2027 GMC Terrain vs 2027 Volkswagen Taos: Why Step Up to a 15-Inch Screen and 1,798 L of Cargo
Shoppers who start with a subcompact SUV often wonder if the next size up is worth it. The 2027 Volkswagen Taos and the 2027 GMC Terrain make a useful test case. Both seat five, both use a turbocharged 1.5L-class 4-cylinder and both pair it with an 8-speed automatic. The Terrain turns that step into a […]
Shoppers who start with a subcompact SUV often wonder if the next size up is worth it. The 2027 Volkswagen Taos and the 2027 GMC Terrain make a useful test case. Both seat five, both use a turbocharged 1.5L-class 4-cylinder and both pair it with an 8-speed automatic.
The Terrain turns that step into a clear gain. It is longer, carries more cargo, makes more torque and puts a 15-inch screen in every trim. It also comes with all-wheel drive across the lineup. Here is what you gain when you move up to the Terrain.
Terrain vs Taos by the Numbers
| Category | 2027 GMC Terrain | 2027 Volkswagen Taos |
| Touchscreen | 15-inch on every trim | 8-inch on every trim |
| Cargo, behind 2nd row | 844 L | 705 L (AWD) / 790 L (FWD) |
| Cargo, max (AWD) | 1,798 L | 1,705 L |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 174 hp |
| Length / wheelbase | 4,597 mm / 2,730 mm | 4,467 mm / 2,680 mm (AWD) |
| All-wheel drive | Standard on every trim | Standard except Trendline FWD |
| Remote start | Standard on every trim | Not on Trendline |
Step Up in Size and Space
The Terrain measures 4,597 mm long and rides on a 2,730 mm wheelbase. That is 130 mm more length and 50 mm more wheelbase than the all-wheel-drive Taos. The added size shows up where families notice it most: in the cargo area.
Behind the rear seats, the Terrain holds 844 L. An all-wheel-drive Taos holds 705 L, so the Terrain gives you about 20 per cent more room for strollers, sports bags and groceries. Fold the seats and the Terrain reaches 1,798 L, ahead of the all-wheel-drive Taos at 1,705 L.
Step Up in Screen and Technology
The Taos uses an 8-inch touchscreen in every trim. The Terrain uses a 15-inch GMC Premium Infotainment display in every trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. You see more of your map, more of your playlist and larger controls at a glance.
The Terrain’s standard safety and driver assistance list covers:
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Reverse Automatic Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Hill Descent Control, Rear Park Assist and Teen Driver
Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and remote start are standard on every Terrain. On the Taos, the entry Trendline goes without remote start and wireless charging.
Step Up in Trim Choice
The Terrain lineup gives you three clear directions. The Elevation is the everyday pick, with 17-inch machined wheels and options such as 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and HD Surround Vision.
The AT4 adds all-terrain tires, an AEV stamped steel front skid plate, the Trailering Package and a standard AutoSense power liftgate.
The Denali brings perforated leather-appointed seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats and a panoramic sunroof. Its standard Technology Package II adds HD Surround Vision, a Rear Camera Mirror, a Surround Video Recorder and Traffic Sign Recognition. On the Taos, ventilated seats appear only on the top Highline trim.
Power, Drivetrain and Towing
The Terrain’s 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder makes 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The Taos’s 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder makes 174 hp and 184 lb-ft. The extra torque matters when the cargo area is full or a small trailer is hooked up.
The smaller Taos uses a little less fuel. The Terrain answers with all-wheel drive on every trim, a longer wheelbase and a rating to tow up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) with the Trailering Package. That package is standard on AT4 and Denali and available on Elevation.
Is the Step Up to Terrain Worth It?
If your SUV needs to handle a growing family, weekend gear or a small trailer, the answer is yes.
The Terrain gives you more cargo room behind the rear seats, a 15-inch screen, standard all-wheel drive and three distinct trims. For buyers who want room to grow, the Terrain is the right size.
Make the Move at McNaught Buick GMC
Come see the step up for yourself at McNaught Buick GMC in Winnipeg. Load your gear into the Terrain’s cargo area, try the 15-inch display and take a test drive in the Elevation, AT4 or Denali with our team.
