GMC Terrain

GMC Terrain Overview

The GMC Terrain is one of the roomiest compact crossover SUVs in its segment. It's primarily known as a truck brand, but it's a little more tasteful and softer than the other big cars. This upscale vehicle has steadily dropped the burly personality in exchange for a car-like driving experience.

GMC Terrain History

This is one of the youngest crossover SUVs on the market. It's seen very few changes over the years, let alone redesigns and refreshes. Relative to older models, the GMC Terrain has shed a lot of total weight for increased maneuverability.

• The first-generation GMC Terrain debuted in 2010.
• Standard and upgradable touchscreen options arrived in 2012.
• The Terrain received a new engine in the 2013 model year.
• Second-generation GMC Terrain is introduced for the 2018 model year.

How It Drives

The GMC Terrain boasts great ride quality and steady handling. When turning corners, you'll notice that the GMC Terrain feels well-weighted and controlled. The car is well-insulated - the drive will be almost completely silent barring a few muted noises from the outside. The suspension soaks up a lot of impact for a crossover SUV. Of the engine options, the base four-cylinder engine feels sluggish compared to the optional V6 option.

Used GMC Terrain Value

The popular GMC Terrain gets a lot of things right. As a family hauler, it has a lot of the qualities that parents value - it is plenty comfortable, incredibly spacious, quiet, and it has a suspension that will soften some of the impact. If need is a compact crossover SUV with a spacious and flexible back row, the GMC Terrain is a great fit. It suits a family's many needs quite well, and will be a boon for anyone eager to volunteer for a carpool. It could use more cargo space and the touchscreen can be placed more efficiently for drivers, but, otherwise, the GMC Terrain is able to keep up with the other frontrunners in the segment.

The car hasn't changed much over the years, so older models will offer a lot of the same value as more modern GMC Terrain vehicles. The only noticeable difference may be in the drivetrain - newer models have a more powerful engine as an optional upgrade.

Design & Performance

The GMC Terrain is built with comfort and value in mind. The roomy backseat keeps it in the game, as well as the optional V6 engine. It's a class-leader in terms of cabin silence and creature comforts. For drivers looking for a specific set of features, the GMC Terrain offers five trim levels in the 2017 model: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT, and Denali.

The Denali trim level is the most comfortable and upscale trim level. A lot of the lower trim levels also offer optional upgrades to help bridge the quality gap too. For instance, a navigation system is offered on the SLE-2 and SLT, but is standard for the Denali.

At the base level, standard equipment throughout the recent GMC Terrain includes:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rearview camera and mirror
• Cruise control
• Folding rear seats
• Bluetooth connectivity
• A seven-inch touchscreen interface

Powertrain & Engine

The GMC Terrain has two engine options. The standard engine is a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that is typically paired with a six-speed automatic. The optional 3.6L V6 engine pumps out almost double the horsepower and is paired with the same transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive an optional swap-in for all of the trim levels.

Body Style & Interior Comfort

This vehicle stands out the most as a comfortable family hauler. The GMC Terrain's front row is plenty spacious, but anyone sitting in the back will find that there's a generous amount of room. Though the cabin space may be a bit lacking compared to other class leaders, it still does a good job of accommodating passengers with additional storage compartments.

• The GMC Terrain hasn't changed its backseat since its inception, yet it still stands as one of the roomiest back rows for crossover SUVs.
• Weight is reduced in newer models.
• The center console has remained relatively untouched barring a few touchscreen updates.
• The standard feature set has become more and more luxurious throughout the years.