Completely redesigned for the second generation, the 2018 GMC Terrain is available for sale at a starting price of $24,995. It comes in four trim levels- SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. Two turbocharged engines are on offer- a 170-hp 1.5L engine and a 252-hp 2.0L engine. The Terrain is also available with a diesel engine priced at $31,600. With the 2.0L engine under its hood, it can sprint from 0-60 MPH in 6.8 seconds and has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
2018 GMC Terrain three-quarter view
The Terrain's cabin looks upscale and the material quality is very good, especially on the Denali trim. Its upgraded IntelliLink infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay even on the base model, which is a nice touch. The Terrain also comes with an extended list of driver-assist features but has lower reliability ratings compared to its rivals. The Terrain receives heavy challenges from the Ford Escape, the Toyota RAV4, and the Jeep Compass.
2018 GMC Terrain Latest Updates
Mar' 25, 2022 : General Motors To Recall 726,959 Units Of The GMC Terrain SUV After Petition Refusal Read More »
Sep' 27, 2021 : GMC Showcase Its 2021 Full AT4 Premium Off-Road Line-up Read More »
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.
Features
7.0/10
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.
2018 GMC Terrain three-quarter view
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
We Recommend
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.
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.
2018 GMC Terrain engine
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.
2018 GMC Terrain takes 8.5 sec to reach 60 MPH
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.
2018 GMC Terrain front driving view
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.
2018 GMC Terrain brakes
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.
Fuel Economy
7.9/10
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.
2018 GMC Terrain three-quarter view
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.
Interior
5.4/10
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.
2018 GMC Terrain dashboard
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.
2018 GMC Terrain infotainment system
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:
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.
2018 GMC Terrain cargo capacity
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.
Exterior
8.0/10
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.
2018 GMC Terrain side angle view
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
7.0/10
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.
2018 GMC Terrain side view
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
Competition
8.0/10
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 Jeep Compass
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 Toyota RAV4
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.
2018 Ford Escape
Final Verdict
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.
