GMC seems to be inching towards luxury as their latest models show more premium features than ever seen before in a GMC. We experienced this firsthand with our GMC Terrain SLT tester. The GMC Terrain compact crossover stands as the smallest GMC model, though it really isn't that cramped. The SLT trim level sits just below the luxurious Denali, which is what GMC vehicles are known for.
Design
The GMC Terrain is perhaps the most stylish crossover among its Chevrolet and Cadillac siblings, with C-shaped lighting units, and a slim greenhouse that seamlessly connects to the rear windshield. The SLT may not have lavish chrome accents and paint-colored bumpers like the high-end Denali, but it still retains an attractive design throughout the remaining trim levels.
Interior
Despite being almost identical to the Acadia's interior in pictures, the Terrain's cabin feels much nicer in person. GMC definitely paid attention to detail inside, with two-tone black and white leather upholstery pulled together by bold orange stitching and smooth faux wood. Storage cubbies filled the front row, with a small nook below the front HVAC vent's wood trim, several small spaces in the doors, and a large storage area under the center console. Rear occupants won't find as many places to put things as the driver and front passenger, but quite a few storage areas were found in the rear doors, and they blended in with the design nicely. The trunk even had open cubbies at either side to fit small items beside larger ones, as well as an under-floor storage compartment. As for comfort, the leather seats left us uncomfortable after a long road trip, but it won't bother passengers when running errands.
Space
The GMC Terrain may not be as roomy as its competitors, as even the Chevrolet Equinox it is based on beats it by a few cubic inches, but we were able to fit five luggages, one backpack, and several other bags in the trunk without any problems. The Terrain offers 29.6 cubic feet of trunk space, and up to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. As for the passengers, the Terrain was not cramped at all, with 40.9 inches of legroom, 40 inches of headroom, and 54.4 inches of hip room in front. The rear is slightly smaller than the front, with 39.7 inches of legroom, 38.5 inches of headroom, and 5.8 inches of hip room. But, unlike some crossovers, the floor is completely level (some vehicles have the floor raised in the middle) and the front armrest doesn't sacrifice too much legroom in the middle seat. Overall, the Terrain's interior space is decent by itself, but other competitors offer more.
Reliability
We grew concerned with the reliability of the Terrain over time, as we experienced flaws in the road noise and suspension tuning, and a problem with the right rear door not opening from the inside. It seemed to be related to the lock, which did not features the convenience of the buttons that were in the front. The experts seem to agree, as the GMC Terrain has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it in 22nd place out of the 25 crossovers in its class. Repair costs aren't the worst though, with a $558 average cost, and the latest Terrain hasn't experienced any major recalls. In comparison, the first generation model was recalled twice for "excessive oil consumption" and once for transmission failures.
Performance
The Terrain only runs on a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder for 2022, but the 2021 model offered the optional 2.0 liter version producing 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Our tester had the 1.5 liter version, which makes 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic. This crossover brought decent pickup for just 170 horsepower, and by the time it reaches 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds, it delivers a good kick (it’s even the fastest compact SUV according to Consumer Reports) that is tainted by the slightly bumpy ride. The brakes were sensitive as well, which was unusual, but we aren’t stating that as a complaint. If one were to decide to tow things with a Terrain rather than something more brawny, it is good to know that there is a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. When it comes to performance, the Terrain is the one that comes out near the top.
Technology
The GMC Terrain includes the same IntelliLink interface seen across the lineup, with several interesting features like fade and balance controls, Amazon Alexa integration, an optional navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity (allows you to make hands-free phone calls and listen to customized playlists). The Terrain SLT also comes with a 4G WiFi Hotspot and a couple of charging ports in both rows, allowing occupants to entertain themselves on their personal devices.
Configurations
The GMC starts with the SL trim level (discontinued for 2022), which includes basic features like cloth seating and the absence of any chrome accents. The SLE trim moves up a bit by including the Pro Safety Plus package that has blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane change alert, and rear cross traffic alert. The more luxurious SLT variant we tested adds leather seating, a slightly larger 8-inch infotainment system, an eight-way power driver's seat, a chrome-lined grille, standard remote start, roof rails, and more options. The range topping Denali trim, which is what GMC's are known for, upgrades to a chrome mesh grille, body-colored bumpers, front parking sensors, wireless phone charging, a standard heated steering wheel (an option on the SLT), a seven-speaker Bose sound system, premium suspension, and a more powerful 2.0 liter 4-cylinder. The 2022 facelift drops that engine, leaving the 1.5 liter version as standard across the board. Also, a rugged new AT4 variant will be available for 2022. As for color options, the 2022 model year almost completely replaces the current palette, but we will mention that our tester came in Blue Emerald Metallic. The 2022 Terrain offers Summit White, White Frost, Quicksilver Metallic, Ebony Twilight, Marine Metallic, Cayenne Red, and Desert Sand Metallic. The interior can come in either Jet Black (black) or Medium Ash Gray with Jet Black (gray). Our SLT had the Medium Ash Gray/Jet Black two tone seats with exclusive orange stitching.
Key Features
Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
Base MSRP: $27,900*
As Shown: $33,340 (est)
Seating: 5 occupants
Transmission 9-speed automatic
0-60 mph: 9.6 seconds
Fuel Economy: 26 city / 30 highway
*Pricing listed next to 'MSRP' applies to the 2022 model year version
Verdict
Even though we didn't enjoy the strange button gear selectors or the unrefined ride, the GMC Terrain SLT AWD is still a decent family car, with all of the features anyone could possibly need in a mainstream car, a ton of space and cool storage solutions, and impressive fuel economy. The Terrain also has the looks to allow your family to ride in style.
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