GMC even included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, thus making this model one of the most surprising pseudo-luxury rides in the industry!
Continuing with comfort, occupants can rely on the climate control system through much of their adventure, but they can also get some fresh air thanks to the available SkyScape Sunroof. This will be an especially useful feature during the summer months, as it will allow you to enjoy the weather on those cool evenings. At the very least, it’ll showcase a bit of luxury to whatever passengers enter your ride.
When it comes to convenience and roominess, the 2019 GMC Terrain doesn’t disappoint. The spacious interior provides more than enough room for whatever luggage or equipment you’ll need during your journey, while the accompanying features will make loading that cargo an absolute breeze. For instance, the Front-to-Back Flat Load Floor can hide those rear seats in order to maximize interior space, and the “flat” feature means you can easily slide in any cargo without having to drape it over the backs of seats.
Of course, the vehicle also delivers an incredible amount of interior space; the 2019 GMC Terrain promises 29.6-cubic-feet of space behind the second row, but this is increased to 63.3-cubic-feet of space behind the first row! This means your brand-new SUV can turn to a pseudo delivery truck, and it means you’ll never be lacking when it comes to cargo space.
Furthermore, the 2019 GMC Terrain is also fully stocked with a number of technological amenities, providing you with both convenience and entertainment during your daily journeys. The customizable touchscreen provides you access to whatever application you could possibly need, while the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility mean you can seamlessly connect your smartphone, allowing you to safely make phone calls or send messages while you’re operating the vehicle. Customers can even opt for the 4G LTE Wi-Fi system, providing you and your occupants with a strong wireless internet connection throughout your journey. That way, if you’re required to complete work while you’re on the road, you can simply remain in your SUV and expect a strong internet connection.
Finally, the 2019 GMC Terrain includes a number of safety amenities that will be directly interacted with when you’re inside your SUV. For instance, the Side Blind Zone Alert will visually notify the driver when another vehicle has suddenly appeared beside the GMC Terrain, while the available Safety Alert Seat will notify the driver when they’re in a dangerous situation. Both of these features will play a significant role in preventing accidents from occurring altogether.
Clearly, the 2019 GMC Terrain doesn’t lack when it comes to interior amenities. However, how do these various features stack up to the interior of one of the Terrain’s main competitors, the 2019 Jeep Compass? Let’s take a look.
2019 Jeep Compass
Jeep manages to cram a number of amenities into the interior of the 2019 Jeep Compass. However, does quantity ultimately beat quality? We’ll let you be the judge.
The vehicle includes a number of comfort amenities, including a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic temperature control system. Similar to the Terrain, customers can also utilize an available sunroof, although many customers are critical of the lack of intuitiveness. While these features are appreciated, they’re not all that innovative or unique.
What about technology? Well, drivers can utilize the brand’s Uconnect 4C NAV system, which is accessible via the clunky 8.4-inch touchscreen. While the navigation system is touted by the brand, it doesn’t prove to be any more reliable than your smartphone’s navigation system, meaning you’ll end up using the Jeep’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, anyway. Engineers also offer an available BeatsAudio Premium Sound System, although this is effectively a fancy way of saying they’ve added a more powerful subwoofer.
The 2019 Jeep Compass also trails the 2019 GMC Terrain when it comes to interior space. The Compass can ultimately promise up to 27.2 cu.ft. of space behind the second row, and this is only increased to 59.8 cu.ft. of space behind the first row. While the minimal discrepancy between the Terrain’s interior space and the Compass’s interior space may not seem all that relevant, it will be noticeable when you’re struggling to fit that cargo inside of your new SUV.
One aspect that Jeep admirably succeeded with is their convenience amenities, especially in regards to utilizing that interior space. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats mean you can manipulate the interior to your liking, while the power liftgate means you can access the rear of your ride without having to fumble for your keys.
Finally, the 2019 Jeep Compass does include a number of safety amenities, but most of these functions are operating behind the scenes. In other words, they won’t have much of an impact when it comes to the interior of the SUV. There are some visual and audible warning systems, and drivers will also appreciate the rearview camera. Jeep also includes seven standard airbags, providing you and your occupants with a bit more protection when you find yourself in a dangerous situation. Still, these safety functions don’t set the Compass apart from its GMC rival.
The Verdict
So what’s the verdict? If it wasn’t clear in our descriptions of the two models, we’ll make it obvious now: the 2019 GMC Terrain is clearly the superior choice when compared to the 2019 Jeep Compass. While the latter SUV certainly did an admirable job of keeping up with its competitor, the Terrain’s array of high-quality interior features makes it the clear winner.
