When presented with so many choices, sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re making the right decision. The compact SUV sector is littered with fantastic options, each more alluring than the last. While the 2021 GMC Terrain may initially catch your eye, you may want to consider the 2021 Nissan Rogue instead. 

Purchasing a vehicle is nothing to sniff at. For some, it’s the most significant financial commitment they have made or will make in the near future. That’s a lot of pressure to put on just one choice. It’s tough shopping for a compact SUV considering it’s such a crowded arena, and it’s not apparent which models are ahead of the pack. It’s no wonder why so many consumers experience anxiety when looking for the perfect match.

Many Nissan Rogue owners are happy with their purchase, so this model is an excellent place to start. But just why would it outrank the 2021 GMC Terrain? These vehicles are so similar in style and price that it may be challenging to differentiate between them. In fact, many buyers may be swayed to purchase the 2021 Terrain simply because of GMC’s reputation for building premium vehicles. However, in the case of the Rogue and the Terrain, this may not be the case. 

Let’s take a deeper dive to analyze all the ways that the 2021 Nissan Rogue tops the 2021 GMC Terrain. We think you’ll see just how much of a value buy the Nissan Rogue really is. 

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is the roomier option

One of the main reasons many people purchase SUVs is for the ample cargo space they provide. Whether you’re a commuter, a soccer mom, or anything in between, it never hurts to have a little extra room for whatever you happen to bring along for your day. When it comes to fitting groceries, sports bags, or suitcases, you’ll need the most space possible. Thankfully, the 2021 Nissan Rogue has an abundance of room to help suit your active lifestyle.

The Rogue offers more than 39 cubic feet of room in its cargo area and 74 cubic feet with its rear row folded down. The 2021 GMC Terrain simply pales in comparison, with 10 fewer cubic feet of storage room in both the cargo compartment and behind the first row. All this extra room could mean the difference between bringing along your last carry-on bag or leaving it at home. 

You may think that this extra cargo space would mean that seating would be cramped, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The 2021 Nissan Rogue actually has an additional two cubic feet of passenger volume compared to the Terrain.

The 2021 GMC Terrain doesn’t have the components to keep up with its rival

Compact SUVs aren’t exactly known for exciting performance. Instead, these models must have enough get-up-and-go to avoid feeling sluggish while balancing decent fuel efficiency.

The Rogue may be slightly underpowered compared to others in its class. However, it still has more juice than the lackluster 2021 GMC Terrain. Its 181-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This setup helps the 2021 Nissan Rogue achieve an EPA-estimated 30 MPG city/highway combined.

Meanwhile, the Terrain’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine only musters 170 hp and an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined. Notably, the Terrain is getting a new powertrain option for the 2022 model year.

The Rogue is well-stocked with next-gen features

GMC has a more upscale image than Nissan, but shoppers won’t see too much difference when comparing the Rogue and Terrain. The 2021 Nissan Rogue’s cabin is comprised of high-end materials, making it seem like a higher-end model.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Rogue is well-equipped with cutting-edge features. Like the Terrain, the Rogue comes standard with a host of driver-assistance technologies. These include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. However, there are some differences. The Rogue includes blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert as standard equipment. Terrain buyers will need to pay extra for these features, but they will get the advantage of having standard lane-keep assist and Teen Driver systems.

Other advantages to buying the 2021 Nissan Rogue include a larger standard touchscreen and available wireless Apple CarPlay.