2019 GMC Terrain Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　

What's new

Upgraded rearview camera for cars with 8-inch touchscreenNew appearance packagesMinor tweaks to feature availabilityPart of the second Terrain generation introduced for 2018

　　At higher trim levels, and with some added option packages, the 2019 GMC Terrain can be a pretty appealing vehicle. That's a striking contrast to the base model, which is disappointing to drive, has none of the active safety features some competitors provide standard, and doesn't offer a way to upgrade without paying a shocking amount more. With a price delta between "bare-bones" and "well-equipped" that can pretty easily exceed $10,000 (and tops out around $20,000 for "fully loaded") when new, talking about the Terrain is like talking about more than one vehicle.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 GMC Terrain SL 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$137/mo  for Terrain SL

　　Terrain SL

　　SL 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $25,000 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $28,100 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $29,800 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A) - $31,800 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A) - $33,600 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $30,900 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $32,600 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A) - $33,700 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A) - $35,500 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $37,800 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $39,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　At the lower end of the spectrum, shoppers can easily find alternatives that ride and drive better. Case in point, a midtrim Honda CR-V is all-around more practical and better to drive. Opt for a higher-specced Terrain, and the equation changes a bit. A top-tier Mazda CX-5, for example, has a more upscale-feeling interior for less money and is more engaging to drive. But a properly equipped Terrain is quicker in a straight line, has more towing capacity, and offers a wider array of optional features.

　　The Terrain has other shortcomings: mediocre ride quality, oddball transmission buttons, and a cargo space deficit compared to top competitors. But if you're looking to tow and want a loaded, near-luxury small SUV (or a ton of USB ports) and you're willing to pay the price premium, the GMC Terrain occupies a unique position in its class.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

6.5 / 10

　　The Terrain is a comfortable, thoroughly modern compact SUV with a well-appointed interior, good towing capacity and plenty of technology features. Or at least it can be if you're willing to dive into higher trim levels and an extensive list of options, all of which quickly rack up extra dollar signs.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the GMC Terrain SLT (turbo 1.5L inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | FWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	6.5 / 10
Driving	6.0
Comfort	6.5
Interior	6.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.5

　　

Driving

6.0

　　The base engine lacks power, and its transmission is slow-witted. The focus on fuel economy all but eliminates snappy acceleration and quick pedal response. Elsewhere it's better. The brakes feel good, and the Terrain handles curves and corners with composure. The optional 2.0-liter is a major improvement in acceleration and drivability. The diesel is very loud and causes excessive vibration.

　　

Acceleration

5.5

　　The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers decent zip at low speeds, but acceleration falls off as the transmission runs for its highest gears to save fuel. Good in theory, but awful when trying to merge or pass. Our as-tested 0-60 mph time was 9.3 seconds, highlighting the Terrain's leaden pace.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　The brakes bite smoothly and evenly, with a good relationship between pedal pressure and actual stopping power. Initially, the pedal feels a little soft, but it firms up after a few millimeters of travel. The Terrain stopped from 60 mph in 126 feet in our testing, a decent result for a compact SUV.

　　

Steering

6.5

　　The steering is slow, making for a lot of mush to steer through before the Terrain starts to change direction in earnest. The steering effort weights up nicely at highway speeds, imparting more confidence and a sense of stability.

　　

Handling

7.0

　　Capable and balanced on twisty roads, the Terrain keeps body roll in check. You won't mistake it for a Ford Escape, a Mazda CX-5 or other sportier rival since it lacks the necessary suspension tuning or tire grip. But through turns at reasonably high speeds, the Terrain remains stable and composed.

　　

Drivability

5.5

　　Good braking and competent handling can't make up for a weak base engine and languid transmission. When you need immediate speed, the accelerator is mushy and lifeless, while engine speed and downshifts exhibit noticeable lag and delay. Doesn't inspire confidence when highway merging or passing. The 2.0-liter is much better, but the diesel's excessive noise and vibration will likely make it a non-starter for many.

　　

Comfort

6.5

　　Poorly placed central air vents and stifling leather upholstery aside, the Terrain is quite comfortable, at least at rest. On the road, it's prone to regular low-impact shock, vibration and jostling on even moderately rough roads. The seats are good, though, and the cabin keeps outside noise at bay.

　　

Seat comfort

6.5

　　The firm but not rigid seats are comfortable overall and hold up well over long miles. But they're somewhat compact. Bigger and broader passengers might find them constricting. The bolsters are relatively flat and low, and the seatbacks are a bit narrow. The rear seats are comfortable, but the cushions are somewhat flat.

　　

Ride comfort

5.0

　　This Terrain rides surprisingly poorly on regular pavement. Even mildly bumpy streets send shock waves into the cabin, resulting in a steady hum of shakes and vibrations. Your mother would probably notice and ask if something's wrong. Not up to par for the segment.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　Road and tire noise is limited to a muted, dull hum on most road surfaces. Some wind noise leaks in at the front pillars, but it's muted and acceptable. But the relative serenity is broken by a suspension that transmits too much road shake and shudder into the cabin — more mail truck than GMC.

　　

Climate control

6.5

　　The control layout is simple other than the four buttons for vent mode, an excessive number. The central vertical vents distribute air poorly, but the steering wheel heats up nicely. The seats offer cushion-only or cushion-and-seatback heating, a nice feature. Ventilated seats are only available on the Denali trim.

　　

Interior

6.0

　　The interior is attractive and well-configured, but some controls are awkwardly placed. Taller drivers will want the steering wheel to extend farther. The panoramic sunroof cuts into rear headroom for taller folks, but overall this is a roomy cabin with ample space for shoulders, legs and elbows.

　　

Ease of use

5.0

　　Control placement is a mixed bag — the headlight switch is by your knee, and Snow mode is in the center console. Worst is the Terrain's unnecessarily clumsy transmission interface — buttons and pull switches are placed below the climate controls. There's no way to avoid using those on every drive.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　The low seat bolsters make it easy to slide into front and rear seats. The doors open between 60 and 75 degrees, making for a wide opening. The step-in height is low enough for most passengers to get in and out with minimal effort.

　　

Driving position

6.5

　　Plenty of seat adjustment up and down, as well as fore and aft seat travel. The wide range of adjustment should suit most drivers. Taller drivers might wish for more steering wheel extension so they won't need to sit too close or upright to the steering wheel.

　　

Roominess

7.5

　　Headroom up front is decent, although the sloping roofline and panoramic sunroof lower the ceiling and may infringe on the headroom of taller drivers and passengers. Also there's plenty of space between arms, elbows and door panels, which helps this small SUV feel larger.

　　

Visibility

6.0

　　The forward view is truckish in that the deep, angled dash makes it hard to know where the front really is. The front side windows offer a good view; the view is less so out the rear side windows. The rearmost side windows are more decorative than useful, and the rear window is too narrow.

　　

Quality

7.0

　　The Terrain shares the same solid feeling as most GMC trucks and SUVs. There's a solidity to the sheet metal, upholstery and interior materials that imparts confidence and a sense of safety. The cabin materials aren't particularly special, but they look and feel high-quality.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　The Terrain doesn't offer an abundance of cargo space compared to some rivals, but it can handle most routine hauling and cargo needs. Some of its more thoughtful features — such as small trays and cubbies and a fold-flat front passenger seat — offer an edge.

　　

Small-item storage

8.0

　　Plenty of bins, trays and pockets available to hold personal items. The cutout above the glovebox for a front passenger's mobile device is a thoughtful detail, as are the trays in the rear door panels. Storage options are clearly designed with family and passengers of all ages in mind.

　　

Cargo space

7.0

　　With rear seats folded, the Terrain's 63 cubic feet of cargo space lags behind benchmarks (space in the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4). But a fold-flat front passenger seat is a nice touch. The power liftgate and low liftover height make cargo loading easy, too.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

　　LATCH anchors are easy to find and connect to, and there's plenty of space for forward-facing seats. Rear-facing seats fit well as long as the driver and front passenger can keep their seats reasonably forward. There's no top tether for the middle seat, but there's one in the rear seatback.

　　

Towing

7.0

　　Our test car, with its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, about the same as most other four-cylinder-powered SUVs in the class. The diesel manages the same, but the optional 2.0-liter turbo-four can tow as much as 3,500 pounds.

　　

Technology

7.5

　　The Terrain deserves high marks for its tech. Plenty of features are standard throughout the lineup, multiple driver aids are available, and six USB ports help ensure that all devices get charged. Navigation comes with strings attached, though.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.5

　　The optional Bose sound system offers surprising power and clarity, but leave your discs at home since there's no CD player. Navigation is easy to use and looks sharp, but you'll also need to buy a power liftgate to get it.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.5

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Apple CarPlay beats GMC's native software for ease of use, but the standard system works fine for those outside the Apple/Android ecosystem. Six (!) USB ports for device charging. One is even the new USB-C standard.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　Forward collision warning system has adjustable sensitivity (pick your preferred threshold of panic). Lane keeping assist is insistent, almost intrusive, to keep you within the lines. The Safety Alert seat remains an innovation that some will prefer to beeps and flashes.

　　

Voice control

7.0

　　The GMC native software and Apple CarPlay both decipher speech commands fairly well. CarPlay understands natural speech slightly better, but it relies on an internet connection. The native software requires staying within well-defined prompts and parameters.

　　

Which Terrain does zzdcar recommend?

　　It's hard to recommend the lower-trim Terrains. If you're looking to save money, you could opt for the nearly identical but less expensive Chevy Equinox. At the same time, the top-tier Denali trim is priced against more luxurious and capable vehicles. To that end, we recommend the SLT, which gets you a handful of luxury features along with a solid spread of tech features and access to a full range of option packages. In particular, the Driver Alert I package and Driver Alert II package add active safety features that are standard on a lot of competitors. We also strongly recommend upgrading to the 2.0-liter engine as it bests the lethargic 1.5-liter and loud, unrefined diesel.

　　

2019 GMC Terrain models

　　The 2019 GMC Terrain seats five people and is available in four trim levels: the base SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. Distinctly for this segment, there are three engine options: two gas and one diesel. All come standard with front-wheel drive, but they can be optioned with all-wheel drive. A knob in AWD-equipped Terrains allows drivers to switch between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive on the fly.

　　The base SL trim can only be had with the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (170 hp, 203 lb-ft of torque) and a nine-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, privacy glass, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, height-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, two USB ports for the front seats, two charging-only USB ports for the rear, front and rear 110-volt power outlets, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. GM's Teen Driver system and OnStar emergency communications are also standard. Trailering equipment is the only major optional upgrade available for the SL. Beyond that, it can't be upgraded. In fact, only three paint colors are available, and only white doesn't come with an added cost.

　　Despite adding nearly $3,000 to the cost, the SLE trim pads on only an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compact spare tire, a handful of interior trim-piece upgrades and extra color choices. However, the SLE also gets access to a host of options and packages.

　　Packages include the Driver Convenience package, which offers an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails and remote ignition. The Infotainment I package adds an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, an enhanced rearview camera, a color gauge cluster display, an SD card reader, two extra USB ports in the center console box, and a 110-volt outlet for the rear seat. The Driver Alert I package adds rear parking sensors, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and GM's Safety Alert seat that vibrates the driver's seat in response to the various warning systems. Some of these add-ons can be had individually, along with a panoramic sunroof and trailering equipment.

　　If you don't want your Terrain to be too shiny, opt for the Black Edition appearance package, which is available for the SLE and the SLT. But if you'd like your Terrain extra shiny, check off the box for the Chrome package that's available for the SLT.

　　Stepping up to the SLT trim also gets you leather upholstery and the Driver Convenience and Infotainment I packages (except for navigation). Upgrades for the SLT include the Driver Alert I package and the Driver Alert II package, which adds low-speed forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Infotainment II package adds navigation and a seven-speaker Bose stereo system. Also available is the Preferred package, which includes a hands-free and programmable power liftgate, driver-seat memory settings, a six-way power passenger seat and a heated steering wheel.

　　The SLE and the SLT come standard with the 1.5-liter engine, but both can be optioned with the other engines. The more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (252 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque) comes with dual exhaust tips, upgraded brakes and larger wheels. Also available is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (137 hp, 240 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. GMC estimates the diesel will return 40 mpg highway. Equipping the diesel engine also adds the Driver Convenience package for the SLE and the Preferred package for the SLT.

　　At the top of the Terrain range is the Denali, which can only be had with the 2.0-liter engine. The Denali receives unique styling cues and interior trim, as well as Denali-specific 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, and most of the equipment from the above option packages. One exception is the Driver Alert II package, which remains optional. The Denali's Comfort package adds ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, as well as a wireless phone charging pad. Its Advanced Safety package includes a surround-view parking camera system and an automated parking system.

　　A panoramic sunroof is optional on all but the base SL.

　　

2019 Terrain Highlights

Type: SUVDieselSUV

　　Trim: SLSLESLTDenaliSL

　　

Base MSRP	$25,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$137/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles