A relatively new model, the GMC Terrain’s first generation began in 2010. It’s a five-passenger crossover SUV made by GMC that aims to entice buyers with sophistication, a stylish cabin, a long list of standard features, and a versatile backseat.
2010-2017 (First Generation)
In the first generation, there were four trim levels: SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, and SLT-2. Some of the features each trim offered included:
The SLE-1 had 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, cruise control, power front seat height and lumbar adjustments, a tilt and telescoping steering column, a rear-view camera, a six-speaker stereo system, OnStar, and satellite radio.
The SLE-2 included 18-inch alloy wheels on its V6 model, roof rails, an eight-way power driver seat, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Pioneer sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic climate control.
The SLT-1 included all the features of the SLE-1 plus leather seats, remote engine start and heated front seats.
The SLT-2 featured a unique grille, chrome exterior trim details, driver memory functions, a sunroof, a lift gate, and rear parking sensors.
In 2013, there is a new Denali trim with satin chrome accents and a unique chrome grill. GMC Terrain was updated for 2016, and received a face-lift with new LED daytime running lights and revised front and rear fascias.
All trims are standard with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, 182 horsepower and 172 pounds-feet torque. With the exception of the SLE-1, all other trims could be upgraded to a 3.0-liter V6 with 264 horsepower and 222 pound-feet torque. Both engines had front-wheel-drive with an optional all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
It gets an estimated 22/32 mpg in the city and on the highways, with 26 mpg combined for its four-cylinder with front-wheel drive model. The V6 with front-wheel-drive was estimated at 17/25 mpg city/highways. All-wheel drives received 17/24 mpg city/highway.
2018-Present (Second Generation)
Redesigned for this generation, the second-generation GMC Terrain debuted in 2018. This new model is now shorter by over three inches in length, and is also 400 pounds lighter. Cargo space is 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.3 cubic feet behind the first row. This generation comes in four trims: SL, SLE, SLT, and the Denali being a luxury-oriented model. All engines come with front-wheel-drive or available all-wheel-drive.
You can have the choice of three engines, including a new turbodiesel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as well as 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot. Automatic emergency braking is now an available safety feature. OnStar and the Teen Driver System are included.
The base SL trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, four USB ports, a seven-inch IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio and a six-speaker sound system. This trim features a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower, 203 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The SLE trim offers available packages, including a Driver Convenience package, a Driver Alert I package, and an additional Infotainment package. The Driver Convenience package includes heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and remote engine start. The Driver Alert I package includes rear cross-traffic alert, heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Other options include auto-dimming rear-view mirror, navigation system, a power liftgate, and interior upgrades.
The SLT is standard with the Driver Convenience and Infotainment I packages, but you can upgrade to the Driver Alert I or II package that adds automatic braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. An Infotainment II package is available with a seven-speaker Bose stereo, HD Radio, and navigation; and a Preferred package that includes a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, power passenger seat, and a power liftgate is also an option. Leather seating is standard.
An optional 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque or a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine with 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed transmission is available for the SLE and SLT trim.
The Denali gains most of the options on previous trims plus it has additional chrome exterior, including the unique 19-inch alloy wheels, grille, and LED headlights. A sunroof is added and the interior is upgraded. The Denali trim is the only trim with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a park assist system, and surround-view parking camera system. This model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine.
In 2020, many standard active safety features were added with GMC Pro Safety suite of driver assistance features, and the diesel engine is no longer available.
In 2021, there are no major changes. Pricing starts at $25,000 for the SL trim and ranges to $38,500 for the top-of-the-line Denali trim.