In Spring of 2018, Ford announced it would quit selling all of its car models in North America, and we have to think that, barring a huge spike in gas prices, other companies could follow suit.
That would put a brand like GMC in a good position. After all, it’s already one of the few vehicle manufacturers that only makes utility vehicles, its lineup consisting of pickup trucks, SUVs and crossovers. That range is underpinned by the compact Terrain, which was redesigned for 2018 and moves into this year with minor updates.
Most notable are additions to the Terrain’s technology offerings, which now include full-speed adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and front pedestrian braking. There are also new high-definition back-up cameras, a standard one for entry-level models and a surround-view version for customers who move up the trim ladder.
Those trims start with SLE and move up through SLT to the full-zoot Denali.
Engine choices are all turbocharged four-cylinders. Basic trims use a 1.5L unit good for 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Alternatives include a 2.0L making 252 hp and 260 lb-ft and a 1.6L diesel good for 136 hp and 236 lb-ft. The diesel alone uses a six-speed automatic, while the gassers get a nine-speed. Cars with the smaller gas engine and the diesel can be had as front- or all-wheel drivers, but the 2.0L is AWD only.
Standard features in SLE trim include 17-inch wheels, automatic HID headlights with LED running lamps, rear LED signature lighting, 3.5-inch driver information display, six-speaker stereo, 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated eight-way power driver’s and four-way manual front passenger seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, passive keyless entry, leather-trimmed steering wheel and remote engine start.
SLT trim adds 19-inch wheels, fog lights, hands-free power tailgate, 120-volt power outlet, six-way power front passenger seat, 8.0-inch infotainment display, heated steering wheel and leather seating.
Finally, the Denali package adds trim-specific 19-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, LED headlights, navigation, seven-speaker Bose sound system, blind spot monitor with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist, safety alert seat, ventilated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.
Diesel models boast the best fuel consumption estimates, at 8.5/6.1 L/100 km (city/highway). Terrain models with the 1.5L gas engine are rated 9.6/8.3 with AWD, with FWD being a bit more thrifty. Estimates for 2.0L AWD variants are 11.2/9.0.
