2017 GMC Terrain

Overview

GMC introduced the Terrain SUV in the 2010 model year on a platform shared with the popular Chevrolet Equinox. The Terrain is on the cusp of the mid-size and compact SUV segments, with two rows of seats for five passengers. A Terrain Denali, from GMC’s premium sub-brand was added for 2013, with extra features and unique trim inside and out. After six model years, the Terrain was treated to a major mid-cycle update, entailing new front- and rear-fascias, a new grille design, power-dome hood, LED daytime running lights, new wheels, and a second storage shelf under the dash.

What's New for 2017?

After the major facelift applied to the 2016 Terrain, the 2017 model gets a new exterior paint option, Graphite Gray Metallic. A new Terrain Nightfall Edition also is available, with charcoal and gloss-black exterior accents, body-colored door handles, heated power-adjustable sideview mirrors, and 18-inch aluminum wheels with gloss-black accents.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The base engine for the Terrain is an anemic 182-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. A 301-hp, 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 is the better option. Either is available with front- or all-wheel-drive, and a six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. We recorded a 0-60 mph time of just 6.3 seconds for a Terrain Denali AWD with the optional 3.6-liter engine. That puts it in the same ballpark as some more expensive German luxury SUVs. But with its relatively high torque peak, 272 pound-feet at 4800 rpm, it requires heavy throttle to get the loud, coarse V-6 motivated. With the Denali’s standard dual-mode dampers, body control is adequate and ride-quality is impressively smooth over bumpy roads. But don't expect sports-sedan handling from any Terrain model. Towing capacity is 1500 pounds for four-cylinder models and 3500 pounds for the V-6.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Terrain comes in no fewer than five trim levels: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT, and Denali. All of them have interior designs about par for the segment, with cloth seats on the SL and SLE models and leather on the upper trims, though with a lot of hard-plastic panels and trim surfaces. All Terrains come with a Multi-Flex rear seat with nearly eight-inches of fore-aft adjustment. The Denali interior upgrades the instrument panel to soft-touch material and includes features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, contrast stitching, smoke mahogany wood accents, and illuminated front sill plates. Cargo capacity is 31.6 cubic-feet behind the second row and 63.9 cubic feet with the second row folded down, which is considerably less than some competitors.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Even the base Terrain comes with tech features like a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth (phone only) connectivity, Wi-Fi, a USB port, an auxiliary input, a six-speaker stereo, and GM's OnStar connected service. Higher trims bring such niceties as the IntelliLink infotainment system with streaming Bluetooth capability, voice-activated smartphone integration, and an eight-speaker Pioneer audio system with satellite radio. A navigation system is optional on the SLE-2 trim level and above.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the GMC Terrain‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.