2020 GMC Terrain Review
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2020 GMC Terrain Review
byTravis Langness
Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.
Pros
- Comfortable and upscale interior
- Optional 2.0-liter engine is efficient and powerful
- Touchscreen interfaces are intuitive and easy to use
Cons
- Price with options runs higher than average for the class
- Disappointing base engine
- Less cargo space behind the back seat than most competitors
What's new
- Optional diesel engine is no longer available
- Updated suspension for Denali models intended to improve ride quality
- Changes to standard and optional safety equipment
- Part of the second GMC Terrain generation introduced for 2018
Overview
One of our biggest complaints about last year's GMC Terrain was that it kept most of the advanced safety features on the options sheet — very few items came standard. For the most part, that's changed with the 2020 model. GMC has made lane keeping assist, low-speed forward collision warning, front pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking all standard.
On top of those added standard features, the 2020 GMC Terrain still gets a comfortable and attractive interior, a lengthy list of upscale optional features and an intuitive cabin layout. Unfortunately, the Terrain also has some significant drawbacks worth noting.
Those optional features we mentioned? They bring the price up pretty quickly. So if you want all the extras, you may be out-pricing top-notch rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, not to mention the Terrain's very similar sibling, the Chevy Equinox. Those same rivals (and a few others) also outdo the Terrain when it comes to interior space, both behind the rear seats and for small-item consideration. And, under the hood, there's a base 1.5-liter engine that is disappointingly slow, with poor throttle response.
So, while the 2020 GMC Terrain may have some high points, we recommend taking a look at competitors before signing on the dotted line.
Edmunds Expert Rating
below avg
6.5/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The redesigned GMC Terrain has a nicer interior, more room, enhanced utility, and better tech than its predecessor. But a weak base engine, unresponsive transmission and bouncy ride, paired with a high price, hinder the Terrain from standing out in the competitive compact-SUV class.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Which Terrain does Edmunds recommend?
The base Terrain SL gets a full suite of standard safety features this year, so it's a bit more appealing than it once was, but we'd still recommend upgrading to the SLT trim level. The SLT is eligible for a long list of options, including the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and creature comforts such as a heated steering wheel and a seven-speaker Bose audio system.
2020 GMC Terrain models
The 2020 GMC Terrain seats five people and is available in four trim levels: the base SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. There are two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (170 hp, 203 lb-ft of torque) and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (252 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque). Both engines come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, but they can be optioned with all-wheel drive. The 1.5-liter engine is standard on the SL, SLE and SLT. The 2.0-liter engine is optional on the SLT and standard on the Denali.
