2027 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Honda CR-V: Which Compact SUV Is Right for You?
The 2027 GMC Terrain puts a 15-inch touchscreen and Google Built-in standard on every trim, a feature the CR-V reserves for its top hybrid only. The CR-V counters with significantly more cargo space, 39.3 cu ft behind row two versus the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft. This page lays out every key number side by side so you can shop the right fit from Elizabeth City GMC inventory.
Full 2027 GMC Terrain trim breakdown
The Short Answer
The 2027 GMC Terrain is the stronger pick for buyers who want a cabin that feels more tech-forward from the moment they sit down, plus a purpose-built off-road trim in the AT4. The 2026 Honda CR-V is the better choice for families who prioritize raw cargo volume and shoppers who want a proven hybrid powertrain option. Neither vehicle wins on every dimension, which is why the specs below matter.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Category | 2027 GMC Terrain | 2026 Honda CR-V (gas) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 179 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | CVT |
| EPA City MPG | 26 (FWD) | 28 (FWD) |
| EPA Hwy MPG | 28 (FWD) | 33 (FWD) |
| EPA Combined MPG | 27 (FWD) | 30 (FWD) |
| Cargo (behind row 2) | 29.8 cu ft | 39.3 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 63.5 cu ft | 76.5 cu ft |
| Towing | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs (gas trims) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| AWD Available | Yes | Yes |
| Infotainment Screen | 15 inches (standard) | 9 inches (standard) |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
Performance and Powertrain
Both SUVs share a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as their gasoline base engine, but the two vehicles deliver power differently. The CR-V produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable transmission. The Terrain makes 175 hp but delivers a torquier 203 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic, which gives it a more immediate feel off the line in everyday driving.
The Terrain's 8-speed unit also provides more conventional stepped-gear behavior that many drivers prefer over the CVT's elastic throttle response. The CR-V's CVT is smooth in steady-state cruising but feels less decisive under hard acceleration.
The CR-V's gas lineup returns 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined mpg in FWD form, outpacing the Terrain's 256city / 28 hwy / 27 combined on the FWD Elevation. The CR-V's hybrid trims push that gap further, reaching 43 city / 36 hwy / 40 combined mpg in some configurations, while the Terrain has no hybrid option.
For buyers who want off-road credibility, the Terrain AT4 AWD adds a lifted ride height, front skid plate with steel underbody shield, red front recovery hooks, 17-inch all-terrain tires, and an AT4-exclusive Terrain drive mode. The CR-V's TrailSport Hybrid offers all-terrain tires and AWD but carries a different character: it is a hybrid-based setup rather than a trim engineered around ground clearance and recovery hardware.
Interior, Space and Cargo
Cargo is the CR-V's clearest advantage. With 39.3 cu ft behind the second row and 76.5 cu ft with seats folded, the CR-V offers roughly 32 percent more behind-row-two space than the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft and 63.5 cu ft maximum. For families loading sports gear or road-trip luggage, that difference is real.
The Terrain answers with a thoughtfully organized cabin. Front leg room reaches 43.95 inches and head room hits 40.58 inches. Rear passengers have 39.70 inches of leg room and 39.18 inches of head room. The Terrain also includes a rear cargo underfloor storage compartment and front center console passthrough storage, which help organize everyday items even if the total cubic footage trails the CR-V.
Both vehicles seat five. On comfort features, the Terrain's Elevation trim includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The Denali adds ventilated front and rear outboard heated seats, an 8-way power driver seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control as standard. The CR-V's EX and higher trims include heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control, with a 10-way power driver seat on EX and above.
The Terrain's available panoramic sunroof and available AutoSense hands-free liftgate add practical convenience, as does the Denali's standard Rear Camera Mirror.
Technology and Safety
The Terrain's biggest cabin advantage is its 15-inch diagonal Premium GMC Infotainment System, standard on every trim. The CR-V pairs its otherwise strong feature set with a 9-inch touchscreen across all trims. Both vehicles offer wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard. Google Built-in with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play is standard on the Terrain and only available on the CR-V's Sport Touring Hybrid trim. The Terrain also includes an 11-inch digital Driver Information Center, 5G vehicle connectivity, and wireless phone charging (standard on AT4 and Denali; available on Elevation).
2027 GMC Terrain technology features
On safety, the Terrain carries more than 16 standard driver-assistance features including Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Park Assist, and Safety Alert Seat, all standard.
The CR-V's Honda Sensing suite is equally thorough. Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Road-Sign Recognition, and Automatic High Beams are standard across all trims. Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Monitor are standard on all gas trims including the LX, and on all hybrid trims.
Both vehicles have strong standard safety suites. The Terrain adds the Safety Alert Seat (vibrating seat-belt alert) and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking as distinctions. The CR-V adds Traffic Jam Assist and a Driver Attention Monitor as distinctions.
For shoppers who want available camera technology, the Terrain Denali includes standard HD Surround Vision and the optional Technology Package adds remote interior and exterior camera viewing. The CR-V's HD Rearview Camera is standard, with front and rear parking sensors available on EX-L and higher.
Value and Ownership
The Terrain carries a 3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. GMC also includes one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit at 12 months or 12,000 miles and 5-year / 60,000-mile roadside assistance. Rust-through coverage extends to 6 years / 100,000 miles.
The 2026 Honda CR-V comes with a standard factory warranty featuring a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
On standard content per trim, the Terrain Elevation includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Keyless Open and Start, Remote Start, and the full 15-inch infotainment system as standard from entry level. The CR-V's LX comes with the 9-inch screen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda Sensing, but adds heated seats only from the EX trim upward.
The Terrain's Elevation FWD returns 27 combined mpg. The CR-V LX FWD returns 30 combined mpg in gas form. For buyers who prioritize fuel costs, the CR-V gas lineup has an efficiency edge, and CR-V hybrid buyers can reach 40 combined mpg, which the Terrain cannot match.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the 2027 GMC Terrain if:
You want the largest standard infotainment screen in the segment, a conventional automatic transmission feel, the purpose-built AT4 off-road trim with a skid plate and all-terrain tires, or a Denali luxury spec with ventilated seats and animated headlamps. Elizabeth City GMC serves buyers across the region and carries Terrain inventory across the full three-trim lineup.
Buy the 2026 Honda CR-V if:
Maximum cargo capacity is your top priority (39.3 cu ft versus 29.8 cu ft), you want a hybrid powertrain option that can reach 40 combined mpg, or you prefer a slightly more spacious overall footprint for gear-heavy families.
The split verdict:
The Terrain earns the nod for tech-first buyers and off-road-curious shoppers. The CR-V earns the nod for cargo-focused families and efficiency-first buyers. Both are well-equipped compact SUVs with strong standard safety suites.
See the 2027 GMC Terrain in Person at Elizabeth City GMC
Elizabeth City GMC has the full 2027 Terrain lineup in stock, from the value-focused Elevation FWD to the trail-ready AT4 AWD and the luxury Denali AWD. Comparing on paper is useful. Sitting in the 15-inch infotainment cockpit or feeling the 8-speed automatic through a test drive tells the rest of the story. Browse current inventory online, or stop in and let the team help you match the right trim to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 GMC Terrain or the 2026 Honda CR-V have more cargo space?
The CR-V has substantially more cargo space. It offers 39.3 cu ft behind the second row and 76.5 cu ft maximum, versus the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft behind row two and 63.5 cu ft maximum.
Which gets better gas mileage, the Terrain or the CR-V?
The CR-V gas trims lead with 30 combined mpg (FWD) versus the Terrain's 27 combined mpg (FWD). The CR-V hybrid trims extend that gap further, reaching up to 40 combined mpg. The Terrain does not offer a hybrid variant.
Does the 2027 GMC Terrain have Google Built-in?
Yes. Google Built-in with Google Assistant availability is standard on every 2027 Terrain trim. On the CR-V, Google Built-in is only available on the top-tier Sport Touring Hybrid.
What is the towing capacity of the 2027 GMC Terrain?
The 2027 GMC Terrain tows up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available Trailering Package.
Does the 2026 Honda CR-V have an off-road trim?
The CR-V offers a TrailSport Hybrid with all-terrain tires and standard AWD. The GMC Terrain AT4 AWD goes further with a lifted ride height, front skid plate with steel underbody shield, red front recovery hooks, and an AT4-exclusive Terrain drive mode.
Which vehicle has better standard safety features?
Both vehicles carry thorough standard safety suites. The Terrain includes over 16 standard features such as Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. The CR-V's Honda Sensing suite adds Traffic Jam Assist and a Driver Attention Monitor. The better choice depends on which specific features matter most to you.
Is AWD available on both vehicles?
Yes. The 2027 GMC Terrain offers AWD on the Elevation AWD, AT4 AWD, and Denali AWD trims. The 2026 CR-V offers AWD as an option on gas trims and as standard on the TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid.
How big is the infotainment screen on the 2027 GMC Terrain compared to the CR-V?
The Terrain's Premium GMC Infotainment System features a 15-inch diagonal touchscreen, standard on every trim. The CR-V uses a 9-inch color touchscreen, also standard on every trim.
Disclaimer:
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.
1Dealer Discount applied to everyone
1Dealer Discount applied to everyone