2019 GMC Terrain Review

At higher trim levels, and with some added option packages, the 2019 GMC Terrain can be a pretty appealing vehicle. That's a striking contrast to the base model, which is disappointing to drive, has none of the active safety features some competitors provide standard, and doesn't offer a way to upgrade without paying a shocking amount more. With a price delta between "bare-bones" and "well-equipped" that can pretty easily exceed $10,000 (and tops out around $20,000 for "fully loaded") when new, talking about the Terrain is like talking about more than one vehicle.

At the lower end of the spectrum, shoppers can easily find alternatives that ride and drive better. Case in point, a midtrim Honda CR-V is all-around more practical and better to drive. Opt for a higher-specced Terrain, and the equation changes a bit. A top-tier Mazda CX-5, for example, has a more upscale-feeling interior for less money and is more engaging to drive. But a properly equipped Terrain is quicker in a straight line, has more towing capacity, and offers a wider array of optional features.

The Terrain has other shortcomings: mediocre ride quality, oddball transmission buttons, and a cargo space deficit compared to top competitors. But if you're looking to tow and want a loaded, near-luxury small SUV (or a ton of USB ports) and you're willing to pay the price premium, the GMC Terrain occupies a unique position in its class.

The 2019 GMC Terrain seats five people and is available in four trim levels: the base SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. Distinctly for this segment, there are three engine options: two gas and one diesel. All 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.

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. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, privacy glass, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, height-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 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, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. GM's Teen Driver system and OnStar emergency communications are also standard. 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.

Despite adding nearly $3,000 to the cost, the SLE trim pads on only an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compact spare tire, a handful of interior trim-piece upgrades and extra color choices. However, the SLE also gets access to a host of options and packages.

Packages include the Driver Convenience package, which offers an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails and remote ignition. The Infotainment I package adds an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, an enhanced rearview camera, a color gauge cluster display, 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 rear parking sensors, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and GM's Safety Alert seat that vibrates the driver's seat in response to the various warning systems. Some of these add-ons can be had individually, along with a panoramic sunroof and trailering equipment.

If you don't want your Terrain to be too shiny, opt for the Black Edition appearance package, which is available for the SLE and the SLT. But if you'd like your Terrain extra shiny, check off the box for the Chrome package that's available for the SLT.

Stepping up to the SLT trim also gets you leather upholstery and the Driver Convenience and Infotainment I packages (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 with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Infotainment II package adds navigation and a seven-speaker Bose stereo system. Also available is the Preferred package, which includes a hands-free and programmable power liftgate, driver-seat memory settings, a six-way power passenger seat and a heated steering wheel.

The SLE and the SLT come standard with the 1.5-liter engine, but both can be optioned with the other engines. The more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (252 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque) comes with dual exhaust tips, upgraded brakes and larger wheels. Also available is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel 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.

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, LED headlights, and most of the equipment from the above option packages. One exception is the Driver Alert II package, which remains optional. The Denali's Comfort package adds ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, as well as a wireless phone charging pad. Its Advanced Safety package includes a surround-view parking camera system and an automated parking system.

A panoramic sunroof is optional on all but the base SL.