Touchscreen interfaces are intuitive and easy to use
Cons
ဆPrice with options runs higher than average for the class
ဆSlow acceleration
ဆLess cargo space behind the back seat than most competitors
What's new
Price with options runs higher than average for the class
Slow acceleration
Less cargo space behind the back seat than most competitors
An eBoost trailer braking feature debuts
Part of the second Terrain generation introduced for 2018
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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
$146/mo for Terrain SLE
Terrain SLE
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
2023 GMC Terrain Review
byCameron RogersManager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
We get it — the inventory crunch is real, prices on new and used cars are sky-high, and you might be considering vehicles from brands that you might not have cross-shopped otherwise. If this describes you, and your search for the perfect Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 is coming up short, you might be eyeing the 2023 GMC Terrain as an acceptable substitute.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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.
Keep walking, partner. Despite a handful of tech updates and a slight restyling last year, the Terrain's numerous drawbacks keep it from being a top- or even mid-tier contender in the small SUV segment. The only engine available is underpowered, and seat and ride comfort are well below class standards.
GMC is debuting a feature for 2023 that it calls eBoost. It's a built-in system that GMC says can enhance the braking performance of a compatible trailer to shorten stopping distances. This is all well and good, but it doesn't move the needle for an SUV that isn't really meant for towing to begin with. The bottom line is you can do better than the 2023 GMC Terrain. Read our detailed Expert Rating below for our test team's complete evaluation of the Terrain's hits and misses.
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.
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