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2018 GMC Terrain

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Make
GMC
Model
Terrain
Year
2018
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GMC Terrain OEM Exterior Primary Photo
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 SL Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $24,995
2018 SLE Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $27,900
2018 SLE All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $29,600
2018 SLT Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $31,400
2018 SLE Diesel Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $31,600
2018 SLT All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,100
2018 SLE Diesel All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,400
2018 SLT Diesel Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $34,200
2018 SLT Diesel All-wheel Drive Price:   -  From $36,000
2018 Denali Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $37,600
2018 Denali All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $39,300

Overview

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.

GMC Terrain

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:

GMC Terrain

SL

Priced at $26,945 (including $975 destination charge), the SL is the most affordable entry, although it will also be one of the rarest – as is General Motors' tradition, this low-cost trim and its limited color palette is mainly reserved for fleet use.

Only available with the 1.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive, the 2018 Terrain SL is only available in Summit White, unless the buyer springs for Ebony Twilight (black) or Quicksilver Metallic, both $395 extras.

Aside from those limitations, the SL comes pretty well equipped with keyless ignition, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear 110-volt outlets, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The six-speaker infotainment system features a seven-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. GM's Teen Driver technology is also standard. There are no factory options for the SL beyond a $450 Trailing Equipment Package that's available on all models.

GMC Terrain

SLE

Starting at $29,770, the SLE is the effective base trim for the Terrain, adding a few standard features over the SL, including an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compact spare tire, and a regular pallet of colors to choose from. All-wheel drive becomes available at this level for $1,750, as does the 2.0-liter engine for $1,745 (or $1,350 when combined with all-wheel drive). Dual exhaust outlets and 18-inch wheels automatically come with the 2.0-liter.

The Driver Convenience Package ($1,375) adds heated front seats with driver power, automatic dual-zone climate control, remote start, and roof rails. With those features in place, buyers can select the Infotainment Package I ($995) with navigation, an SD card reader, and a 4.2-inch color driver information screen. The $985 Driver Alert Package I adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a vibrating safety alert in the driver seat. A panoramic sunroof is optional at $1,495.

GMC Terrain

SLE Diesel

The SLE equipped with the 1.6-liter turbodiesel starts at $33,540. The Driver Convenience Package comes standard, along with a power liftgate. Other equipment and options are shared with regular SLE.

GMC Terrain

SLT

Priced from $33,270, the SLT builds on the SLE with leather seats, standard 18-inch wheels (with painted accents), and the Driver Convenience and Infotainment I features (except navigation) as standard. The Driver Alert Package I remains optional, and can be augmented with a Driver Alert Package II, featuring lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Infotainment Package II ($1,180) adds navigation and a seven-speaker Bose sound system. The Preferred Package ($1,250) includes driver memory, a heated steering wheel, a power passenger seat, a universal home remote, and a power liftgate. The 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive continue as options.

GMC Terrain

SLT Diesel

The SLT Diesel gets the 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine and the Preferred Package as standard, all starting at $36,115. Otherwise, it's equipped like the regular SLT.

GMC Terrain

Denali

Powered exclusively by the 2.0-liter engine, the $39,470 Denali comes standard with nearly everything available on the lower trims. Only all-wheel drive and the Driver Alert Package II remain optional. The Denali carries unique trim inside and out – there's a lot of chrome – including a satin-chrome grille, bright 19-inch wheels, upgraded leather, and LED headlights. The suspension is tuned for greater ride comfort. There are two option packages available only on the Denali. The Advanced Safety Package ($745) adds surround-view cameras and an automated parking system, while the Comfort Package ($525) tacks on ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and wireless device charging.

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.

Get your price on a GMC Terrain »

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

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

GMC Terrain
  • 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

GMC Terrain
  • 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

GMC Terrain

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
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-4 / 170 HP / 203 ft.lbs.
Transmission
9-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
26 / 30 / 28 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-4 / 170 HP / 203 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
26 / 30 / 28 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
14.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$57
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
63.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
182.3 "
Exterior Width
72.4 "
Exterior Height
65.4 "
Front Headroom
40.0 "
Rear Headroom
38.5 "
Front Legroom
40.9 "
Rear Legroom
39.7 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,449 Lbs.
Wheel Base
107 "
Turning Radius
18.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Passkey Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 24,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 GMC Terrain for Sale

4 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
GMC
SLT
Color: Gray
Price

$16,477

Mileage

76,366 mi

Map location icon

Karplus Warehouse Inc. (23 mi)

GMC
SLT
Color: Gray
Price

$18,695

Mileage

95,634 mi

Map location icon

DriveTime Downey (16 mi)

Phone: (562) 940-9360
GMC
SLT
Color: Summit White
Price

$21,995

Mileage

53,968 mi

Map location icon

Simpson Chevrolet of Irvine (41 mi)

Phone: (714) 464-3385
GMC
Denali
Color: White
Price

$22,997

Mileage

64,826 mi

Map location icon

DriveTime Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (888) 970-9221
See All Used Car Listings

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