2018 GMC Terrain review

What We Like:

Technology: With big colorful icons, the Terrain’s standard touchscreen is easy to use, and the standard Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ smartphone integration fit perfectly with the high-tech feel. Every GMC Terrain comes standard with four USB ports, with higher trim levels adding two more. The Terrain also comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, and even automatic high beams. However, we suggest looking for models with the optional Driver Alert Package II (SLT and up), which adds adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Interior Comfort: Road trippers will like the Terrain’s interior comfort. The firm and supportive front seats are great for long drives, and the side cushions manage to hold you in place without intruding when getting in and out of the vehicle. Topping it off are low overall noise levels.

Cargo Flexibility: We admit it’d be nice if the cargo area was bigger, but the Terrain makes up for it with excellent flexibility. The available hands-free power tailgate (SLT and up) is activated by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper for easy access. Like its competitors the rear seatbacks fold flat, but the front passenger seat also folds flat, making it easy to accommodate extra-long items like a kayak. It even has a hard plastic back to avoid damaging the upholstery.

What Needs Improvement

Interior Controls: As comfortable as the interior is, GMC’s placement of some controls has us scratching our heads. Chief among these are the buttons for the transmission gear selector. They’re located low on the dash, and while you could argue long-term owners will get used to the placement, we’d prefer something closer to the driver and more intuitive to use.