Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 GMC TERRAIN VS 2014 Jeep Compass Near Scottsdale, AZ

For enhanced safety, the front shoulder belts of the GMC Terrain are height-adjustable, and the rear seat shoulder belts have child comfort guides to move the belt to properly fit children. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages children to buckle up. The Jeep Compass has only front height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the Terrain and Compass have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Terrain has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Compass’ child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The Terrain offers an optional collision warning system, which detects an impending crash through forward mounted sensors and flashes a bright light and sounds a loud, distinctive tone to warn the driver to brake or maneuver immediately to avoid a collision. The Compass doesn't offer a collision warning system.

The Terrain’s optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The Compass doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Terrain Denali’s blind spot warning system uses digital cameras monitored by computer to alert the driver to moving objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The Compass doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing safer, the Terrain Denali’s cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Compass doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The Terrain has standard OnStar ®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Compass doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Terrain and the Compass have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding and available all wheel drive.

The GMC Terrain weighs 499 to 1107 pounds more than the Jeep Compass. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the GMC Terrain is safer than the Jeep Compass:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the GMC Terrain is safer than the Compass:

More stars indicate a better overall result. Lower numbers indicate better individual test results. Not comparable with post-2010 results.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the GMC Terrain is safer than the Jeep Compass:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Terrain as a “Top Pick,” a rating only granted to 161 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Compass has not been tested, yet.

The Terrain comes with free roadside assistance for 5 years 100,000 miles. GMC will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Jeep doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Compass.

The Terrain’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Compass’ (6/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without their vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports predicts that the GMC Terrain 4 cyl.’s reliability will be 19% better than the Compass and the GMC Terrain will be 54% better than the Compass.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2013 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that GMC vehicles are better in initial quality than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks GMC second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 28 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is ranked 22nd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2013 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that GMC vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks GMC 17th in reliability. With 44 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is ranked 29th.

The Terrain’s standard 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl. produces 24 more horsepower (182 vs. 158) and 31 lbs.-ft. more torque (172 vs. 141) than the Compass’ standard 2.0 DOHC 4 cyl. The Terrain’s 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl. produces 10 more horsepower (182 vs. 172) and 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (172 vs. 165) than the Compass’ optional 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl. The Terrain’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 129 more horsepower (301 vs. 172) and 107 lbs.-ft. more torque (272 vs. 165) than the Compass’ optional 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl.

On the EPA test cycle the Terrain gets better fuel mileage than the Compass:

The Terrain 4 cyl.’s standard fuel tank has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Compass 4WD’s standard fuel tank (18.8 vs. 13.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Terrain V6’s standard fuel tank has 7.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Compass FWD’s standard fuel tank (20.9 vs. 13.6 gallons).

For better stopping power the Terrain’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Compass:

The Terrain’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Compass are solid, not vented.

The GMC Terrain has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Rear drums are standard on the Compass. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes which work much harder than conventional brakes.

The Terrain stops much shorter than the Compass:

For better traction, the Terrain has larger standard tires than the Compass (225/65R17 vs. 205/70R16). The Terrain’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Compass (235/55R18 vs. 225/60R17).

The Terrain 4 cyl.’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Compass’ standard 70 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Terrain 4 cyl. has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Compass. The Terrain’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Compass Limited.

The Terrain has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Compass doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Terrain’s wheelbase is 8.8 inches longer than on the Compass (112.5 inches vs. 103.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Terrain is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 2.3 inches wider in the rear than on the Compass.

The Terrain’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56% to 44%) than the Compass’ (58% to 42%). This gives the Terrain more stable handling and braking.

The Terrain SLE handles at .78 G’s, while the Compass Limited 4x4 pulls only .73 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Terrain has standard flush composite headlights. The Compass has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Terrain 4 cyl. uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Compass doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Terrain has .6 inches more front legroom, 2.8 inches more front hip room, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear hip room and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Compass.

The Terrain has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the Compass with its rear seat up (31.6 vs. 22.7 cubic feet). The Terrain has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat folded than the Compass with its rear seat folded (63.9 vs. 53.6 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Terrain easier. The Terrain’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.8 inches, while the Compass’ liftover is 30.5 inches.

The Terrain’s cargo area is larger than the Compass’ in almost every dimension:

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults or children, the Terrain (except SLE) offers an optional power rear liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Compass doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Terrain has a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The Compass doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

When two different drivers share the Terrain (except SLE), the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Compass doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Terrain (except SLE)’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Compass doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Terrain’s front power windows lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Compass’ passenger windows don’t open automatically.

On a hot day the Terrain’s driver can lower all the windows using the key in the outside lock cylinder or the keyless remote. The driver of the Compass can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Terrain has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Compass only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Terrain has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Compass doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

When the Terrain SLT with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Compass’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Terrain has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable. The Compass doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

To help keep rear passengers entertained, the Terrain (except SLE) offers optional rear seat controls for the radio which can play a separate audio source. The Compass doesn’t offer rear seat audio controls.

Optional IntelliLink for the Terrain allows the driver and passengers access to select programs on their smartphones, including playing internet radio stations and other online activities without taking their eyes off the road or their hands from the wheel. The Compass doesn’t offer factory integrated smartphone program access.

Bluetooth wireless connectivity is standard on the Terrain, connecting the driver and passenger’s cell phones to the vehicle systems. This allows them to use the vehicle’s stereo and hand controls to place calls safely and easily. Bluetooth costs extra on the Compass.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Terrain is less expensive to operate than the Compass because it costs $84 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Terrain than the Compass and including $45 less for front struts.

The GMC Terrain has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

The GMC Terrain outsold the Jeep Compass by almost two to one during the 2012 model year.