2026 Hyundai Tucson SE vs 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation

$1,150 less vs 25 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $1,150 price gap, 187 vs 175 hp, 26 vs 25 MPG.

The short answer

The Tucson SE leads on $1,150 less. The Terrain Elevation leads on 25 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$1,150
Price Gap
12 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Hyundai Tucson SE
Starts at $30,950
VS
Higher price
2026 GMC Terrain Elevation
Starts at $32,100

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
1.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
187 hp
vs
175 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
203 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
25 MPG combined
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,700/yr
vs
$1,750/yr

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$30,950Tucson SE
$32,100Terrain Elevation
Engine
2.5L I4Tucson SE
1.5L I4 TurboTerrain Elevation
Horsepower
187 hpTucson SE
175 hpTerrain Elevation
Torque
178 lb-ftTucson SE
203 lb-ftTerrain Elevation
Highway MPG
30Tucson SE
28Terrain Elevation
Combined MPG
26Tucson SE
25Terrain Elevation
Fuel Tank
14.3 galTucson SE
15.6 galTerrain Elevation
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)
$1,700/yrTucson SE
$1,750/yrTerrain Elevation
Wheelbase
108.5"Tucson SE
107.5"Terrain Elevation
Length
182.7"Tucson SE
181.0"Terrain Elevation
Width
73.4"Tucson SE
74.5"Terrain Elevation
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kTucson SE
3yr/36kTerrain Elevation
Powertrain
10yr/100kTucson SE
5yr/60kTerrain Elevation
Corrosion
7yr/unlimitedTucson SE
6yr/100kTerrain Elevation
Roadside Assistance
5yr/unlimitedTucson SE
5yr/60kTerrain Elevation

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2026 Hyundai Tucson SE2026 GMC Terrain Elevation
Pricing
MSRP$30,950$32,100
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I41.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower187 hp175 hp
Torque178 lb-ft203 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2424
Highway MPG3028
Combined MPG2625
Fuel Tank14.3 gal15.6 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yr$1,750/yr
Dimensions
Curb WeightNo published data3,598 lbs
Wheelbase108.5"107.5"
Length182.7"181.0"
Width73.4"74.5"
HeightNo published data65.8"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 starsNo published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited6yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited5yr/60k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE and 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE starts at $30,950, $1,150 less than the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation at $32,100. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $20/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,150 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $65/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation is the stronger pick when you prefer the GMC approach to the midsize SUV segment.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE or 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE rates 26 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE or 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE produces 187 hp, 12 more than the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation at 175 hp. The 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation also leads in torque at 203 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE bigger than the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE is 1.7″ longer at 182.7″ vs 181.0″. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE has a 1.0″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Hyundai Tucson comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The GMC Terrain offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Tucson trims, GMC trims, GMC Terrain trims

Official sources

The Tucson–Terrain Decision

Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Tucson and Terrain compare. The $1,150 gap is about $20/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 12 hp difference (187 vs 175) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

The Ownership Math

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE saves roughly $65/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $325.

The Decision

Choose the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE when you want to keep $1,150 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation when you prefer the GMC approach to the midsize SUV segment. At $20/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or GMC or any dealership.

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