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- Highs Roomy interior, comfortable highway ride, lots of available tech and convenience features.
- Lows Anemic base engine, substandard interior quality, lack of driver engagement on curvy roads.
- Verdict The well-equipped 2018 GMC Terrain offers a spacious interior, the choice of fuel-efficient engines, and generous cargo room, but it's let down by poor interior quality.
Overview
The all-new GMC Terrain trades the prior model’s blocky styling and available V-6 for svelte looks and a trio of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including a fuel-efficient diesel. Although its wheelbase has shrunk by 5.2 inches, the new Terrain remains impressively roomy. Its interior build quality, however, leaves much to be desired, and its value proposition is sullied by pricing that puts it at the costlier end of the compact-crossover segment.
What's New for 2018?
The Terrain is completely redesigned for 2018. Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the latest generation has been downsized to compete directly against such compact models as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. Along with its overhauled chassis and new styling, buyers get the choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines and the latest tech features.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SL: $25,990
- SLE: $28,895
- SLT: $32,395
- Denali: $38,595
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Although the Terrain offers the choice of three engines, only the largest turbocharged inline-four is a lively partner. The base engine is a lackadaisical 170-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four. The more powerful engine, a 252-hp turbocharged four, is standard on the Denali and optional on SLE and SLT trims. Both are gas-sipping engines that pair with a competent and smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. The available 137-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel mates to a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s even slower and less refined than the 1.5. While the base Terrain SL is available only with front-wheel drive, higher trims can be ordered with an all-wheel-drive system. A refined chassis provides the Terrain with a composed and competent ride. But although the softly sprung suspension is a boon on highway drives, the comfort-oriented setup drains the compact crossover of driver engagement on curvy roads.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Terrain's spacious and accommodating interior is let down by subpar build quality and a middling mix of materials. The cabin is filled with a hodgepodge of materials of varying quality, and even the top-spec Denali suffers from a number of glaringly large panel gaps. Front- and rear-seat space is class competitive, and the seats are supportive and well bolstered. The Terrain features easy-to-use climate and infotainment controls, and it's an amenable partner for carrying large loads. Cubby space is average, but there's a welcome storage bin at the front of the center console.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Easy to operate and quick to respond to commands, the Terrain’s IntelliLink infotainment system benefits from clear graphics, logical menus, and the latest in-car connectivity features. Every Terrain includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and several USB ports. While the entry-level SL and SLE models come standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, higher-end trims feature an 8.0-inch unit. An in-dash navigation system is standard on the Denali and available on SLE and SLT models.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
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.