2022 GMC Terrain

　　

2022 GMC Terrain Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The 2022 GMC Terrain is GMC's small SUV. It's similar to the Chevrolet Equinox but has a slightly nicer interior and a few extra standard features. GMC has also given it a few improvements for 2022. Headlining the changes are updated front and rear styling and new wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — that means you can display your phone's apps on the Terrain's touchscreen without having to use a USB cord if you don't want to. Also new for 2022 is a new AT4 trim level that has a more rugged look and an underbody skid plate, but not much else to improve all-terrain performance.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 GMC Terrain SLE 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$140/mo  for Terrain SLE

　　Terrain SLE

　　SLE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $27,900 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $29,500 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $31,900 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $33,500 MSRPAT4 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $34,000 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $36,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Unfortunately, many of the Terrain's drawbacks, such as an underwhelming driving experience and a lack of cargo space, remain. GMC has also discontinued the Terrain's more powerful optional engine, leaving the underpowered base engine as your only choice. None of this bodes well for the Terrain when compared against our top-ranked alternatives in the class. These include the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue. Check out our full Expert Rating and evaluation below to see why the GMC Terrain misses the mark.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.0/10

　　How does the Terrain drive? Unfortunately, the Terrain's base engine lacks power, the transmission is slow-witted, and the powertrain's focus on fuel economy eliminates snappy acceleration. In zzdcar' testing, it took 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is very slow.

　　Elsewhere, this SUV performs better. The brakes bite smoothly and evenly, with a good relationship between pedal pressure and actual stopping power. The steering is slow and a bit mushy, but steering effort weights up nicely at highway speeds, imparting more confidence and a sense of stability. The Terrain is capable and balanced on twisty roads and keeps body roll in check. It's not sporty, but the Terrain remains stable and composed through turns at reasonably high speeds.

　　

Comfort

6.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Terrain? The Terrain is prone to regular low-impact shocks, vibration and jostling on even moderately rough surfaces like bumpy streets. Road and tire noise is limited to a muted, dull hum on most road surfaces. The front seats are firm but comfortable, and they hold up well over long road trips. The rear seats, meanwhile, are relatively firm and flat. 

　　There's a simple control layout besides the four buttons for the vent mode, which is excessive. The central vertical vents distribute air poorly, though. The seats offer cushion-only or cushion-and-seatback heating, which is a nice feature.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below