Whichever trim you choose, the 2020 GMC Terrain is sure to impress, with its refined grille and signature C-shape lighting to its power and efficiency. Let’s compare it to the 2020 Dodge Journey and you can make your choice. If you’re in the Sacramento area, stop by and take a ride at Reliable Buick GMC.
Design
The GMC Terrain is a two-row compact SUV, with comfortable well-cushioned seating for five and a generous amount of rear-seat legroom. Terrain blends contemporary styling and premium soft-touch materials to make your trip feel first class, with upgraded power seating adjustments, heated seats, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. The Terrain utilizes every inch of space so you can transport cargo up to 8 feet long. It has 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. You will get the added room for hauling long items up to eight feet long with the front passenger seat that can fold flat. The Terrain comes in four trims: SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. All-wheel drive is available in every trim but the base trim.
The Dodge Journey is part of a generation that started in 2009; and though it has had a refresh and a few changes, such as adding a third row and updating some interior materials, it has condensed its lineup and now offers just two trims. It’s three rows of seating will seat up to seven people, but while the first two rows are roomy, there isn’t much third-row space. Only smaller passengers will have enough room to ride back there. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are optional. The Journey has 10.7 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 37 cubic feet behind the second row, and 67.6 cubic feet with both rows folded down.
Safety and Tech Features
The GMC Terrain has numerous standard advanced safety features for 2020. In addition to forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, a following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking, and automatic high-beam headlights, every model comes with a rearview camera and a Teen Driver system. Its GMC infotainment system is straightforward and user-friendly; and it comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A standard 7-inch touch screen, four USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot and six speakers is included. An impressive seven-speaker Bose sound system is available, and for your convenience, a proximity keyless entry and push-button start are also standard.
The Journey ‘s standard safety features include a backup camera and parking sensors. The Dodge Uconnect infotainment system is easy to use and comes with a 4.3-inch touch screen. It’s standard with six speakers and a USB port. Optional features include navigation, satellite radio, a six-speaker premium audio system, climate control, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof. The Journey doesn’t offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Power/Fuel and Price
The Terrain’s base engine is a 170-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder, but an optional efficient, powerful, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower is available. Both are turbocharged with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter engine provides quick acceleration and higher towing capabilities. This SUV rides smoothly over rough pavements, while the Denali trim provides an even more cushioned ride. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel drive is available. When properly equipped, you will be able to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Its base engine offers 26/30 mpg in the city and on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine offers 22/28 mpg city and highway. Starting prices for the base SL trim is $25,000 and ranges to the Denali’s starting price at $38,300.
For 2020, Dodge Journey dropped its V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive options. The only engine available in the Journey is a weak 172-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and it’s paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine takes some time for the Journey to accelerate, and the transmission is hesitant to downshift. The previously available V6 engine wasn't a powerhouse, but it was far more capable of carrying a full load of passengers and cargo than the base engine. The Journey delivers 19/25 in the city and on the highway and when properly equipped it can tow up to 1,000 pounds. Starting price for the base SE Value is $23,675 and $28,595 for the Crossroad trim.
Overview
The 2020 GMC Terrain is a great compact SUV with a generous list of standard features, plenty of room, impressive towing capabilities, and a refined exterior. Compare this to the 2020 Dodge Journey and your choice will be clear. Come see for yourself at Reliable Buick GMC.