Both the Terrain and the Kona have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.
Compare the2025 GMC TerrainVS 2025 Hyundai Kona
Safety
Warranty
There are almost 2 times as many GMC dealers as there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Terrain’s warranty.
Engine
The Terrain FWD’s standard 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 28 more horsepower (175 vs. 147) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 132) than the Kona SE/SEL’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Terrain AWD’s standard 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 8 lbs.-ft. more torque (203 vs. 195) than the Kona N Line/Limited’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder.
Fuel Economy and Range
Regardless of its engine, the Terrain’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Hyundai only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the Kona SE.
The Terrain FWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kona’s standard fuel tank (14.8 vs. 12.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Terrain AWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kona N Line/Limited’s standard fuel tank (15.6 vs. 13.2 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 Kona doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system or a tether to prevent losing the cap.
Brakes and Stopping
For better stopping power the Terrain’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Kona:
|
Terrain |
Kona |
Front Rotors |
11.8 inches |
11 inches |
Rear Rotors |
11.3 inches |
11.2 inches |
Tires and Wheels
For better traction, the Terrain has larger tires than the Kona (235/65R17 vs. 215/60R17).
Suspension and Handling
For superior ride and handling, the GMC Terrain has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Kona 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Terrain’s wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than on the Kona (107.5 inches vs. 104.7 inches).
For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Terrain is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Kona.
Chassis
The Terrain uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Kona doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.
Passenger Space
The Terrain has .1 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front hip room, .9 inches more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom, 1 inch more rear legroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Kona.
Cargo Capacity
The Terrain has a much larger cargo volume than the Kona with its rear seat up (29.8 vs. 25.5 cubic feet).
Towing
The Terrain has a 800 lbs. towing capacity. The Kona has no towing capacity.
Ergonomics
When two different drivers share the Terrain, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Kona doesn’t offer a memory system.
The Terrain’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Kona doesn’t offer an easy entry system.
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 Kona does not have an oil pressure gauge.
The Terrain’s front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches and its driver’s window also automatically closes, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Kona’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically. The Kona’s optional windows’ rear windows don’t open automatically.
On a hot day the Terrain’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Kona can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.
The Terrain’s standard Keyless Open and Start allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Proximity Key standard on the Kona doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.
The Terrain’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Kona’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.
The Terrain’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Hyundai only offers heated mirrors on the Kona SEL/N Line/Limited.
When the Terrain with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Kona’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.
The Terrain has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Kona, and aren’t available on the Kona SE. The Terrain also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Kona.
The Terrain has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Kona Limited.
Both the Terrain and the Kona offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Terrain has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Kona doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.