Power, comfort and versatility are among the many noteworthy features that make a compact SUV a practical choice. The popularity of this particular type of vehicle has grown significantly over the years. Automakers from around the world offer these types of versatile vehicles. On one hand, we have GMC from the US and on the other hand, there is Toyota from Japan. Both have a range of SUV nameplates. However, this comparison is of GMC Terrain vs Toyota RAV4. Let’s explore the similar features and noteworthy differences of the two contenders.
GMC Terrain vs Toyota RAV4: Two Compact SUVs Lock Horns
Toyota RAV4 is among the popular used Toyota SUVs in the UAE. The crossover is among the brand’s well-established nameplates known for its rugged look and versatile performance features. Similarly, the GMC Terrain is also an intelligently designed off-roader, which is also ideal for day-to-day errands and city commutes. The GMC Terrain 2025 has also been announced with a host of promising features.
Both the vehicles by leading automakers share comparable dimensions and key features. Here’s more about the available car trim levels for the Toyota RAV4 and GMC Terrain.
Toyota RAV4 vs GMC Terrain: Available Trim Levels
When buying a new or used Toyota RAV4 for sale in the UAE, one can pick from the following trims: Adventure, EX, EXR and VX. Moreover, the EXR and VXR trims of the SUV are also available as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).
On the other hand, the GMC Terrain is available in three trim levels: SLE, AT4 and Denali. The Denali package offers high-end features, which is why it also comes with a higher price tag.
Comparing the trim levels of both cars, RAV4 buyers have more options with the availability of HEVs. Similarly, those buying Terrain, especially the Denali package, can benefit from the available high-end features.
Toyota RAV4 or GMC Terrain: Which Performs Better?
A powerful off-roader, the Toyota RAV4 offers robust performance. Under the hood, the crossover is powered by a 2.5-litre engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The combination results in 203 horsepower and 243 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the hybrid variant of the SUV produces 219 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque.
With a 1.5-litre turbo-charged engine, GMC Terrain, on the other hand, produces 175 horsepower. Compared to the RAV4, it is a little less. However, it takes the lead in the case of torque, which is 275 Nm, higher than both RAV4’s petrol and hybrid variants. Car turbochargers play an eminent role in boosting overall vehicular performance.
Exterior and Styling Comparison Between Toyota RAV4 and GMC Terrain
According to the history of RAV4, the exterior profile of the SUV has gone bigger and bolder over the years. The latest generation of Toyota RAV4 has all the key signature Toyota design language elements. The car’s front profile is dominated by aggressive headlights, making way for a seamlessly designed grille with the legendary Toyota logo. The two-tone colour scheme of the car adds to its overall presence as an off-roader.
Similarly, GMC Terrain also has a bulky feel, in terms of the exterior. The front fascia of the car has the iconic GMC-style headlights, which have advanced significantly with the evolution of headlights. The intelligently shaped DRLs make the headlights more prominent. On the back, we have the c-shaped headlights that complement the contemporary presence of the car.
Available Colours
Car paints have a great impact on the overall vehicular experience. This can also be a deciding factor for many SUV buyers. For instance, the Toyota RAV4 is available in Grey Metallic, Attitude Black, Red Mica, Urban Khaki and Super White.
For GMC Terrain buyers, the colour choices are also plenty. The SUV comes in Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Sterling Metalic, Riptide Metallic and Downpour Metallic. The availability of wide-ranging colours and trims hints at the GMC Terrain’s history and its timeline of innovations.
Dimensions
Car dimensions play a crucial role in enhancing its aerodynamics, safety and performance. Let’s compare Toyota RAV4 with GMC Terrain in terms of dimensions.
| Dimensions | GMC Terrain | Toyota RAV4 |
| Length | 4,630 | 4,600 |
| Width | 1,838 | 1,855 |
| Height | 1,661 | 1,685 |
| Wheelbase | 2717 | 2,690 |
Difference Between Toyota RAV4 and GMC Terrain: Interior and Infotainment
Prioritising safety and comfort, the Toyota RAV4 have a host of contemporary interior features. The SUV comes with power car seats for the driver. Furthermore, the seats come with a sporty design, the feel of which is enhanced by the synthetic leather. The dual-zone climate control also keeps the interior fresh and well-ventilated.
When it comes to the interior and comfort, the GMC Terrain also has some solid features to offer. The car comes with fold-flat passenger seats to manage cargo space. There are also heated front seats in the SUV. Furthermore, the GMC’s flagship Skyscape sunroof further enhances the car’s driving and travelling experience.
Infotainment Features of Toyota RAV4 vs GMC Terrain
Car infotainment features have become a staple for every other modern vehicle. With wireless charging convenience and an 8-inch multimedia display, the RAV4 offers seamless tech integration. Moreover, the car also comes with the support of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Conversely, the GMC Terrain also offers robust connectivity features. The car comes with an 8-inch GMC infotainment system, seamless connecting phone calls, navigation systems and other digital features. The infotainment system of the SUV is also Apple CarPlay compatible.
Besides infotainment, both contenders offer a host of modern car safety features. We’ll now compare them side by side.
GMC Terrain vs Toyota RAV4: Safety Features
The RAV4 packs the assurance of Toyota Safety Sense for a safe cruising experience. Similarly, GMC Terrain has the brand’s flagship High Definition Surround Vision for safety and driving comfort. Let’s learn more about the availability of the safety features in the two SUVs by comparing them head to head.
Safety Features of Toyota RAV4
- Airbags
- ISOFIX Child Car Seat
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Anti-Theft With Immobilizer
- Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS)
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
Safety Features of GMC Terrain
- Airbags
- Side Bicyclist Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist braking
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
These are only a few of the many noteworthy ADAS features offered by the two contenders. By comparing the features side by side, SUV buyers can decide which one is an ideal pick for them. Moving on, let’s learn more about the average prices of both compact SUVs.
Price of Toyota RAV4 vs GMC Terrain
One of the facts about Toyota is that the brand is popular for its durability and reasonable prices. Similar is the case with Toyota RAV4. The price of a brand new RAV4 starts from AED 99,000. However, the price tag goes up for other trims with added features.
Similarly, the price of the GMC Terrain is a bit steeper. The base variant of the SUV starts at AED 105,000. Moreover, a diverse price range exists for those buying a used GMC Terrain in the UAE.
According to dubizzle, the average price of a used GMC Terrain 2019 model is AED 55,300, whereas the pre-owned 2023 model of the SUV averages AED 97,500 in 2024. The average price of a used RAV4 ranges from AED 74,700 to AED 121,500 for its model years from 2019 to 2023 in 2024. The average prices of the two SUVs in the used car market, according to model years have been further detailed below.
FAQs
Is Terrain a popular GMC model in the UAE?
Yes, Terrain is one of the top used GMC cars in the UAE, among a range of other models.
Is RAV4 a famous Toyota model in the UAE?
Yes. RAV4 is one of the popular used Toyota models in the UAE, among other SUVs and sedans in the pre-owned market.
Are there any popular Toyota models under AED 150k?
Yes. Besides RAV4, Camry, Fortuner and Avalon are among the popular used Toyota models under AED 150k.
This was our detailed take on GMC Terrain vs RAV4. A powerful and versatile vehicle like the Terrain is the result of the innovating and long-standing history of GMC. Similarly, RAV4 is a capable off-roader that reflects the reliability of Toyota as a Japanese brand.
Besides the above two contenders, there are plenty of other compact SUV options available in the pre-owned market. Buyers can browse a range of used and new cars for sale in the UAE to pick from an eclectic selection of vehicles.
For more head-to-head comparisons of your favourite cars, keep reading UAE’s favourite auto blog.
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