The most amazing thing about Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) is that they have such versatility when it comes the type of drivers to which they can appeal. The struggling single parent getting their kids to school, the wild adventurer ready to go anywhere, and the professional looking to make that great first impression, will all find something charming about an SUV. If you are in the market for a slightly smaller SUV, then you won’t find two better options then the 2018 GMC Terrain and the 2018 Toyota RAV4. Although conveniently compact in size, these two offer as many impressive features as any other larger SUV. But, considering that choosing both would be illogical, let’s try to compare the 2018 GMC Terrain vs 2018 Toyota RAV4 by showing how well they each fit into all lifestyles.
For the Family-Oriented
There is a point in your life when you realize that you need to move on from your tiny and inefficient sedan and move on to something a little more family-oriented. Anyone that has attempted to squeeze the lifestyle or even just a simple family of four into a midsize car will understand that it just isn’t worth the hassle. This is why many families upgrade to a spacious and convenient SUV so that carpooling, vacations, and shopping will never have to turn into a nightmare. For the family, these SUVs are all about space and safety.
The 2018 GMC Terrain is ideal for any family as it provides the space, safety, and convenience you need to get all around the world and back again without missing a beat. When it comes to utility and space, the Terrain comes fully prepared. With comfortable seating for five passengers, a perfect fit for a family of four, you will have 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space for everything you could need for a trip to the shore or the grocery store. With optional hands-free programmable Liftgate, you can make those trips even easier.
Safety is also never an issue with brand new surround vision technology to keep you alert with efficient sensing systems. Your front, rear, sides, and even blind spots will all be monitored at all times for any situation the road may throw at you. You will also get the option of auto forward braking at slower speeds and park assist for those more tricky moments. An Advanced airbags system, OnStar capability, and GMC’s Pro-Grade Protection will also be available to you. GMC understands that safety is never negotiable when it comes to family, and that is why they offer everything they can to alert and secure.
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 offers versatile seating possibilities with up to five passengers and 38.4 cubic feet of space available with all seats up. Just like most vehicles today, you will find the RAV4 has a 60/40 split bench in the rear for flexible seating and cargo arrangements. This model also offers a hands-free Liftgate that will open the door with a quick kick of the foot for when your hands are filled to the max, meaning no more putting things down or second trips.
When it comes to safety the RAV4 also never compromises. With an eight airbag system and ToyotaCare Maintenance Plan, the unavoidable will be handled in the best way possible. That being said the RAV4 offers everything you will need to make nearly everything avoidable. A number of optional awareness features are available in upgraded RAV4 models while a rearview camera is standard in all models. Overall you will find safety in the Toyota RAV4 to be fairly sufficient if the price is right.
For the Adventurer
Compact SUVs with some extra power and handling capability can be an adventurer’s best friend. Not only are they efficient with it comes to having the space required to pack everything you will need, but they are also able to handle even the most tricky terrains and weather conditions.
The 2018 GMC Terrain is truly a beast for its size with two gas turbo engines and one turbo diesel engine available. Starting off the lineup strong is a standard 1.5L turbo engine with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The advanced gas engine is a 2.0L turbo engine with a massive 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with the same 9-speed auto transmission. Last is the 1.6L turbo diesel engine with 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed auto transmission, offering both efficiency and power with 39 mpg highway. The Terrain can haul up to 3,500 pounds and comes with standard stability and traction control systems for smooth riding.
True to its name, the Terrain is also built to handle any type of road or weather condition with a smooth shifting traction select system to gives you the option to make real-time adjustments to the driving mode depending on what you see around you. When it comes to having all the power you need for the best journey possible, no one does it better than GMC.
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 offers two engine options for drivers to choose from. There is a standard 2.7L 4-cylinder engine with 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque or a 2.5L hybrid options with 194 net system hp. Even the hybrid option isn’t that impressive though with only 30 mpg highway. The 2018 RAV4 comes standard with Star Safety System with a suite of six advanced safety features to keep you stable at all times. Honestly, when it comes to the adventure, this may not be your first choice.
For the Professional
If you are the type that lives for success, then you will not find a better vehicle option than an SUV. They have the sleek and refined style of a sedan, with the power and efficiency of a truck. Whether you just want to make a good impression or want to be ready for anything your line of work has to throw at you, you will want one of these compact SUVs.
The 2018 GMC Terrain A professional needs something that is stylish, reliable, and connected, and the GMC Terrain checks off all those requirements. The style is bold and commanding, the engines are as powerful and steady as you can get with this class, and the inside is refined and fitted with the best connectivity technology money can buy. GMCs infotainment system will allow you the power to connect instantly to your Apple or Android smartphone so that you can make and receive hands-free calls and texts without even looking away from the road as you travel. You will also gain access to a large pool of apps like music and maps in order to keep you entertained and on the right track. There is also 4G LTE Wi-Fi so that you can take your office anywhere.
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 may not be as commanding as the GMC Terrain, but it has a smooth and clean style that keeps it in the running for a good work vehicle. The engines are nothing to brag about, but they get the job done as well. This model also offers its own infotainment system with smartphone connectivity that can do all the tech-savvy things you love and need to keep your career flowing smooth. Overall, it’s not the best, but it still works.
So, whether you treasure family, adventure, or career, you will find satisfaction in an SUV like one of these two brilliant models. The simple truth is if you like your vehicles efficient and smooth go for the 2018 Toyota RAV4, but If you like them bold, refined, and powerful, go for the 2018 GMC Terrain.
