Compare the2023 GMC TerrainVS 2023 Lexus UX

The Terrain SLT/AT4/Denali offers an optional Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The UX only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the Terrain and the UX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the GMC Terrain is safer than the Lexus UX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the GMC Terrain is safer than the Lexus UX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are almost 7 times as many GMC dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Terrain’s warranty.

The Terrain’s standard 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 203 lbs.-ft. more torque (203 vs. ) than the UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

Both the Terrain and UX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The Terrain has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The Terrain FWD’s standard fuel tank has 4.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the UX (14.9 vs. 10.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Terrain AWD’s standard fuel tank has 5 gallons more fuel capacity than the UX (15.6 vs. 10.6 gallons).

The Terrain has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The UX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better traction, the Terrain’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the UX (235/50R19 vs. 225/50R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Terrain offers optional 19-inch wheels. The UX’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The Terrain has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The UX doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Terrain has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the UX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Terrain’s wheelbase is 3.4 inches longer than on the UX (107.3 inches vs. 103.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Terrain is 1.3 inches wider in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear than on the UX.

The Terrain Denali AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the UX 250h F Sport Handling AWD (27.5 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

The front grille of the Terrain offers available electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The UX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Terrain uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The UX doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Terrain has 12.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the UX (103.2 vs. 90.4).

The Terrain has 2.7 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front hip room, 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, 2.2 inches more rear headroom, 6.6 inches more rear legroom and 2.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the UX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Terrain’s rear seats recline. The UX’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Terrain has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the UX (29.6 vs. 17.1 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Terrain’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The UX doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The Terrain has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The UX has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Terrain uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The UX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Terrain’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The UX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Terrain and the UX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Terrain is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The UX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

Both the Terrain and the UX offer optional heated front seats. The Terrain Denali also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the UX.

The Terrain offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The UX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Terrain Denali’s optional Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The UX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the Terrain owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Terrain will cost $155 to $1685 less than the UX over a five-year period.

The GMC Terrain outsold the Lexus UX by over 8 to one during 2022.