2018 GMC Terrain Review

2018 GMC Terrain - Completely new for 2018, the GMC Terrain becomes a serious player in the compact crossover class.

By: Mark Bilek

GMC's compact crossover is completely redesigned for 2018. The Terrain is 3 inches shorter and about 400 pounds lighter than the model it replaces but manages to have roughly the same passenger and cargo space. Terrain shares mechanical components with the Chevrolet Equinox and is available only as a 4-door wagon with seating for five. Competitors include the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Terrain is available in SL, SLE, SLT and Denali trim. Most come standard with a 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo four. Also available is a 2.0-liter turbo four with 252 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbodiesel with 137 horsepower. The gas engines get a 9-speed automatic transmission while the turbodiesel comes with a 6-speed automatic. All engines can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity with the 2.0-liter engine is 3500 pounds.

The base 1.5-liter turbo engine provides adequate thrust for most situations. It makes sense if you spend a lot of time cruising on the highway or around-town grocery getting. Opt for the more potent 2.0-liter turbo if you frequently carry a full load of passengers. It provides solid acceleration away from a stop and good passing punch. Both engines are smooth and refined and mate well to the slick-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.

Terrain's all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for extreme off-road use -- though there is a console-mounted dial to adjust for different off-road scenarios. In most cases, front-drive will suffice for Chicago-area drivers. EPA ratings with front-drive and the 1.5-liter engine are an impressive 26 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. In routine suburban commuting, the 1.5/front-drive combo is likely to yield about 28 MPG overall.

Terrain provides an extremely comfortable ride with great bump absorption and good control of secondary motions. At the same time, it's also quite competent on twisty roads. No sports car, Terrain feels nimble and has minimal body lean in quick maneuvers. There's a limit though, and Terrain's street-minded tires will let you know if you are driving too hard well before you get into trouble. There's little difference in ride quality between the 17- or 18-inch wheels. While the steering has a nice weight and tracks straight and true on the highway, the over boosted brake pedal makes it difficult to come to a smooth stop. Interior noise levels are impressively low.

On the inside, the interior nicely blends form and function to provide a roomy cabin that's pleasing to the eye. Terrain will comfortably seat four adults -- five in a pinch -- and is fitted with class-appropriate materials. The only faux pas is a center console that's surrounded by hard and rough plastic. Interior controls are nicely arranged for easy access, though the gear shift buttons are a bit low and it's a long reach to manually shift gears. The infotainment system is intuitive in operation and supports Apple Car Play and Android Auto. In addition, there's a USB-A and USB-C adaptor for device charging.

Front seats are comfortable and welcoming thanks to large door openings and a modest step in. Rear seat cushions are flat but nicely padded. Outward visibility is fine to the front but restricted to the rear thanks to large roof pillars and a smallish rear window. Maximum cargo capacity is 63.5 cubic feet, quite good for the class. In fact, you can also fold the front passenger seat to increase cargo space further. Interior storage is great with lots of open and covered cubbies throughout.

Bottom Line -- The all-new GMC Terrain is a strong entry into the compact crossover marketplace. Blending solid performance with a roomy cabin, Terrain also adds all of the safety and tech features that today's buyers crave. The late-arriving turbo diesel in an interesting option, especially if you do a lot of highway driving. Keep an eye on the bottom line though as options quickly up the reasonable base prices. If you don't need the extra boost of the 2.0-liter engine, the 1.5 turbo is a great money-saving alternative.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2018 GMC Terrain Review

2018 GMC Terrain - Completely new for 2018, the GMC Terrain becomes a serious player in the compact crossover class.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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