2021 GMC Terrain Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The GMC Terrain distinguishes itself from the Chevrolet Equinox with its exterior design and a nine-speed automatic transmission on all models. What we appreciate about the Terrain is that it has a distinct style to further set the GMC apart from the Chevrolet cousin.
What's New
The Elevation package is now available on both SLE and SLT grades (previously available only on the latter). This includes 19-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, black side mirror covers, and exterior accents, black front grille, and black exterior badges.
What We Think
The GMC Terrain promises a slightly more premium experience than what the Chevrolet Equinox offers . But does it deliver? Not really. Material quality is acceptable, but it's let down by bland color choices even when you opt for two-tone options. GMC's push-button gear selector is also more complicated than necessary. Seating, on the other hand, is comfortable thanks to the generous helping of creature comforts on the Denali trim. The infotainment system's ease of use and clean graphics are some of the Terrain's redeeming factors, making its system superior to most competitors' multimedia setups.
As for the way the Terrain drives, the standard 1.5-liter won't thrill you, but it's plenty for the average consumer and never feels lacking when asked for power. Light steering eases maneuvering. The available 19-inch alloy wheels can create a stiff ride. You'll feel every groove on the road, and there's a bit of road and wind noise entering the cabin, too, especially at highway speeds.
Performance
The 2021 Terrain is offered with a 1.5-liter with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic.
Safety
<strong>NHTSA:</strong> 5 stars (out of a possible five stars)
IIHS: Although the Terrain earned Good ratings in six safety crash tests, a Poor headlight rating prevented it from earning any safety award from the IIHS.
GMC's Pro Safety Plus package is standard, bundling together forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, front automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are available as part of the Driver Alert package I in the SLE and SLT grades. In the Denali grade, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, while adaptive cruise control is available as part of the Denali Premium package or Advanced Safety package.
Technology
GMC's latest infotainment system is offered in two versions in the Terrain. The base version features a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. SLT and Denali models get a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen. Higher trims are offered with built-in navigation and a seven-speaker Bose audio system.
Cool Features
The Denali trim is distinguished by liberal amounts of chrome trim and 19-inch alloy wheels. Get inside, and you'll find extra creature comforts like heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, automatic parking systems, and a 360-degree view parking camera system.
