Redesigned for 2025, the GMC Terrain SUV is similar to the related Chevrolet Equinox.
It is powered by a 175-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission.
This powertrain is responsive and packs a decent punch.
Handling is taut and responsive and the ride is firm and well-controlled.
Both all-wheel drive and front-wheel-drive are available.
The Terrain is relatively quiet but interior fit and finish is rather basic.
Some controls are unintuitive and the large infotainment screen is impressive but could be confusing at first.
Niceties such as standard heated front seats and steering wheel are standard.
A comprehensive list of standard driver assistance and safety systems finally puts the Terrain on equal footing with its peers.
Notable Changes
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2018-2024
2018 Model Redesign Year
The redesigned Terrain and its twin, the Chevrolet Equinox, bring tidier dimensions, in line with the small SUV segment.
The new Terrain packs the latest infotainment and safety technology, and two four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
The base engine is a 170-hp 1.5-liter, and the uplevel choice is a 252-hp 2.0-liter.
Both are mated to a nine-speed automatic.
A diesel engine, paired to a six-speed automatic, is also be available.
GMC's IntelliLink infotainment system will be offered in 7- and 8-inch forms, each with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Starting with the 2020 model year, forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning are standard on all trim lines.
The 2.0-liter turbo was dropped for 2021.
The Terrain is freshened for 2022 with exterior updates.
It is a corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Equinox, but a few critical differences compromise it, even though it is positioned as a more premium offering.
We found it to be loud and stiff-riding, with severely hampered visibility.
The standard engine is a lackluster 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic.
The Terrain's gear selector is controlled by dash-mounted push buttons that are unintuitive to operate.
The infotainment system is one of the easier ones to use.
An off-road AT4 version is new.
The Terrain is GMC's entry in the small to midsized SUV segment.
While a decent enough offering, the model's competition is significantly better.
The five-passenger mid-size SUV consumes fuel more like seven-passenger full-size models.
That said; if you're considering getting one, look for at least an SLE-2, which comes with the power driver's seat.
A rearview camera is standard regardless of trim.
While the standard four-cylinder engine manages to get the job done, the optional V6 is a more enjoyable choice.
Terrain's 2013 freshening brought a more powerful 3.6-liter V6, as well as a revised interior with new infotainment technology.
For 2015, changes include a standard built-in WiFi hotspot.
Advanced optional safety features, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, joined forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems for 2016.
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