2018 GMC Terrain Review

Name: 2018 GMC Terrain
Brand: GMC

Price Range: $7,990 - $24,990

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GMC Terrain types

SUV
Diesel

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Will Kaufman

Pros

Comfortable and upscale interior
Optional engines offer efficiency and power
MyLink user interface is intuitive and easy to use
Extensive list of optional safety features

Cons

Price with options runs higher than average for the class
Less cargo space behind the back seat than most competitors
Base 1.5-liter is disappointing all around
Midrange trims offer fewer standard safety features than competitors

What's new

The GMC Terrain has been completely redesigned for 2018
Introduces the second-generation Terrain

Although popular, the previous-generation Terrain was falling short of the class standards for drivability, technology and interior quality by the end of its run. Happily, the fully redesigned 2018 GMC Terrain addresses the problems the aging generation had and now represents a more compelling choice for a small, five-passenger crossover SUV.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Augusta, GA

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2018 GMC Terrain
SLE 4dr SUV
$12,798
great price
$3,027 below market
- 106,204 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Ralph Hayes Toyota (86 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Anderson, SC
2018 GMC Terrain SLE 1.5L DOHC Blue Steel Metallic26/30 City/Highway MPGRalph Hayes Toyota is South Carolina's Oldest Toyota Dealership. Winner of the...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (26 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GKALMEV4JL191745
Stock: 27494B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-01-2025
2018 GMC Terrain
SLE 4dr SUV
$19,998
fair price
$714 above market
- 42,569 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Augusta (6 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Augusta, GA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (26 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GKALMEV8JL336754
Stock: 27443378
Certified Pre-Owned: No

See all for sale

The new Terrain pulls off the impressive trick of shrinking by just over 3 inches in length and 400 pounds in weight from the previous generation without sacrificing more than an inch of head- or legroom. Maximum cargo volume is nearly the same, too. That weight loss, combined with new engines and transmissions, promises better performance and fuel economy. However, the base engine struggles to deliver on its performance or fuel economy in the real world. We highly recommend the optional engine upgrades: The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder improves performance, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter turbodiesel is pleasant to drive and is a fuel economy champ — GMC estimates it will return 40 mpg on the highway.

The Terrain (and its sibling, the Chevy Equinox, which is nearly identical under the skin) is one of the nicest vehicles in the segment to spend time in. It's comfortable and easy to drive and comes standard with one of the best infotainment interfaces in the class. There's plenty of headroom all around, and the back seats fold flat with the pull of a lever. Aside from the disappointing base powertrain, downsides include a slightly smaller cargo area than some rival crossovers and pricing that's noticeably higher than other vehicles you might be cross-shopping. We also had to ding the Terrain for its overly firm ride quality.

If what you're looking for is efficiency, practicality and ease of use, the Honda CR-V with its 1.5-liter turbo engine is an obvious choice. The Mazda CX-5 provides a better driving experience and an interior that, in higher trims, feels even more upscale than the GMC's for less money. If you're looking for off-road prowess, the Jeep Cherokee and the Subaru Forester offer more capability.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.5 / 10

Thanks to a complete overhaul this year, the 2018 GMC Terrain is a compelling choice for a small crossover SUV. It offers a comfortable interior and plenty of safety and technology options. Unfortunately, the Terrain also comes with a premium price tag and delivers lackluster performance.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the GMC Terrain SLT (turbo 1.5L inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	6.5 / 10
Driving	6.0
Comfort	6.5
Interior	6.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.5

Driving

6.0

The base engine lacks power, the transmission is slow-witted, and the powertrain's focus on fuel economy all but eliminates snappy acceleration and quick pedal response. Elsewhere it's better. The brakes feel good, and though it's no sport SUV, the Terrain handles curves and corners with composure.

Acceleration

5.5

The small turbocharged engine delivers decent zip at low speeds, but acceleration falls off as the transmission runs for its highest gears to save fuel. Good in theory, but awful when trying to merge or pass. Our as-tested 0-60 mph time was 9.3 seconds, highlighting the Terrain's leaden pace.

Braking

7.0

The brakes bite smoothly and evenly, with a good relationship between pedal pressure and actual stopping power. Initially the pedal feels a little soft but firms up after a few millimeters of travel. The Terrain stopped from 60 mph in 126 feet in our testing, a decent result for a compact SUV.

Steering

6.5

The steering is slow, making for a lot of mush to steer through before the Terrain starts to change direction in earnest. The steering effort weights up nicely at highway speeds, imparting more confidence and a sense of stability.

Handling

7.0

Capable and balanced on twisty roads, the Terrain keeps body roll in check. You won't mistake it for a Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape or other sportier rival; it lacks the necessary suspension tuning or tire grip. But through turns at reasonably high speeds, the Terrain remains stable and composed.

Drivability

5.5

Good braking and competent handling can't make up for a weak engine and languid transmission. When you need immediate speed, the accelerator often feels mushy and lifeless, while engine speed and downshifts exhibit noticeable lag and delay. Doesn't inspire confidence when highway merging or passing.

Comfort

6.5

Poorly placed central air vents and stifling leather upholstery aside, the Terrain is quite comfortable, at least at rest. On the road, it's prone to regular low-impact shock, vibration and jostling on even moderately rough road. The seats are good, though, and the cabin keeps outside noise at bay.

Seat comfort

6.5

The firm but not rigid seats are comfortable overall and hold up well over long miles. But they're somewhat compact; bigger and broader passengers might find them constricting. Bolsters are relatively flat and low, seatbacks a bit narrow. Rear seats are comfortable, but cushions are somewhat flat.

Ride comfort

5.0

This Terrain rides surprisingly poorly on regular pavement. Even mildly bumpy streets sends shock waves into the cabin, resulting in a steady hum of shakes and vibrations. Your mother would probably notice and ask if something's wrong. Not up to par for the segment.

Noise & vibration

7.0

Road and tire noise is limited to a muted, dull hum on most road surfaces. Some wind noise leaks in at the front pillars, but it ts muted and acceptable. But the relative serenity is broken by a suspension that transmits too much road shake and shudder into the cabin — more mail truck than GMC.

Climate control

6.5

The control layout is simple other than the four buttons for vent mode, which is excessive. Central vertical vents distribute air poorly, but steering wheel heats up nicely. Seats offer cushion-only or cushion-and-seatback heating, a nice feature. Ventilated seats aren't available in any trim level.

Interior

6.0

The interior is attractive and well-configured, but some controls are awkwardly placed. Taller drivers will want the steering wheel to extend farther. The panoramic sunroof cuts into rear headroom for taller folks, but overall this is a roomy cabin with good space for shoulders, legs and elbows.

Ease of use

5.0

Control placement is a mixed bag — the headlight switch is by your knee, Snow mode in center console. Least impressive is the Terrain's unnecessarily clumsy transmission interface — pull switches placed below the climate controls. There's no way to avoid using those on every drive.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The low seat bolsters make it easy to slide into front and rear seats. The doors open between 60 and 75 degrees, making for a wide opening. The step-in height is low enough for most passengers to get in and out with minimal effort.

Driving position

6.5

Plenty of seat adjustment up and down, as well as fore and aft seat travel. Wide range of adjustment should suit most drivers, although taller drivers might wish for more steering wheel extension so they won't need to sit too close or upright to the steering wheel.

Roominess

7.5

There's good headroom up front, although the sloping roofline and panoramic sunroof lower the ceiling and may infringe on the headroom of taller drivers and passengers. Also good space between arms, elbows and door panels, which helps this small SUV feel larger

Visibility

6.0

Truck-ish forward view — the deep, angled dash makes it hard to know where the front really is. The front side windows offer a good view, less so out the rear side windows. The rear-most side windows are more decorative than useful, and the rear window is too narrow.

Quality

7.0

The Terrain shares the same solid feeling as most GMC trucks and SUVs. There's a solidity to the sheet metal, upholstery and interior materials that imparts confidence and a sense of safety. Cabin materials aren't particularly special, but they look and feel high-quality.

Utility

7.0

The Terrain doesn't offer an abundance of cargo space compared to some rivals, but can handle most routine hauling and cargo needs. Some of its more thoughtful features — such as small trays and cubbies and especially a fold-flat front passenger seat — offer an edge.

Small-item storage

8.0

Plenty of bins, trays and pockets available to hold personal items. The cutout above the glovebox for a front passenger's mobile device is a nice touch, as are the trays in the rear door panels. Thoughtful touches designed with family and passengers of all ages in mind.

Cargo space

7.0

With rear seats folded, the Terrain's 63 cubic feet of cargo space lags behind benchmarks (Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4). But a fold-flat front passenger seat is a nice touch. The power liftgate and low liftover height make cargo loading easy, too.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

LATCH anchors are easy to find and connect to, and there's plenty of space for forward-facing seats. Rear-facing seats fit well as long as driver and front passenger can keep their seats reasonably forward. There's no top-tether for middle seat, but there's one in the rear seatback.

Towing

7.0

Our test car, with its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, about the same as most other four-cylinder-powered SUVs in the class. Equipped with the optional 2.0-liter turbo-four, the Terrain can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Technology

7.5

The Terrain deserves high marks for its tech, improving on the mediocre offerings of past models. Plenty of features are standard throughout the lineup, multiple driver aids are available, and six USB ports help ensure that all devices get charged. Navigation comes with strings attached, though.

Audio & navigation

7.5

The optional Bose sound system offers surprising power and clarity, but leave your discs at home; there's no CD player. Navigation is easy to use and looks sharp, but you'll also need to buy a power liftgate to get it.

Smartphone integration

8.5

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Apple CarPlay beats GMC's native software for ease of use, but the standard system works fine for those outside the Apple/Android ecosystem. Six (!) USB ports for device charging; one is even the new USB-C standard.

Driver aids

7.5

Forward collision warning system has adjustable sensitivity (pick your preferred threshold of panic). Lane keeping assist is insistent, almost intrusive, to keep you within the lines. Might motivate more turn signal use. Safety alert seat remains an innovation that we prefer to beeps and flashes.

Voice control

7.0

The GMC native software and Apple CarPlay both decipher speech commands fairly well. CarPlay understands natural speech slightly better, but it relies on an internet connection. Native software requires staying within well-defined prompts and parameters.

Build Your 2026 Terrain

At a Glance:

6 Colors
3 Trims
5 Packages
$41,100starting MSRP

Build & Price GMC.com

*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.

Compare 2018 GMC Terrain trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 GMC Terrain models

Even the base SL trim of the 2018 Terrain comes with some desirable features, but it has a very limited options menu. Moving up to the SLE gets you access to more options. The SLT adds more luxury features and access to a few higher-end options. Finally, the top-trim Denali has features and options that put it in the near-luxury class, but it comes with a near-luxury price.

The base SL trim can only be had with the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (170 hp, 203 lb-ft of torque) and a nine-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. Trailering equipment is the only major optional upgrade available for the SL; beyond that it can't be upgraded. In fact, only three paint colors are available, and only white doesn't come with an added cost.

That said, the SL comes with a decent set of standard features, including keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera, two USB ports for the front seats, two charging-only USB ports for the rear, front and rear 110-volt power outlets, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. GM's Teen Driver system and OnStar are also standard.

The SLE trim comes with largely the same standard equipment as the SL, adding an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compact spare tire and a handful of interior trim-piece upgrades. However, the SLE also gets access to a host of options and packages.

Packages include the Driver Convenience package, which adds a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails and remote engine start. The Infotainment I package adds an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, a color information display in the gauge cluster, an SD card reader, two extra USB ports in the center console box, and a 110-volt outlet for the rear seat. The Driver Alert I package adds heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. Some of these add-ons can be had individually, along with a panoramic sunroof and trailering equipment.

Stepping up to the SLT trim gets you leather upholstery and the Driver Convenience and Infotainment I package (except for navigation). Upgrades for the SLT include the Driver Alert I package and the Driver Alert II package, which adds low-speed forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The Infotainment II package adds navigation and a seven-speaker Bose stereo system. Also available is the Preferred package, which includes a power liftgate, driver-seat memory settings, a power passenger seat and a heated steering wheel.

Two gas engines are available for the Terrain. The 1.5-liter engine with front-wheel drive comes standard on both the SLE and SLT trims, but both can be optioned with either a more powerful gasoline engine or a more efficient diesel. The more powerful gas engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (252 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque), is available and comes with dual exhaust tips and larger wheels. Also available is a turbocharged 1.6-liter diesel-powered four-cylinder engine (137 hp, 240 lb-ft of torque), paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. GMC estimates the diesel will return 40 mpg highway. Equipping the diesel engine also adds the Driver Convenience package for the SLE and the Preferred package for the SLT.

All three engines come standard with front-wheel drive, but they can be optioned with all-wheel drive. A knob in AWD-equipped Terrains allows drivers to switch between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive on the fly.

At the top of the Terrain range is the Denali, which can only be had with the 2.0-liter engine. The Denali receives unique styling cues and interior trim, as well as Denali-specific 19-inch wheels and LED headlights. It bundles in the Preferred package and Driver Alert I package, along with several other options such as the panoramic sunroof.

Optional extras for the Terrain Denali include the Driver Alert II package, along with the Advanced Safety package, which adds a surround-view parking camera system and an automated parking system. The Denali's Comfort package adds ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, as well as a wireless phone charging pad.

2026 GMC Terrain Denali

Elevation, AT4 and Denali

Starting MSRP$41,100

See All Trims

GMC.com

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia

$130/mo

$168/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2018 GMC Terrain has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #11 out of 29 among Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average

#11 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$502/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

0.74x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

12.8%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

Recalls

5 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 20V668000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: N202313440
Number of vehicles affected:: 194105
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Defect Consequence:: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 14, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall Number:: 18V576000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 18279
Manufactured from:: 2018-03-19 to 2018-06-19
Number of vehicles affected:: 210628
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Defect Consequence:: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Recall Number:: 18V358000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 18188
Manufactured from:: 2017-10-23 to 2018-04-18
Number of vehicles affected:: 848
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu and Colorado and GMC Terrain, Acadia and Canyon vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Defect Consequence:: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Recall Number:: 18V340000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 18179
Manufactured from:: 2017-03-14 to 2018-05-22
Number of vehicles affected:: 88503
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that senses a crash and deploys the necessary air bags may not power down correctly when the vehicle is shut off, causing it to be inoperative when the vehicle is restarted.
Defect Consequence:: If the SDM becomes inoperative, it will not detect a crash or command the necessary air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18179.

Recall Number:: 17V516000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 17329
Manufactured from:: 2017-06-23 to 2017-08-17
Number of vehicles affected:: 2905
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Defect Consequence:: If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 24,000 miles

GMC Terrain Owner Reviews

3.3

80 reviews

5(35%)

4(18%)

3(15%)

2(11%)

1(21%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A Phoenix Rise from the Ashes for the 2018 Terrain

GEES, 03/30/2018

2018 GMC Terrain SLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

The 1st generation was a poor mix on all fronts. A weird, blocky vehicle. Harsh ride, loud, and a poor choice of engines...a weak 4 cylinder or an expensive, "more-than-is-needed" V-6. It seems that GM learned from its past mistakes and also from the mistakes of its competitors and created a vehicle with proper balance. I own an SLT AWD with the 2.0 L turbo. Amazingly smooth shifts …

Great SUV for the $$$

Zack Rubin, 12/05/2017

2018 GMC Terrain SLE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

First let me run down down my list of vehicles, in order, leading up to the Terrain : Lexus IS, VW Touareg, VW Passat, Infiniti G35, BMW 335D, Terrain. I traded in the BMW (40MPG and a lot of power). I wanted to get back into an SUV, as I missed my Touareg the most. I did some poking around, some test driving, and ended up at GMC. I've never bought American and I'm so far thrilled with …

My first SUV and I’m loving it.

Stan K., 12/12/2017

2018 GMC Terrain Denali 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

I’ve had my fully loaded Terrain Denali for several weeks now and it just keeps growing on me. He 2.0T really shoves you back in your seat and the 9-Speed auto is extremely smooth and responsive for having that many gears. Auto stop/start does take some getting used to though. Soft touch materials abound and most things feel like real quality to me. Mileage is decent and would no …

Very Happy with new GMC Terrain Denali

NJGuyTR, 05/31/2018

2018 GMC Terrain Denali 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

I was leasing a Mazda CX-5. I loved the Mazda steering but I did not like the back seat size and the engine could not keep up with very fast traffic and many large hills (without really straining ) on my Suburban NJ commute to NYC. I liked that car because it felt more like a small sports car in handling (but not power), but I love this one. This is my first GMC vehicle and the … first GM vehicle I have owned. First it feels more substantial. It’s much faster. Handling is very good. It’s only 3 “ longer than the Mazda but way more comfortable for passengers. Best of all the 2.0L engine is really smooth and really good effortless pick up I need for short on ramps to major highways. It’s relatively more quiet compared to the Mazda. The tech is way better (also because its newer). Apple car play is great. The nav screens are MUCH better and it has LIVE traffic and I can get the weather channel APP too plus much more. I am picky about the quality of the audio system in whatever car I drive and this is a GREAT audio system. Lots of nice gadgets in the car and I like that. I like that when I go into reverse I can have the mirrors automatically point down to see the parking lines or when parallel parking which I do often. It has many options to adjust. The User Interface is easy and intuitive. I like the GMC app that gives you a report card for driving. It has become somewhat of a joke in my family as the app gives me a grade for driving. I am a fan of this car so far. In the articles I have read, it supposedly ‘cost more’ than other ‘mass market’ small SUV’s, but I was more interested in its features and looks. Having said that GMC had significant incentives taking the price down quite a bit and what I got for the money was a truly loaded automobile. If you are looking for a smallish SUV- try it- I was surprised how much I liked it and now I love it. Oh... I was worried if I would like the buttons instead of a stick shifter. It does take a bit of getting use to- like 2 days- but after that its a no-brainer. I never use the manual shifters just R, D, P. If you are a manual shifter person, you would have to test it out I don't think its ideal for that. It also automatically puts it in park when you turn it off- nice feature. Also- I am a tall person and not slim. I find this car very comfortable. I have a son 6' tall and he fits in the back with ample leg room. Front seat ability to fold flat is super nice for the home depot trip with something long. Its a really nice car and I am happy with it so far.

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2018 Terrain Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$24,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$130/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Terrain models:

Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to perpendicular oncoming traffic when reversing out of a driveway or parking space.
Side Blind Zone Alert: Monitors blind spots for traffic, warning the driver when an obstacle is present.
Safety Alert Seat: Vibrates the driver seat cushion to provide physical alerts from safety systems.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover18.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Marginal
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2018 GMC Terrain Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

For sale near Augusta, GA

2018 GMC TerrainSLE 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2018 GMC TerrainSLE 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Terrain does Edmunds recommend?

2018 GMC Terrain models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

GMC Terrain Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A Phoenix Rise from the Ashes for the 2018 Terrain

Great SUV for the $$$

My first SUV and I’m loving it.

Very Happy with new GMC Terrain Denali

2018 Terrain Highlights

Safety

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2018 GMC Terrain
SLE 4dr SUV

2018 GMC Terrain
SLE 4dr SUV