Delving into the compact SUV segment means looking at two of the best-selling vehicles in America. Having been around for decades, the Honda CR-V has remained a leader because the automaker continues to ensure it gets better with each generation.
However, this class has plenty of options, and they’re good-looking, spacious, and offer performance and technology rivaling the CR-V. The current GMC Terrain is likely in its final model year preceding a full redesign for 2025, but it’s still competitive in its own right.
Let’s check out the 2024 Honda CR-V and 2024 GMC Terrain.
2024 Honda CR-V
Speaking of making it better, the 2024 Honda CR-V got a few tweaks to its suspension to improve the driving experience, according to our test drivers. That experience starts with a 190-horsepower 4-cylinder tied to a continuously variable automatic transmission that is responsive and helps achieve a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. That drops to just 29 mpg combined with optional all-wheel drive.
Honda has given the CR-V a more conventional look with its latest redesign. It’s more attractive and fits in with the other, larger SUVs in its lineup.
The Honda CR-V offers plenty of room inside for five passengers, especially rear-seat legroom. There is room for people and ample space behind the second row of seats — 10 cubic feet more than the GMC Terrain. Pricing for the CR-V begins at $30,850, including destination fees.
Honda CR-V Highlights
All-wheel drive: For buyers living in areas where the weather gets rough, it’s undoubtedly worth the extra money for the added reassurance of AWD. It’s optional in each of the three CR-V trims.
Cool seats: For the driver and front-seat passenger, Honda features Body Stabilizing Seats designed to promote ideal posture and reduce fatigue.
Hill Descent Control: Usually found on off-roaders with 4-wheel drive, this technology is standard in CR-V models with AWD and front-drive. The driver sets a slow speed (between 2 and 12 mph) to negotiate a treacherous downward slope. The Honda CR-V handles the throttle, transmission, and brakes. With feet off the pedals, the driver just steers.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V models for sale near you.
2024 GMC Terrain
GMC is known for making clean-looking vehicles and upgrading them to an elegant but rugged appearance. The GMC Terrain fits that bill, especially in its Denali or AT4 trim levels. Although it’s gone years since its last update, it remains a handsome SUV with an impressive interior.
Available in four trim levels, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, prices start at $30,095, including destination fee, for the front-wheel drive SLE. When you climb to the Denali trim, you’ve got a 2-row, AWD, luxurious SUV for just about $40,000. That’s pretty good value for the premium or near-luxury segment.
GMC Terrain Highlights
Pro Safety Plus: This safety tech package bundles driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. If all else fails, it gets a “5-Star” crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Luxury option: The range-topping Denali trim makes the Terrain a premium compact SUV at a more attainable price point than similar SUVs from luxury brands. It gets even nicer with the available Denali Premium Package and the Black Diamond Edition. The Honda CR-V can get pretty nice, but not that fancy.
Rough and ready: If you want your SUV to take you away from the hustle and bustle of urban or even suburban living, the Terrain’s AT4 off-road trim offers plenty of capability, including off-road drive mode, hill descent control, Sport Terrain tires, and of course, a rugged appearance package inside and out — something you’re not going to find on the Honda CR-V.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Terrain models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Honda CR-V and GMC Terrain offer plenty of space, handsome looks, and plenty of technology.
Conclusion
The GMC Terrain is a premium vehicle for a mainstream price. It offers upgrades and equipment not available on the CR-V. However, if you want a spacious, reliable crossover with great fuel economy, you cannot go wrong with the more modern Honda CR-V. Hundreds of thousands of buyers each year agree.
| 2024 Honda CR-V | 2024 GMC Terrain | |
| Starting Price | $30,675 | $30,095 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder AWD |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm | 203 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 9-speed automaker |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg | 24 city/29 highway/26 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid/AWD | AWD |
| 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 | N/R | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 107.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches | 182.3 inches |
| Width | 73.5 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 66.5 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 41.0 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.9 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.3 cubic feet | 29.6 cubic feet |
