2018 GMC Terrain

The 2018 GMC Terrain adds a new member to professional grade. While still a platform mate of the Chevrolet Equinox, the new Terrain looks almost totally different inside and out.  

The two-row crossover is less angular than before, adding an Acadia-style front fascia with LED lighting. There’s even a trendy floating rear roof design. The Terrain is tidier in size and weight… losing around 400-pounds and shrinking 3 inches… so it’s more in line with imported rivals. 

Last year’s naturally aspirated 4 and 6 cylinder engines are replaced with three new I4 turbos, 1.5 and 2.0-liter gas fueled, plus a 137-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-diesel. 

GARICK ZIKAN: “So here we are in the driver’s seat of the new GMC Terrain. We’ve tried all three engines, right now we’re in the turbo diesel and this is where we spent more of our time. It has the least horsepower, but has almost as much torque as the 2.0-liter gas engine. It also gets the most miles per gallon. Part of involved passing other vehicles, and passing going uphill. This turbo diesel has the power to do that.”

JOHN DAVIS: That’s 240 lb.-ft of torque at only 2000 rpms working with a 6-speed automatic. The gas engines are matched with a new 9-speed automatic. They all smoothly managed the demands of driving up and down the hills around Pittsburgh. Steering feel is very direct. GMC’s new Electronic Precision Shift uses a row of buttons and triggers at the bottom of the center stack, and seems very intuitive to use. 

This new Terrain has a 34% stiffer body, but remains comfortable and quiet even on rough roads. On sale now. The price starts at just under $25,000.