2018 GMC Terrain Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
The all-new 2018 GMC Terrain rides on a new platform and features a new range of turbocharged engines and a full suite of active safety features.
Vehicle Summary
Slotting below the three-row Acadia, the 2018 GMC Terrain is the brand's front- and all-wheel-drive entry-level crossover. Unlike the new Acadia, the Terrain is no longer available with a six-cylinder engine option
Overview
The 2018 Terrain is offered with three new turbocharged four-cylinder engines including a base 1.5-liter unit with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, a larger 2.0-liter with 252 hp and 260 lb-ft, and a 1.6-liter diesel rated at 137 hp and 240 lb-ft. A new nine-speed automatic developed in house by General Motors is standard on the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter, while the diesel makes do with a six-speed unit. Cargo capacity stands at 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.3 cubic feet behind the front seats. The 2018 Terrain is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped and powered by the 252-hp 2.0-liter gas turbo-four.
Available features include GMC's IntelliLink multimedia interface with a 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 4G LTE connectivity, navigation, a Bose premium audio system, a 360-degree view camera system, a heated steering wheel, the Rear Seat Reminder system that reminds you to check the back seats before leaving the car, LED headlights, alloy wheels up to 19 inches in diameter, and Bluetooth connectivity. As with every GMC model, there's a range-topping Denali trim level that's more upscale and is distinguished by its chrome exterior accents and a unique grille.
Safety
The Terrain makes available a full suite of active safety features that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, lane change alert, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
What We Think
We've yet to drive the 2018 Terrain, but the lighter crossover's turbocharged engines will likely provide more accessible power compared to the last-gen model's naturally aspirated four- and six-cylinder mills. The 2018 Terrain's infotainment system should also be a major improvement as it now features smartphone integration even on the base unit with the smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen.
Cool Fact
The 2018 GMC Terrain is closely related to the recently redesigned 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
Key Competitors
