If you’re looking for an SUV, you have probably heard of both the 2018 GMC Terrain and 2018 Kia Sportage. But, which SUV is better? Below we’ll take in-depth look into five different categories to compare the 2018 GMC Terrain vs 2018 Kia Sportage. We’re sure the 2018 GMC Terrain will come out on top!
To Get Us Started…
When comparing two elite vehicles, it is often in the finest of details that we discover where one is superior. So, before we begin our thorough comparison of the 2018 GMC Terrain vs 2018 Kia Sportage, let’s take a look at some of the fine print.
2018 GMC Terrain
- MSRP: $24,995
- Fuel Efficiency: 28 city / 39 highway
- Towing Capacity: up to 3,500 LBS
- Dimensions: 182″ L x 72″ W x 65″ H
- Cargo Space: 63.3 cubic ft (with seats folded)
- Seating: 5
2018 Kia Sportage
- MSRP: $23,600
- Fuel Efficiency: 23 City/30 Highway
- Towing Capacity: up to 1,650 LBS
- Dimensions: 176″ L x 73″ W x 64-65″ H
- Cargo Space: 60.1 cubic ft (with seats folded)
- Seating: 5
As you can see, the 2018 GMC Terrain has the 2018 Kia Sportage beat when it comes to fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and cargo space. Meanwhile, the 2018 Kia Sportage has a lower starting MSRP and offers the same seating capacity, while remaining a little smaller in length than the 2018 GMC Terrain. While it may already appear as though the 2018 GMC Terrain is the better choice for most consumers, it is still important to compare them across a few high-priority categories.
#1. Power
The 2018 GMC Terrain comes standard with a 1.5L 4-Cylinder engine, offering up to 170 hp and 203 lb-ft torque. While this is truly not an incredibly impressive option in terms of power, the Terrain’s 2.0L 4-Cylinder option more than makes up for it. This engine produces a class-impressive 252 hp and 260 lb-ft torque. The power behind this popular SUV can tow up to 3,500 LBS, which is quite impressive even among other vehicles in its class.
The 2018 Kia Sportage comes standard with a 2.4L 4-Cylinder engine that produces up to 181 hp and 175 lb-ft torque. While this may be a more powerful option than the standard engine on the Terrain, the Kia Sportage’s available engine doesn’t quite equate to the same power as that of the Terrain’s available engine. Upon upgrade, the second engine option available on the 2018 Kia Sportage is a 2.0L 4-Cylinder engine that produces up to 252 hp and 260 lb-ft torque. And this doesn’t mean good things for its fuel efficiency. Upgrading to this engine will actually downgrade you to an even less fuel-efficient vehicle at around 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Furthermore, even if you choose this engine option, you’re only looking at being able to tow a mere 1,650 LBS.
Overall, if you want power and versatility in your next SUV, you’ll find it in the 2018 GMC Terrain.
#2. Design
Using design as a determining factor when comparing two vehicles can be tricky. After all, beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to automobiles. However, the design of the 2018 GMC Terrain is sure to please many drivers. It is smooth and sleek, yet maintains the powerful grille that GMCs are known for. If you want an SUV but still want to appear tough on the road, this is the right vehicle for you. The 2018 GMC Terrain also comes in a variety of classically subdued exterior colors, including:
- Blue Steel Metallic
- Ebony Twilight Metallic
- Graphite Gray Metallic
- Red Quartz Tintcoat
Conversely, the 2018 Kia Sportage offers a more unique design. However, as we know from certain vehicles of decades past (I’m talking to you, PT Cruiser!), this doesn’t always fair well a few years down the road. The standout feature of the 2018 Kia Sportage is its oddly shaped grille and upturned headlamps. Otherwise, the vehicle is quite modernly styled. The 2018 Kia Sportage offers a similar exterior color palette to the Terrain, these options include:
- Black Cherry
- Pacific Blue
- Sparkling Silver
- Burnished Copper
Overall, design is truly a preference and will come down to your individual tastes. However, the 2018 GMC Terrain is likely to please a wider audience of drivers with its tough and rugged, yet sleek and smooth design elements.
#3. Efficiency
Yes, the 2018 GMC Terrain may have a higher starting MSRP, but it also has better fuel efficiency…by far! The 2018 GMC Terrain earns an estimated 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. With these kinds of ratings, you’ll be making up for the higher initial cost with years of savings at the gas pump. Even among other SUVs in its class, the 2018 Kia Sportage has low fuel efficiency ratings, offering only 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. If you’re looking for a car with top-of-the-line fuel efficiency, as most consumers are, you won’t find it in the 2018 Kia Sportage.
#4. Entertainment
As far as standard features go, the 2018 GMC Terrain is likely to please even the most tech-savvy driver. And nothing is happier than a tech-savvy driver who doesn’t have to spend extra to experience the latest entertainment features. Standard entertainment technology onboard the 2018 GMC Terrain includes:
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth
- Multiple USB Ports
- Onstar 4G LTE with a Built-In Hotspot (…yes, standard!)
However, as happy as you might be with these features, you can always upgrade to the available entertainment features including:
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
- Bose Premium Sound System
- Wireless Charging
- Extra USB Ports
- HD Radio
When it comes to the 2018 Kia Sportage, this SUV just doesn’t offer the same abundance of advanced entertainment features standard. This forces the tech-savvy driver to upgrade and tack-on additional costs in order to experience the entertainment features drivers everywhere look for in a vehicle. The standard features onboard the 2018 Kia Sportage include:
- 5-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Bluetooth
- 6-Speaker Sound System
- One USB Port (The Terrain comes with 4 standard!)
The 2018 Kia Sportage does offer drivers impressive entertainment features if they choose to upgrade, however, these quickly become costly. The entertainment features available at an additional cost include a larger touchscreen display system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and the Hardon Karmon sound system.
In the category of entertainment, you just can’t beat the standard features of the 2018 GMC Terrain!
#5. Safety
Last but certainly not least comes the ever-important category of safety. And this is a close call between the 2018 GMC Terrain vs 2018 Kia Sportage. Both vehicles faired well in their safety testings with the IIHS and NHTSA, with the 2018 Kia Sportage earning a slight advantage with its 5-star NHTSA rating compared to the Terrain’s 4-star rating. However, both the IIHS and NHTSA noted that the 2018 GMC Terrain faired incredibly well when it came to its Frontal Crash results, scoring a hard-to-earn “Superior” from the IIHS and a 5-star rating in this category from the NHTSA. The only areas of concern on the 2018 GMC Terrain came from its 4-star ratings in Rollover and Side Crash testing, however these are still high scores.
Summing It Up
We’ve compared the 2018 GMC Terrain vs 2018 Kia Sportage in some of the most important categories to potential car buyers. So, what do you think? Will you choose the 2018 GMC Terrain with its superior power, fuel efficiency, and standard entertainment? Or is the 2018 Kia Sportage calling your name with its unique exterior design and low MSRP? Although we think the 2018 GMC Terrain is the more superior choice, the right car for you will ultimately come down to your personal preferences, needs, and budget. If you’re still unsure which SUV you’d choose, head over to your local dealership and enjoy a few test drives! Eventually, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
