Lexus NX vs GMC Terrain
The Lexus NX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 40 mpg combined versus 32 mpg for the GMC Terrain, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $300 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Lexus NX leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Lexus NX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 58 configurations
2015–2027
GMC Terrain
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 47 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus NX | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 40 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 38 mpg | 39 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,900 ✓ | $2,200 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 87 g/mi ✓ | 316 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5 | SIDI, 1.6, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) | Automatic 8-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 9-spd |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity | Regular, Premium, Diesel |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 58 | 47 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
NX vs Terrain: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus NX or the GMC Terrain?
The Lexus NX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 40 mpg combined versus 32 mpg for the GMC Terrain, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $300 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Lexus NX runs about $1,900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,200 for the GMC Terrain — a difference of roughly $300 per year.
What engines do the NX and Terrain offer?
Lexus NX: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5. GMC Terrain: SIDI, 1.6, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Lexus NX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and the GMC Terrain as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More NX comparisons
Comparison id: lexus-nx-vs-gmc-terrain