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A red 2019 GMC Terrain Denali in front of a modern home at night

2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Nissan Rogue: What’s the Verdict?

Have you been shopping around for a brand-new SUV? Then we’re sure you’ve found yourself comparing the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Nissan Rogue. From an outsider’s point of view, these two nameplates may appear to be similar. However, when you begin to dive into the specifics of each SUV, you’ll find that one of the vehicles actually reigns supreme.

Below, we’ve explored how these two vehicles stack up against each other (with a particular focus on both performance and technology). As we mentioned, these two vehicles may seem relatively similar from the onset, but one of the vehicles clearly proves to be the superior offering.

Take a look at how these two nameplates compare, and you’ll quickly find that there’s an obvious winner in the completion between the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Nissan Rogue.

Performance

2019 GMC Terrain

Sure, the pair of turbocharged gas engines included in this nameplate may be small, but that doesn’t mean drivers still can’t expect a whole lot of power from their new ride. The 2019 GMC Terrain’s engines ultimately prove to be among the most versatile offerings in the entire segment, providing drivers with a unique blend of power and efficiency.

The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is ultimately capable of providing drivers with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, meaning drivers will have more-than-enough power to overcome many types of terrain or obstacles. Teaming up with a nine-speed transmission, drivers can even anticipate a 30-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (on the front-wheel-drive variation of the SUV). While you’ll have to spend a pretty penny on your new ride, you’ll have the opportunity to save some extra dough at the gas station.

For a boost in power, customers should shift their focus to the 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, which promises drivers up to 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Despite these incredible power specs, drivers can still expect solid efficiency specs; ultimately, the vehicle is capable of delivering an impressive 28-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency.

Of course, GMC’s engineers understood that they also needed to appeal to those who are seeking a diesel engine, and that’s why they included their incredible 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine with their new ride. This unit is capable of delivering up to 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, but drivers will be most impressed by the best-in-class 39-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (on the front-wheel-drive version of the nameplate).

With three incredible engine offerings to choose from, customers will truly have the ability to opt for the vehicle that best fits their wants and needs. You certainly won’t be able to find this in other SUVs (especially the 2019 Nissan Rogue).

2019 Nissan Rogue

Nissan has always done a nice job of equipping their SUVs with versatile, powerful engines. On the flip side, engineers literally didn’t do anything to improve the engine that was included in the 2018 Nissan Rogue in time for the 2019 model year. Instead of engineering a system that could top the engine included in the 2019 GMC Terrain, they instead stuck with a system that has proven to be inferior to the competition.

Specifically, the 2019 Nissan Rogue is once again equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which manages to crank out 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. While these numbers are adequate, they’re still a major step behind those included in the 2019 GMC Terrain.

Otherwise, when it comes to the vehicle’s performance, there’s not a whole lot to write home about. The vehicle’s automatic transmission is intuitive and smooth, while the front-wheel drive configuration assures that you’ll always be able to overcome any adverse road conditions. However, at the end of the day, these features still aren’t enough to separate the nameplate from the competition.

Verdict: it’s relatively obvious, but we’ll still take time to point it out. The 2019 GMC Terrain’s performance is on an entirely different tier than that of the 2019 Nissan Rogue, making your decision relatively easy if you’re valuing performance in your next SUV.

Technology

2019 GMC Terrain

A closeup of the traction controls on a 2019 GMC Terrain

GMC’s engineers are seemingly focused on providing drivers with innovative technologies, and they certainly succeeded with the 2019 GMC Terrain. The vehicle is fully stocked with a number of features that will influence both entertainment and safety, assuring an ideal driving experience.

It starts with the brand’s touchscreen infotainment system, which provides easy access to an assortment of applications (including the built-in navigation unit). The system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it more than easy to connect your favorite gadget to the system. To top it all off, the 4G LTE Wi-Fi provides all of your occupants with a strong, reliable wireless internet connection, meaning they can stay on the grid throughout their journey.

As we mentioned, the technology doesn’t only influence entertainment. Rather, drivers will also appreciate the wide array of safety functions included in the nameplate. Inclusions like the Lane Change Alert (with Side Blind Zone Alert) and Lane Keep Assist (with Lane Departure Warning) will prove to be invaluable on the highway, as will the clever Adaptive Cruise Control system (which allows drivers to take a brief break without compromising safety).

2019 Nissan Rogue

What doesn’t the 2019 Nissan Rogue have in regards to technology? Well, basically any feature that would help to separate the SUV from the competition. While the nameplate is equipped with a number of enjoyable amenities, these features still aren’t anything unique or special. In other words, these features don’t do anything to separate the vehicle from nameplates like the 2019 GMC Terrain.

Specifically, the vehicle includes an infotainment system with smartphone compatibility. While this amenity is appreciated, it’s practically included in every SUV nowadays. To make matters worse, that’s about the extent of the interior technology include inside of the vehicle.

Admittedly, if there’s one aspect where the 2019 Nissan Rogue does manage to keep up with the competition, it’s the safety. The SUV is equipped with a long list of preventative safety functions that will help to optimize all of your occupants’ well-being. For instance, inclusions like the Blind Spot Warning system and the Lane Departure Warning system will prove to be invaluable on the highway, helping drivers to avoid potentially devastating collisions. Meanwhile, features like the Rear Cross Traffic Alert will help to reduce the chance of any parking lot fender benders.

Verdict: While the 2019 Nissan Rogue’s safety functions help to make up the gap between the 2019 GMC Terrain, the rival vehicle still takes the cake when it comes to entertainment and driver-centric amenities. Ultimately, the Terrain proves to be the superior option for those seeking technology from their brand-new SUV.

 

While it should be relatively obvious, we’ll reiterate for posterity’s sake. While the 2019 Nissan Rogue is an impressive vehicle, it’s practically impossible for the nameplate to make up the gap behind the 2019 GMC Terrain.

So what does this mean for you? Well, if you’re shopping around for a brand-new SUV, there’s truly no reason why you should be opting for the 2019 Nissan Rogue instead of the 2019 GMC Terrain.

FINAL VERDICT: GMC’s SUV offering is the winner of the competition between the 2019 GMC Terrain vs 2019 Nissan Rogue.