In 2018 GMC gave us an all new Terrain, far better to drive than before, far more elegantly designed packed with more tech and up-to-date solutions, and noticeably more efficient engines.
Design of the GMC Terrain
The latest GMC Terrain has some pretty interesting parts. The smallest wheels measure 17” in diameter and the largest ones 19”, but even the latter do not look too big. The grille is the most eye-catching feature of the front fascia. It is massive, well shaped and flanked by unusual headlights.
Side view reveals a smart design solution that makes the windows look like a continuous line and give the feeling of airiness even before you enter the car. The rear includes a shark fin antenna, stylish roof spoiler, as well as cleverly incorporated exhaust tips and taillights that continue the front’s theme.
Interior of the GMC Terrain
The interior is beautiful. Good materials and confident design create a very pleasant cabin with a great mixture of materials, look, functionality and spaciousness. Normally-sized adults should have no issues with room for head, feet, knees and shoulders. Finding a good driving position is easy with all the settings available.
Infotainment screen is well positioned, perfectly angled and easy to use, with one of the best interfaces available on the market. Two tone interior adds to the premium feel.
All controls are easy to reach, including the unusual gearbox button controls located in the central stack. Just like with the vast majority of GMC vehicles, the Terrain’s fit and finish are impeccable. The cabin feels solidly put together, well-designed and functional.
There are plenty of small storage places such as trays, cubbies, pockets and bins. The passenger can put their phone in a space just above the glovebox, which is as cleverly incorporated into the design as it is functional. Another great feature is that the front passenger seat folds flat.
There are six USB ports and the car comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moreover, one of the USB ports is the latest USB-C.
Engines and Drive of the GMC Terrain
The Terrain has three engine options. All of them are turbocharged and provide top figures from comfortably low revs. The two gasoline versions are paired with 9-speed automatics, while the diesel is mated to a 6-speed auto.
The entry level option is a 1.5 l four-pot turbo with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The full torque comes in at just 2000 rpm which means that noise levels are kept to the minimum and that the fuel efficiency is remarkable. It is also sufficiently powerful, not really designed to provide sports driving, but relaxed and effortless cruising.
If you want more push, the 2.0 turbo petrol gives 252 hp and 260 lb-ft, which is noticeably faster and more responsive. The 1.5 is not lacking in any way, but capabilities of the 2.0 go beyond the necessary and provide some fun.
The 1.6 l turbo diesel has 137 hp and 240 lb-ft and is designed to give you the best fuel efficiency without sacrificing the low-revs push. On the highway it will consume about 6 l per 100 km.
The new engines also have an easier job, as the car is about 180 kg lighter than the previous version. This also translates to more composed steering and better agility.
The Terrain can be either FWD or AWD, but in any of the forms it will feel more comfortable on the road where it will handle cornering and cruise with ease.
Trim Levels for the GMC Terrain
In total there are three trim levels, SLE, SLT and Denali.
The SLE comes with FWD, although AWD is optional, with traction select system, 1.5 l turbo with variable valve tech and stop-start system. You can also opt for the 2.0 l petrol on the SLE. Other perks include StabiliTrak with traction control, hill start and hill descent controls, stain resistant premium cloth seats, 8-way power and 2-way power lumbar driver seat, 4-way adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split rear seats, flat-folding passenger seat, 3.5” driver information center, keyless entry and start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Teen Driver function, tire pressure monitoring, active noise cancellation, automatic dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, remote start, 7” infotainment system with the previously mentioned features, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera with dynamic grid lines and vehicle theft deterrent system.
The SLE Diesel adds the 1.6 l turbo diesel, six-speed automatic and power programmable liftgate.
The SLT comes standard with the 2.0 turbo and AWD, dual exhaust tips, perforated leather seats, 6-way power and 2-way lumbar front passenger seat, 2-position memory for the driver seat and mirrors, 4.2” driver information screen, heated, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, accent lighting for the interior, household style power outlet, universal home remote with garage door opener, 8” screen, chrome surrounds and accents for the grille, projector-type fog lamps, power, programmable and hands-free liftgate and silver roof rails.
The SLT Diesel differs only in the engine, gearbox and powertrain accompanying features.
The Denali sits at the very top with all of the above plus perforated leather-appointed seating with unique Denali piping and embroidered Denali logo on front-seat head restraints, heated front and rear and ventilated front seats, premium floor mats reserved for the Denali trim, wireless charging, special infotainment with navigation for the 8” touchscreen, SiriusXM Traffic, Bose premium sound system, Denali grille, chrome mirror caps, bright roof rails, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist, safety alert seat, lane change alert with side blind zone alert and optional surround vision.
Aside from all this there are seven option packages that can be included on these trim levels and also a number of individual perks you can add to each model.
The GMC Terrain rolls down the road like a true marvel of automotive engineering. At Summit GM, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Come into our Fort McMurray car dealership at 530 MacKenzie Blvd, give us a call at (780) 743-2871, or book a test drive online now and experience everything the GMC Terrain has to offer.
