2018 GMC Terrain

 The Terrain sets itself apart by way of beefier exterior looks, exclusive cabin touches and unique technology features to set itself apart- Cnet

By all accounts, the last generation of the Terrain was very successful but it was very old, especially its interior quality and technological offerings were not able to keep up with the current rivals. Therefore, nine years after its debut, GMC decided to give a complete redesign and the 2018 Terrain is now in its second generation with new features, exterior design, and improved fuel economy. 

The all-new Terrain isn't that expensive to own. Its true cost to own is calculated to be around $6,860 every year. It includes various costs such as maintenance, repair, fuel, etc. Also, the average cost per mile is $0.46, which is still very affordable. However, the latest Terrain suffers from poor reliability ratings as it scored just 78 but has great resale values, compared to its rivals. 

The 2018 GMC Terrain ladles on premium features in Denali trim- The Car Connection

There are four trims levels available for the GMC Terrain. These include SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. There are also two engine choices and two drivetrain options. The base-level SL starts just under $26,000, including a destination charge of $975, and gets you a decent list of comfort and infotainment features. From the safety point of view, GMC offers Driver Alert I and Driver Alert II packages, the latter being optional on the SLT and Denali.

The top-end Denali trim's base price is just under $40,000, destination included and when fully loaded, the Denali maxes out nearly at $44,000, which is an expensive price tag for a compact SUV. GMC offers a lot of optional and packages, especially for the SLE trim. Exclusive to this trim is the $995 Infotainment Package I that adds an 8-inch touchscreen, a 110V power outlet, enhanced gauge cluster, satellite radio, USB port, and an SD card reader.

Trims	SL	SLE	SLT	Denali
MSRP (FWD)	$24,995	$27,900	$31,400	$37,600
MSRP (AWD)	N/A	$29,600	$33,100	$39,300
Key Features	OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot	Adds/ Upgrades to SL trim	Adds/ Upgrades to SLE trim	Adds/ Upgrades to SLT trim
	Push-button start	Auto-dimming rearview mirror	8-inch infotainment touchscreen	Rear parking sensors
	17-inch alloy wheels		110-volt power outlet	Rear cross-traffic alert
	Heated exterior mirrors		Satellite radio	HD Radio
	Rearview camera,		Two additional USB ports	7-speaker Bose audio system
	Cloth upholstery		Leather seats	Upgraded infotainment system with navigation
	7-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay		18-inch alloy wheels	19-inch alloy wheels
	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto		Fog lamps	LED headlights
	6-speaker sound system		Heated front seats
	Active noise cancellation		Power front seats

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The SLE trim is worth considering as there are a lot of options available in this trim. This trim just adds a spare tire, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and cargo levers. Upgrade to the Driver Alert I package as it adds lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safety seat alert, and rear parking sensors. Also opt for the $1,375 Driver Convenience package for heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power driver's seat, remote start, and side rails. 

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Also Read:

• Read our full review of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 

On the road, the Terrain is quiet and smooth, matching its segment for comfort and refinement- Truck Trend

2018 GMC Terrain Engine & Transmission

Arguably, the most dated part of the Terrain was its underpowered and thirsty engines but that's completely changed for 2018. It will now offer two turbocharged engines. The base engine is a 1.5L turbo inline-4 that produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft. of torque. The 2.0L turbo inline-4 is standard on the Denali and optional on every other trim. This engine develops 252 hp and 260 lb-ft. of torque. 

Unlike the Equinox it's based on, both gas engines come with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both the engines can be had with FWD or AWD configurations. GMC's move to offers an electronic shifter instead of a column or console shifter is totally fine. It does free up some space in the center console. Both the engines have good throttle response and the new gearbox is thriftier in action. 

Models	2018 GMC Terrain	2018 Jeep Compass	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Ford Escape
MSRP	$24,995	$21,095	$26,060	$23,940
Engine	1.5L Turbo Inline-4	2.4L Inline-4	2.5L Inline-4	2.5L Inline-4
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Power	170 hp @ 5,600 RPM	180 hp @ 6,400 RPM	176 hp @ 6,000 RPM	168 hp @ 6,000 RPM
Torque	203 lb-ft. @ 2,000 RPM	175 lb-ft. @ 3,900 RPM	172 lb-ft. @ 4,100 RPM	170 lb-ft. @ 4,500 RPM

The Jeep Compass makes the most power here but it is available with just one engine. It's the same case with the Toyota RAV4 and it also has a higher starting price than the Terrain. On the other hand, the Ford Escape's base engine is weak but like the Terrain, it also comes with a 245-hp turbo-4 engine. 

2018 GMC Terrain Acceleration

The GMC Terrain is surprisingly quick for its size. It covers the 0-60 MPH sprint in 8.5 seconds and further accelerates on its way to reaching the quarter-mile mark in 16.5 seconds and tops at 115 MPH. The Denali with 252 horsepower can do the same in 6.8 seconds and 15.4 seconds, respectively. Those are impressive numbers for a compact SUV.  

The Denali offers quicker acceleration than the other trims thanks to its beefier engine. The base engine is perfect for urban driving conditions. Even up steep hills, the Terrain accelerates when you want to with minimal turbo lag. The 9-speed automatic certainly helps when it comes to acceleration. It holds the gears at high revs for easy passing whenever needed. 

Models	2018 GMC Terrain	2018 Jeep Compass	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Ford Escape
0-60 MPH	8.5 sec	8.5 sec	9.3 sec	9.1 sec
Quarter mile	16.5 sec	16.4 sec	17.0 sec	16.8 sec
Engine	1.5L	2.4L	2.5L	2.5L
Top Speed	115 MPH	120 MPH	115 MPH	110 MPH

The Jeep Compass gives a tight competition to the Terrain in both performance tests thanks to its quick-shifting manual transmission. The Toyota RAV4 takes its time to complete the milestone as its engine's power delivery isn't good. The Ford Escape's heavy curb weight and weak engine result in a lethargic acceleration. 

2018 GMC Terrain Handling and Steering

The on-road manners of the GMC Terrain are different compared to the outgoing model. That's because it's three inches shorter and 34% stiffer than the outgoing model. What that means is that the suspension is stiff and hence, the Terrain drives a little bit more like a truck than most SUVs but it's still comfortable, which is really a nice combination. 

However, the Terrain has improved its handling characteristics, especially on windy mountain roads. It feels planted and has plenty of grip at the corners. The steering has a nice touch. It's responsive and surprisingly, gives a sporty feeling. The steering effort levels are perfection, making it easy to guide the Terrain on any kind of road but the turning radius is unexpectedly wide.

2018 GMC Terrain Braking

The GMC Terrain gets small brakes compared to the competition. The brakes measure 11.8 inches of ventilated discs in the front wheels and 11.3 inches of disc brakes at the back. The Denali trim gets a bigger 12.6-inch ventilated disc brakes in the front. The models with the 1.5L engine take 118 feet to come to a smooth stop from 60 MPH. 

That's really good for a vehicle that weighs 3,449 pounds. However, the Denali trim achieves a braking distance of 130 feet but considering the power it makes, it's still good. The brake pedal response and modulation are unremarkable but in a good way. There is a hint of brake fade on repeated use. Otherwise, GMC has done a great on in tuning these brakes 

Models	2018 GMC Terrain	2018 Jeep Compass	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Ford Escape
Brakes Front	11.8 in	12.0 in	11.7 in	12.8 in
Brakes Rear	11.3 in	11.0 in	11.2 in	12.0 in
Curb Weight	3,449 lbs	3,184 lbs	3,455 lbs	3,552 lbs
60-0 MPH	117 ft.	114 ft.	126 ft.	112 ft.

The Ford Escape is the star performer in this field. It records the shortest braking distance in spite of being the heaviest among the lot. Taking advantage of its light curb weight, the Jeep Compass also takes a short stopping distance. However, the Toyota RAV4 disappoints with its worst braking performance in this competition. 

2018 GMC Terrain Towing Capacity

The GMC Terrain's towing capacity is good for a compact SUV. The models with the 1.5L engine can tow up to 1,500 pounds while the tow ratings increase to 3,500 pounds if you opt for the 2.0L engine. This much is enough to tow a small camping trailer, or a fishing boat, or two ATVs. 

Models	2018 GMC Terrain	2018 Jeep Compass	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Ford Escape
Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs	2,000 lbs	3,500 lbs	3,500 lbs

 The Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape also have their towing capacities rated equal to the Terrain. Only the Jeep Compass is the odd one out here with a towing capacity of only 2,000 pounds. Therefore, the Terrain is a good choice for those who want to tow items at regular intervals. 

The Terrain's base 1.5-liter engine gets great fuel economy and has the lowest estimated fuel costs in this lineup- Cars.USNews

With the new powertrain, the fuel economy of the GMC Terrain has drastically improved. With the base engine equipped, it returns 26 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on a highway, and 28 MPG combined in FWD form. With AWD setup, mileage is sliced to 26 MPG combined. The FWD 2.0L version is rated at 22 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on a highway, and 24 MPG combined, which by the way is a huge 5 MPG increase over the previous V6 model.

The AWD models drop down the fuel economy by 1 MPG. Coming to the fuel tank, the 1.5L models get a 15.6-gallon fuel tank while the 2.0L versions replace it for a smaller 14.9 gallons. The less powerful 170-hp 1.5L engine offers a combined range of 417 miles, 405 miles in the case of AWD versions. The 2.0L model can drive up to 372 miles in FWD configuration and 367 miles if you opt for the AWD system. 

Models	2018 GMC Terrain	2018 Jeep Compass	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Ford Escape
MPG (City)	26	23	23	21
MPG (Highway)	30	32	30	29
MPG (Combined)	28	26	26	24
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon)	15.6	13.5	15.9	15.7
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	387/447/417	311/432/371	366/477/421	330/455/392

The Jeep Compass turns out to be the most fuel-efficient SUV in this competition. The Toyota RAV4's fuel efficiency is slightly less than the Terrain and delivers only 26 MPG combined. Meanwhile, the Ford Escape has the worst fuel ratings here. The Terrain's fuel estimates are good compared to its rivals. 

Inside, GMC paid extra attention to what the driver touches and interacts with- Automobile Magazine

2018 GMC Terrain Seating and Comfort

The redesigned interior is nicely finished. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and real aluminum trim are great to see. While some of the faux wood grain options are more believable than others, the overall look is upscale. In lower trims tough, you can expect more plastic and less leather. Both cloth and leather upholsteries are available depending on the trims. The front seats themselves look basic but they do a decent job of providing comfort and support.

The front seats are heated on higher trims but ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are available as options. Most drivers will find plenty of head and legroom in the front row. The Terrain has a slightly elevated driving position of most SUVs. The rear seats are even more basic and are a bit hard and flat but there is plenty of room all around. Overall visibility isn't bad but the rising beltline and basement-like third side windows make for abysmal rear quarter views. 

Models	2018 GMC Terrain	2018 Jeep Compass	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Ford Escape
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	40.0/57.2/40.9	39.2/56.7/41.8	39.8/57.3/42.6	39.9/55.9/43.1
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.5/55.6/39.7	38.5/55.1/38.3	38.9/55.4/37.2	39.0/55.2/37.3

Both the Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV4 offer less rear legroom than the Terrain but the available space is adequate to accommodate adults. The Jeep Compass may have tidy dimensions but its overall passenger space is very good. When it comes to interior quality, the RAV4 and the Compass lose some points but the Escape's cabin feels upscale like the Terrain. 

2018 GMC Terrain Infotainment System

A 7 or 8-inch touchscreen display is available in the GMC Terrain, depending on the trims. It runs on the upgraded IntelliLink infotainment system and both the screens support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GMC's interface is cleanly arranged and allows owners to add a range of apps. The home screen is customizable to give you quick control. The navigation interface has also been thoroughly redesigned. The map is more modern-looking and moving around is as seamless as on a smartphone.

The graphics are clean and the touch response is quick. The SLT and Denali trims get a 4.2-inch driver's display that shows car-related information. Having all physical buttons for climate and volume controls is much appreciated. Most of the other controls are fairly simple and easy to use. The system also offers over-the-air updates. The reimagined center stack and console are a lot less cluttered thanks in part to the push-button shifter. Overall, needless to say, it is a huge leap forward over the outgoing model. 

2018 GMC Terrain Interior Features

The main interior and infotainment features available in the Terrain's cabin are:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather, heated steering wheel
• Power front heated seats
• Cloth & leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Hands-free power liftgate
• 110V rear power outlet
• 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 7-speaker Bose audio system
• Wireless device charging
• Voice-recognition navigation system

2018 GMC Terrain Cargo Capacity

The cargo space of the GMC Terrain is mid-space among its myriad competitors. A trunk volume of 29.6 cubic feet is offered in the Terrain. The rear seats go down super easy and nice and flat. With this, the cargo space expands to 63.3 cubic feet, which is below average in the segment but for most buyers, this much cargo space is more than enough.

If all that room isn't enough, the front passenger's seat can also be folded to increase the space to 81 cubic feet. Hence, the Terrain stands out in its segment. A shallow well rests beneath the cargo floor, which comes in handy to store items out of sight. A hands-free power liftgate is standard only on the top-end Denali and optional on other trims. 

Models	2018 GMC Terrain	2018 Jeep Compass	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Ford Escape
Cargo Space (cu-ft.)	29.6	27.2	38.4	34.0

The Toyota RAV4 offers the best cargo space behind the rear seats and is also one of the largest in the segment. The Ford Escape is close to it with 68 cubic feet while the Jeep Compass is the least practical SUV in this segment. Technically the Terrain's cargo space puts it at the bottom of the class but its trick is really useful. 

There’s no dispute that the 2018 Terrain is a good-looking crossover SUV- Kelly Blue Book

2018 GMC Terrain Dimensions and Weight

The new GMC Terrain doesn't bear even the slightest resemblance to the outgoing model, which may be a bad thing for those who prefer the boxy looks. The first thing you'' notice upfront is the updated GMC grille which adopts a more trapezoidal shape like the Acadia. There are three versions of this grille. The SL and SLE trims get a black grille, the SLT trim gets three chrome bars while the top-end Denali trim gets a signature chrome mesh grille. Coming to the headlights, there are HID on all models except for the Denali which are LED. Every model gets a unique setup with LED DRLs that form into a bracket shape.

The top two trims also add fog lamps on the lower fascia. The standard wheels for the Terrain are 17-inch alloy but 18 and 19-inch alloys are also available. The Terrain has a ground clearance of 6.9 inches, which is decent for an SUV. Also, its wide wheelbase translates to effective handling and a stable ride. From the side view, you will notice GMC's signature slightly squared-off fenders and floating roofline treatment around the back. The design continues to be modern and sophisticated at the rear. The taillights feature the same unique shape as the headlights and most of the unit is LED. 

Models	2018 GMC Terrain	2018 Jeep Compass	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Ford Escape
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,449	3,184	3,455	3,552
Length (in)	182.3	173.0	183.5	178.1
Width (in)	72.4	73.8	72.6	72.4
Height (in)	65.4	64.6	67.1	66.3
Ground Clearance (in)	6.9	7.8	6.1	7.8
Wheelbase (in)	107.3	103.8	104.7	105.9
Track Width (in) F/R	62.2/62.2	60.7/60.3	61.4/61.8	61.5/61.6

The Jeep Compass sits 1.1 inches higher than the Terrain, which is great for off-roading. Event eh Ford Escape shares the same ground clearance but it weighs 3,552 pounds, the heaviest in this competition. The Toyota RAV4's wheelbase is nearly 3 inches smaller than the Terrain and therefore, its rear legroom is less. 

2018 GMC Terrain Exterior Features

Some cool exterior features of the Terrain include:

• HID & LED headlights
• LED DRLs
• LED taillights
• Front fog lamps
• Auto-dimming, heated exterior chrome mirrors
• Chrome roof rails
• Dual exhaust chrome tips
• Chrome grille
• Black window trim
• 17, 18 & 19-inch alloy wheels

Safety alert seat remains an innovation that we prefer to beeps and flashes- Edmunds

The GMC Terrain received four out of five stars for its safety by NHTSA. It also received 'Good' ratings in all the six crash tests and a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention conducted by IIHS. Yet, it didn't win the Top Safety Pick award as it got 'Poor' ratings for its headlights. Else, it would have garnered one. 

This year introduces a lot of safety equipment, none of which were previously available. Buyers can opt for the $500 Driver Alert II package and is only available on the top two trims. The Driver Alert I package is also available on all but the base SE trim. This package can be had for $890. The safety features available are:

• Safety alert seat
• Surround-view camera
• Automatic park assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Lane keep assist
• Low-speed forward automatic braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane change alert
• Forward collision alert
• Lane departure warning
• Teen Driver
• Rearview camera

2018 GMC Terrain vs 2018 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is the cheapest option in this competition. Although its on-road performance is good, it is known for its off-road abilities. It is also more fuel-efficient than the Terrain. The Compass is roomy as the Terrain but its cargo capacity is subpar for the class and its interior quality feels less upscale. The Compass offers fewer safety features than the Terrain. 

2018 GMC Terrain vs 2018 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 has a high initial cost than the Terrain. It offers lethargic acceleration and is less fuel-efficient but its towing capacity is on par with the Terrain. Inside, the RAV4's cabin feels cheap but it offers a spacious interior and great cargo room. In terms of safety, the RAV4 won the Top Safety Pick award and offers more standard safety features than the Terrain.

2018 GMC Terrain vs 2018 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape's engines aren't agile and fuel-efficient as the Terrain but it offers sporty handling. The Escape offers fewer standard features but its cabin is roomy and is more practical than the Terrain. Also, the Escape does not come with a standard touchscreen whereas the Terrain offers one. In view of safety, the Escape's list of safety features is shorter than the Terrain. 

The 2018 GMC Terrain, both inside and out, does give you the nicest styling and nicest features set than you might find in an equivalent Chevy Equinox. Both its engines are really impressive when it comes to fuel economy and drivability. Apart from its expensive price tag, if you're looking for a compact crossover but want something that's a little bit of a step up, then the Terrain is worth considering. 

2018 GMC Terrain FAQs

Are there any problems with the 2018 GMC Terrain?

Owners have complained about the 2018 GMC Terrain's engine issues, brakes, and electrical systems failures. 

How much does a 2018 GMC Terrain cost?

The 2018 GMC Terrain has a base price of $24,995 and it ranges up to $39,300. 

Does the 2018 GMC Terrain have heated seats?

Heated front seats are standard from the SLT trim but the Denali also adds heated rear seats as an option. 

Which is better GMC Terrain SLE or SLT?

Obviously, the SLT trim comes with interior styling and features but the SLE trim is open for many optional packages. 

How many miles can a 2018 GMC Terrain last?

The GMC Terrain has a life of 300,000 miles before it breaks down.