Compact SUVs have a keen ability to satisfy myriad needs for today’s car shoppers. They are right-sized, efficient, great values, and come stocked with the latest tech and safety features. No wonder compact SUVs are the most popular class of vehicles, with over a dozen to choose from. That breadth brings a lot of variety, including choices like the bold new 2025 GMC Terrain and the perennially popular 2025 Honda CR-V.
For all their similarities, the GMC Terrain and Honda CR-V also have a lot of differences. Here’s how they compare to help you decide which might be best for you.
2025 GMC Terrain
The 2025 GMC Terrain marks an all-new generation for the brand’s compact SUV. This revamped version brings even bolder, more rugged looks, improved technology, and standard amenities such as heated front seats and steering wheel. A familiar powertrain remains: a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 175 horsepower.
The 2025 Terrain is available in just one trim — Elevation — but offers front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Front-drive versions use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while all-wheel-drive models get an 8-speed transmission and a bit more torque. See below.
GMC Terrain Highlights
Massive touchscreen: All 2025 GMC Terrain SUVs include a 15-inch vertically oriented infotainment system. That makes Honda’s 9-inch screen look paltry. The Terrain also comes with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, whereas the CR-V’s is seven inches.
All-wheel drive: Besides the enhanced traction of power going to all four wheels, this option gives you more torque: 203 lb-ft versus 184 lb-ft in front-drive models. We also like its 8-speed automatic transmission more than the CVT in front-drive models.
Convenience Package III: This option bundles amenities like an 8-way power passenger seat and two perks not found on any 2025 CR-V: heated outboard rear seats and ventilated front seats.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Terrain models for sale near you.
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has a history going back to the 1990s and helped birth the compact SUV segment. It is legendary for its reliability, satisfying driving manners, and immense practicality. Little wonder that the Honda CR-V is a multi-year Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner and currently our top-ranked model. It meets a lot of needs for a lot of people, and is available as both a standard gasoline-powered model and as a hybrid, which we review separately.
This year, there’s even an innovative fuel-cell variant for California buyers. For this comparison, we highlight the gas models.
Honda CR-V Highlights
Honda Sensing: Standard on every Honda CR-V, this wide-ranging suite of active safety and driver assistance features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. We find it easy to use, and it works well.
Cargo capacity: The CR-V might be classified as a compact SUV but can hold a lot of gear. With the rear seats up, it boasts 39.3 cubic feet of capacity, which grows to 76.5 with the seats down. Those numbers easily beat the Terrain’s 29.8/63.5 figures.
Resale value: As with Honda vehicles in general, the CR-V enjoys some of the best resale values in its class. High resale value means getting more money back when it’s time to sell.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both compact SUVs seat five, start at nearly the same price, have similar-sized engines with similar power, and come with modern tech and safety features.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 GMC Terrain vehicles and New 2025 Honda CR-V vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 GMC Terrain | 2025 Honda CR-V | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 800 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/28 highway/27 combined mpg | 28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 181.0 inches | 184.8 inches |
| Width | N/A | 73.5 inches |
| Height | 66.2 inches | 66.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.1 feet | 37.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.2 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.6 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.2 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.7 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.7 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 63.5 feet | 76.5 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The reborn GMC Terrain certainly impresses with its tech-forward cabin, premium standard amenities, and rugged yet handsome looks. If you’re a fan of GMC’s SUVs, the Terrain is an attractive option. For most other shoppers, we think the Honda CR-V will have broader appeal. Whereas the 2025 Terrain is offered in only one trim, the CR-V has several from which to choose, including hybrid variants, plus more cargo room, better fuel efficiency, and Honda’s sterling reputation for strong resale value and reliability.
