Compare the2026 GMC TerrainVS 2026 Nissan Murano

The GMC Terrain offers an optional HD Surround Vision and it also offers an optional rear camera washer to make backing always safe, regardless of road dirt or grime, while the Nissan Murano doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

Both the Terrain and Murano have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Terrain has Rear Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Murano’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Terrain and the Murano have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Terrain’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Murano’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 56 percent more GMC dealers than there are Nissan dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Terrain’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that GMC vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks GMC above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

On the EPA test cycle the Terrain gets better mileage than the Murano:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the GMC Terrain higher (6 out of 10) than the Nissan Murano (5). This means the Terrain produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Murano every 15,000 miles.

The Terrain FWD has a standard 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 Murano doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better maneuverability, the Terrain’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Murano’s (37.1 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The GMC Terrain may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 850 pounds less than the Nissan Murano.

The Terrain is 11.9 inches shorter than the Murano, making the Terrain easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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

The front step up height for the Terrain is 1.4 inches lower than the Murano (18.4” vs. 19.8”). The Terrain’s rear step up height is 2.6 inches lower than the Murano’s (18” vs. 20.6”).

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 Murano does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 Murano SL/Platinum.

The Terrain is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Murano doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 GMC Terrain retains 50.74% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 44.66% resale value of the 2026 Nissan Murano after five years, which can save the GMC’s owner up to $7668 in depreciation.

The GMC Terrain outsold the Nissan Murano by 75% during 2025.