The 2018 GMC Terrain enters its second generation with big shoes to fill, following the sales success of a model that debuted way back in 2010. This full-scale redesign changes everything about the Terrain, most notably its engines and exterior design. The result is an expressive family vehicle that's completely up with the times.
What's New for 2018
The 2018 Terrain is a full-scale redesign.
Choosing Your GMC Terrain
The Terrain has always been on the larger end of the compact crossover class, so it's no surprise the 2018 model feels substantial, with ample room for five passengers and a stress-free ride. Cargo space is virtually unchanged at 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seat down, and yet the Terrain is three inches shorter and 400 pounds light than before. The familiar boxy shape is gone, replaced by fluid lines and well-placed styling flourishes that add up to a totally different visual theme.
The Terrain shares its engine lineup with its fraternal twin, the Chevrolet Equinox. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 203 ft-lb of torque. The optional 2.0-liter four cylinder turbo raises the bar to 252 hp and 260 lb-ft or torque. Both engines come with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and can be paired with all-wheel drive in place of the standard front-drive setup. Models equipped with the 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The 1.5-liter is EPA-rated at 26 miles per gallon city and 30 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 28 mpg – moving to all-wheel drive sacrifices two mpg across the board. The 2.0-liter achieves an estimated 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined with front drive or 21 city, 26 highway, and 23 combined with all-wheel drive.
For maximum efficiency, GMC offers a 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that makes 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque and works alongside a six-speed automatic. So equipped, the Terrain is rated at 28 mpg in the city, an impressive 39 mpg on the interstate, and 32 mpg combined. Going to all-wheel drive only costs one mile per gallon on the freeway, making it an easy choice for diesel customers.
The Terrain carries more equipment this year at each trim level:
CarsDirect Tip
Grab the diesel engine if your commute involves a lot of highway driving, while the SLT trim with the Driver Alert Package I. Pass on any package that adds navigation – standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it obsolete.
The 2018 GMC Terrain is all-new, with GMC downsizing its smallest crossover to better compete in the compact class. A sleek design, choice of two turbo four-cylinder engines or a fuel-efficient diesel, and improved handling are offset by less headroom and cargo space, as well as a limited set of advanced safety features.
Best Value
With a lineup that offers four trim levels and three engines, pricing begins at $25,990 for the entry-level SL trim and tops out at over $45,000 for a fully-loaded Denali model (prices include a $995 destination charge).
We'd pass on the base SL and midrange SLE and opt for the SLT. It offers all three engine options, a leather interior, a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with in-vehicle apps and satellite radio, plus access to the widest range of advanced safety features.
Model: 2018 GMC Terrain SLT
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Output: 252 horsepower / 260 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
MPG: 22 city / 28 highway
Exterior color: Graphite Gray Metallic
Interior color:Medium Ash Gray/Jet Black
Options: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine ($1,845), Graphite Gray Metallic Paint ($395), Power Glass Sunroof ($1,495), Driver Alert Package I ($840, lane change alert, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, safety alert rear seat), Driver Alert Package II ($495, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams).
Base Price: $32,315
As Tested: $36,890
Performance Pros
The two turbocharged gasoline engines – a 170-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a 252-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder – offer energetic acceleration and lively performance.
The new nine-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly, especially when paired to the 2.0-liter turbo.
The 137-hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine posts excellent fuel economy numbers, getting an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city, 39 on the highway, and 32 combined.
Performance Cons
The nine-speed automatic lacks both paddle shifters and any kind of manual control.
Turbodiesel-equipped models have a tow rating of just 1,500 pounds.
At a $2,845 premium, turbodiesel-equipped models are noisier, slower to accelerate, and engine vibrations can be felt through the pedals and rearview mirror at low speeds.
Interior Pros
There's plenty of room in the back seat for two adults – even three on shorter trips.
The interior ergonomics are very good, with clear instrumentation and an intuitive infotainment system and controls.
Even the base 7.0-inch infotainment system includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE wi-fi.
Interior Cons
Interior space, down from last year, is now less than the Honda CR-V.
The hard plastic door panels and cheap-looking switchgear are out of place on a $37,000 crossover.
Cargo volume, at 29.6 cubic feet, trails both the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V.
Our Favorite Thing
Lighter weight, better handling, and new turbo engines with more useful torque make the latest Terrain a more competitive performer in the compact crossover class.
Our Least Favorite Thing
Even with its excellent fuel economy, it's hard to justify the $2,845 additional cost of the turbodiesel, considering its increased noise, low-speed vibration issues, and subpar 1,500-pound tow rating.
Right For
Eco Friendly – In addition to its sleek new design, five-passenger capacity, and crossover versatility, all Terrains feature active grille shutters for improved fuel economy. Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate the diesel engine's efficiency that, although hardly Prius-like, still delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models.
Wrong For
Safety Focused – Although a rearview camera is now standard across the lineup, the safety alert rear seat, blind-spot detection, rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert systems are unavailable on the SL model, optional on the SLE and SLT, and standard only on the range-topping Denali trim. In addition, advanced active safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning – all standard on the RAV4 and the CR-V – aren't available at all on the Terrain.
The Bottom Line
Although towing capacity is limited and interior space is down from last year, the latest GMC Terrain is a big step up from the outgoing model with better performance, smooth handling, and a more appealing design, making it a true contender in the compact crossover class.
Read Less
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
1.5L I-4 / 170 HP / 203 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
9-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
26 / 30 / 28 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
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