There are seemingly infinite options on the market for compact SUVs. While you could go with one of the mainstream big sellers, the Mitsubishi Outlander and GMC Terrain are a couple of interesting options in this crowded class. The Outlander offers affordable 3-row seating, while the Terrain has modern tech and some upscale options.
Let’s take a closer look at these compact SUVs and find the right one for you.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander has the distinction of being America’s most affordable 3-row SUV. Although not the roomiest 3-row vehicle, it’s good for when you need extra seating in a pinch. The value-packed Outlander has a good warranty, plenty of standard features, and the practicality SUV shoppers crave.
Mitsubishi Outlander Highlights
3-row seating: The Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with 3-row seating, while every GMC Terrain is a 2-row SUV that seats five. Although those extra seats are small, they greatly add to the Outlander’s versatility.
Luxurious upper trims: While the Terrain only comes in one trim for the 2025 model year, the Mitsubishi Outlander has a variety. Moving up to the Platinum Edition brings premium features like two-tone paint, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a Yamaha 12-speaker audio system.
Great warranty: Mitsubishi backs the Outlander with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That’s much longer warranty coverage than what GMC offers, and it’s tied for best-in-class.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander models for sale near you.
2025 GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain enters an all-new generation for the 2025 model year, but there’s a catch. For 2025, it’s only available in the Elevation trim with various options available. The rugged AT4 and luxurious Denali trims are on the way for 2026, and they may be worth the wait. In the meantime, the Terrain is still a modern and competitive choice in compact SUVs.
GMC Terrain Highlights
15-inch screen: The GMC Terrain has a bigger touchscreen than the Mitsubishi Outlander, making it feel a little more high-tech. This large, vertically oriented screen has Google built-in with features like Google Maps and Google Assistant.
Elevation Premium Package: This option package is easy to recommend if your budget allows it. It upgrades the Terrain by adding 19-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, a hands-free power liftgate, and more.
More torque: A turbocharged engine gives the GMC Terrain more torque than the Mitsubishi Outlander, making it a little quicker and more fun to drive. It achieves better performance while returning about the same fuel economy as the Outlander.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Terrain models for sale near you.
Similarities
These two SUVs have very similar starting prices and both come with Google built-in technology. They also have similar safety tech features.
Pricing
New 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Prices
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
$31,535
|
$31,311
|
|||
$34,285
|
$33,493
|
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$38,885
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$38,608
|
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$40,085
|
TBD
|
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$45,035
|
TBD
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New 2025 GMC Terrain Prices
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
$31,395
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$30,120
|
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles and New 2025 GMC Terrain vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2025 GMC Terrain | |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
Towing Capacity | N/A | 800 pounds |
Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
Fuel Economy | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg | 26 city/28 highway/27 combined mpg |
Specs | ||
Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 106.5 inches | 107.5 inches |
Overall Length | 185.8 inches | 181.0 inches |
Width | 84.4 inches | N/A |
Height | 68.8 inches | 66.2 inches |
Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 37.1 feet |
Headroom, Front | 40.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.2 inches |
Headroom, 3rd Row | 34.5 inches | N/A |
Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.6 inches |
Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.9 inches | 39.2 inches |
Legroom, 3rd Row | 18.7 inches | N/A |
Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.7 inches |
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 55.7 inches |
Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 51.2 inches | N/A |
Cargo Behind Last Seat | 10.9 feet | 29.8 feet |
Cargo Behind Second Seat | 30.6 feet | N/A |
Cargo With All Seats Down | 64.3 feet | 63.5 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the benefits of better warranty coverage, standard 3-row seating, and much more variety in its model range. The GMC Terrain will be more competitive when its AT4 and Denali trims arrive in 2026, but for the 2025 model year, the Outlander is a better buy for most.