Comparing Top SUVs in Waukesha

Terrain vs. Explorer vs. Highlander

Shopping around for a new SUV? A few of your main options include the 2024 GMC Terrain, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander. All of these SUVs offer a comfortable ride and good safety ratings — but which is the right choice for you?

We’ll compare the different features of each of these SUVs to help you make the best decision!

What Kind of Engine and Horsepower Do They Have?

You want a vehicle that offers enough horsepower for smooth acceleration and better handling overall. So, let’s take a look at the kind of engine each SUV offers:

Terrain: 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (175 horsepower)

Explorer: turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder and twin-turbo V-6 (300 to 400 horsepower)

Highlander: 2.4L 4-cylinder and 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid (265 horsepower)

The Terrain may not have as much horsepower compared to the other two. But its engine provides reliable performance — and enough power for dependable handling.

What Trim Options Are Available?

Each SUV offers multiple trim levels. Having more available gives you more options, but can also be overwhelming! The Terrain makes it easier to choose, with a total of four trim levels, including:

2024 GMC Terrain SLE

2024 GMC Terrain SLT

2024 GMC Terrain AT4

2024 GMC Terrain Denali

The Highlander offers six, while the Explorer has eight trim levels overall. That gives you more options — but also more decisions to make and factors to consider.

How Many Passengers Fit?

Interior of the 2024 GMC Terrain

Interior of the 2024 Ford Explorer

Interior of the 2024 Toyota Highlander

Need an SUV for driving the kids to and from school and/or other activities? The Explorer can seat up to seven passengers. The Highlander seats up to eight, depending on the trim level you choose.

The Terrain seats up to five people total, making it a great option if you don’t need quite as much passenger space. Note that the third row in both the Highlander and Explorer isn’t as spacious — making it uncomfortable or even impractical for adults.

How Much Cargo Can Fit?

Looking for an SUV with plenty of room for groceries, sports equipment, book bags, or other items? Here’s what each SUV offers:

The Terrain provides the most storage space compared to the other two — almost twice as much as the Highlander!

What Safety Features Are Available?

All three of the top SUVs have 5 out of 5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. So, instead of looking at ratings, let’s take a closer look at some of the features they offer:

Terrain: GMC Pro Safety and Pro Safety Plus with Automatic Emergency Braking, IntelliBeam Auto High Beams, Following Distance Indicator, and many other features

Explorer: Ford Co-Pilot 360 with Lane-Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and other features

Highlander: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

Certain trim levels have advanced or additional features for an even safer drive. For example, the GMC Terrain Denali trim comes with Front and Rear Park Assist. The AT4 trim comes with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, and other features in addition to the standard ones.

What Gas Mileage Do You Get?

Trying to lower your fuel costs? Choosing an SUV with good fuel economy helps you keep those costs to a minimum. Here’s how the top 2024 SUVs compare:

Terrain: 26 mpg combined with FWD and 25 mpg combined with AWD

Explorer: 24 mpg combined with RWD and 23 mpg combined with AWD

Highlander: 24 mpg combined with AWD

The Terrain offers the most fuel-efficiency for both city and highway driving, reducing how much you spend filling up your tank!

What’s the Verdict?

Overall, the GMC Terrain provides some of the top qualities, including:

• Spacious seating in both rows
• Plenty of cargo space
• Quick acceleration and smooth handling
• Enhanced safety features

When you need an SUV for up to five people, the Terrain offers a great option! Its maximum passenger capacity may be more limited than the Explorer and Highlander. But it makes up for it with roomy seats that are comfortable for adult and child passengers!

Shop for a New or Used GMC SUV at Our Waukesha Dealership

Ready to test drive a Terrain? Head over to Boucher Buick GMC of Waukesha! We’ve got new and pre-owned GMC vehicles, including the latest SUVs, to fit your everyday driving needs — and your car budget!