Compare the2024 Lexus RXVS 2024 GMC Terrain

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus RX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The GMC Terrain doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Lexus RX are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The GMC Terrain doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Lexus RX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Terrain doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The RX has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Terrain doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RX offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Terrain doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The RX has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Terrain’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the RX has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to warn the driver of approaching traffic and automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision. GMC charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Terrain and the Terrain’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

The RX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Terrain doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the RX and the Terrain have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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 and around view monitors.

The Lexus RX weighs 460 to 1381 pounds more than the GMC Terrain. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Lexus RX is much safer than the Terrain:

	RX	Terrain
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	97	131
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	290 lbs.
Neck Compression	67 lbs.	112 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	.67 in	1.73 in
Shoulder Force	178 lbs.	312 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.61 in	1.69 in
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	8 MPH
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Injury Criterion	90	733
Head Peak Forces	no contact	101 G’s
Neck Tension	45 lbs.	89 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	491 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	1.14 in	1.65 in
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	402 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.3 in	1.57 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	469 lbs.	669 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL

The Lexus RX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Terrain is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

The RX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Terrain’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than GMC covers the Terrain. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Terrain ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The RX’s 6 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Terrain runs out after 100,000 miles.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Lexus RX’s reliability 12 points higher than the Terrain and the Lexus RX Hybrid is rated 13 points higher than the Terrain.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than GMC vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, GMC is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than GMC vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. GMC is ranked 24th.

Engine

The RX 350h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 71 more horsepower (246 vs. 175) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (233 vs. 203) than the Terrain’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 350’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 100 more horsepower (275 vs. 175) and 114 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 203) than the Terrain’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 450h+’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 129 more horsepower (304 vs. 175) than the Terrain’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 500h F Sport Performance’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 191 more horsepower (366 vs. 175) and 203 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 203) than the Terrain’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the RX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Terrain:

			MPG
RX
	AWD	350h 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	37 city/34 hwy
		500h 2.4 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/28 hwy
Terrain
	AWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/28 hwy

The RX 450h+ can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The Terrain can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the RX 350h/500h/450+’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Terrain doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The RX 350h/500h’s standard fuel tank has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Terrain FWD’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 14.9 gallons). The RX 350’s standard fuel tank has 2.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Terrain AWD’s standard fuel tank (17.8 vs. 15.6 gallons).

The RX has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Terrain. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Transmission

The RX offers an available continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Terrain doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the RX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Terrain:

	RX	RX F Sport	Terrain
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	15.7 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.4 inches	13.4 inches	11.3 inches

The RX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Terrain are solid, not vented.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the RX has larger tires than the Terrain (235/60R19 vs. 225/65R17).

The RX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Terrain SLE/AT4’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Terrain SLE/AT4. The RX’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the Terrain.

Suspension and Handling

The RX has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the RX flat and controlled during cornering. The Terrain’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The RX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Terrain’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RX’s wheelbase is 4.9 inches longer than on the Terrain (112.2 inches vs. 107.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 4 inches wider in the rear than on the Terrain.

The RX 450h+ handles at .81 G’s, while the Terrain Denali AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The RX 450h+ executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Terrain Denali AWD (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.5 seconds @ .64 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RX 500h F Sport Performance’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Terrain w/17” wheels’ (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The RX’s turning circle is 2.8 feet tighter than the Terrain w/19” wheels’ (38.8 feet vs. 41.6 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RX 350 has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Terrain SLE (8.1 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The RX 350h’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the Terrain SLT/AT4/Denali (8.2 vs. 7.9 inches).

Passenger Space

The RX has .2 inches more front legroom, 2.3 inches more front hip room, .9 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom, 4.2 inches more rear hip room and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the Terrain.

Cargo Capacity

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the RX. The Terrain doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the GMC Terrain is limited to 1500 pounds. The RX offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The RX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Terrain uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than GMC. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 44% lower rating, GMC is ranked 15th.

Ergonomics

The RX’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Terrain’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the RX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Terrain can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RX’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Terrain’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RX Luxury/500h F Sport offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Terrain doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the RX Luxury/500h F Sport offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Terrain doesn’t offer cornering lights. The RX Luxury/500h F Sport also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The RX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Terrain has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport has standard front air conditioned seats and the RX offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Terrain doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

The RX has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Terrain.

The RX Premium+/Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Advanced Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Terrain Denali’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park and it doesn’t offer remote control parking.

Economic Advantages

The RX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RX will retain 58.33% to 60.37% of its original price after five years, while the Terrain only retains 53.97% to 56.81%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The GMC Terrain isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Terrain isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Lexus RX outsold the GMC Terrain by 59% during 2023.

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