2023 GMC Terrain review

1. Spacious and comfortable interior

For a small SUV, the 2023 GMC Terrain is certainly a lot bigger on the inside than that description implies. There's seating for up to five passengers, and regardless of what model you choose, you're guaranteed to get 103.2 cu-ft of passenger volume inside, with 40.9 inches of front seat legroom and 39.7 inches of rear seat legroom. While your passengers stretch out and relax, they can also enjoy creature comforts like leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable heated front seats on all but SLE trims.

2. Lengthy list of tech features

Regardless of which of the four available trims you choose on your 2023 GMC Terrain, you certainly won't come away feeling short-changed — especially when it comes to technology and driver convenience features. Even base SLE models are well-equipped and include features like an available onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance.

Stepping up to the SLT adds additional features such as a hands-free liftgate, additional USB ports, and a household-style power outlet into the mix. For peak luxury, the Denali trim tops the range with features including a Bose^® premium sound system, wireless charging pad, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver safety alert seat.

3. Lots of cargo space available

As well as offering plenty of space for your passengers, the 2023 GMC Terrain doesn't skimp on storage space either. All models offer 29.6 cu-ft of cargo volume behind the rear seats in standard configuration, enough to swallow up the weekly grocery shopping or holiday luggage with ease. For bigger items, folding the rear seats flat expands that cargo volume to 63.3 cu-ft, and even the front passenger seat can be folded flat for transporting particularly long items.

4. Available all-wheel-drive

For when the going gets rough or the road gets slippery, the 2023 GMC Terrain has you covered. All-wheel-drive is available as an option on SLE and SLT trims, and is actually standard on the AT4 and Denali models — very useful in low-grip conditions and wet weather. Speaking of the AT4 trim, this is a specific off-road trim, adding unique styling touches and underbody skid plates for when you want to take the road less traveled.

5. Frugal engine

The 2023 GMC Terrain comes with just one engine option, a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder unit. Not only is it good for 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque — more than enough to get around — it also doesn't require as many trips to the pumps as you might think. Both two and four-wheel-drive models can achieve an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined, with two-wheel-drive models just having the edge with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highways.