2019 GMC Terrain review

What We Like:

Technology: The Terrain’s standard Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ smartphone integration are a nice addition to its easy-to-use touchscreen interface. Every GMC Terrain also comes standard with four standard USB ports, and higher trim levels add 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: There’s a lot to like for road-trippers inside the Terrain. The front seats are firm and supportive, perfect for long drives, and the side cushions manage to hold you in place without making it hard to get in and out of the vehicle. Add in the overall low noise levels, and the open road beckons.

Cargo Flexibility: While other vehicles in this class offer more cargo space, the Terrain makes up for it with excellent flexibility. The hands-free power tailgate is activated by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper (SLT and up) for easy access. Folding the rear seatbacks expands the cargo area, but the front passenger seat also folds flat to accommodate extra-long items like a surfboard. It even has a hard plastic back to avoid damaging the upholstery.

What Needs Improvement

Interior Controls: We wish the interior’s controls were as well thought out as the rest of the Terrain’s interior. Unfortunately there are multiple examples of awkwardly placed buttons which make them difficult to use. Chief among these are the buttons for the transmission gear selector, which are located low on the dash. While long-term owners will get used to the placement, it’s still a weird stretch to reach.