The fully redesigned 2018 GMC Terrain brings a modernized exterior and a refined interior while changing the overall dimensions. Just like the 2018 GMC Acadia, the 2018 Terrain has shrunk in both length and wheelbase and as a result has also lost 342lbs of weight. Before the redesign, the size of the Terrain was somewhere between compact and midsize, but with the redesigned smaller dimensions, the 2018 Terrain now fits perfectly within the competitive compact SUV category. While the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape have long dominated this segment, the Terrain has managed to carve out its own little niche.
STYLISH EXTERIOR
The fully redesigned exterior of the 2018 GMC Terrain brings the appearance more in-line with the larger 2018 GMC Acadia. Gone are the sharp edges and the bulky look of the previous model, replaces with smoother lines and curves and an overall sporty design.
Starting at the front end of the 2018 Terrain, the exterior design stands right out with the C shaped HID headlights which form the outside edges of a nicely curved area housing the large and sparkling grille. Add the hood accent lines, the subtle curves and some chrome highlights and you have a beefy but elegant front end. The wide stance gives a planted look and the accent lines flow down the side for the entire length of the Terrain. The rear end ties the exterior design all together with matching C shaped LED tail lights and a rear over hang.
The overall bold yet compact and modern exterior has a nicely sloping roofline combined with a dual exhaust, adding a touch of sportiness to the appearance. The chrome highlights throughout the exterior of the Denali model add a touch of luxury and make certain features really stand out
COMPACT INTERIOR
Despite having shrunk in exterior dimensions, the interior of the 2018 GMC Terrain remains relatively the same size, with rear passengers losing only 0.2 inches. Some of the Terrain’s 342lbs of weight reduction over its predecessor were achieved through the lighter multi-density padding within the seat frames, but you wouldn’t know it by sitting in the comfortably firm front bucket seats.
In fact, the interior is all about comfort with the Denali model sporting all the latest convenience and comfort features, as well as some of the latest technology. Features like heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, 4g LTE with onboard wifi and lots of USB ports. The interior of the 2018 Terrain Denali showcases some soft and high quality double stitched leather surfaces on the seats and throughout the dash and door panels. Other soft touch materials compliment various areas of the two tone, multi tiered dash, adding some visual layering to an elegant interior design.
The large touch screen display reduces the number of buttons required and cleans up the look of the dash. The gear shifting lever is replaced by some gear selector buttons on the dash, freeing up even more space below the center console. While it took some getting used to for the test drive, a daily driver would probably adjust quite easily. While the interior may be slightly compact, there are many storage areas to keep common items hidden from view. Overall the 2018 GMC Terrain Denali interior was very pleasant to be in and quality-wise fits somewhere between the interior of a Chevy and a Buick.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
The soft springs and low effort steering of the 2018 GMC Terrain, make for a comfortable cruise through bumpy city streets. While the sacrifice may come from less feedback and smoother handling, I think most buyers will prefer this choice instead of buying the 2018 Terrain for a sporty performance. The engines available for the 2018 Terrain are much more in line with this theory as well. Instead of an underpowered four cylinder or a gas guzzling over powered six cylinder, now drivers have the choice between 3 four cylinder engines providing optimum power for the new size and weight of the 2018 Terrain.
New for the 2018 GMC Terrain is the selection of ideally powered turbo charged engines, with the base model equipped with a 1.5L turbo four cylinder outputting 170hp. Step up to the 2.0L turbo four, outputting 252hp or step down to a more fuel saving 1.6L turbo four diesel engine outputting 137hp. Both gas engines are paired to a 9 speed automatic transmission, while the diesel gets a 6 speed auto transmission. Available in both configurations of front wheel drive or all wheel drive, no matter which you opt for, you will still benefit from the drive mode selector allowing drivers to select from some preset traction control driving modes.
Some great driving technology options can be added to the 2018 Terrain to make driving even safer whether in the city or on the highway. Some of these features include lane keeping assist which warns you as you depart your lane by reading lane markings and even provides some slight steering corrections to bring the Terrain back into the lane. If you’re traveling at lower speeds, the system will detect when a front-end collision is imminent and apply brakes automatically, preventing or effectively reducing the damage caused due to a collision.
Overall, the 2018 Terrain delivers a smooth and quiet ride, with plenty of power at hand. The steering and handling are smooth and fluid, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants inside.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With an entry level price of $30,400 and the top of the line Denali model starting at $41,900, the 2018 GMC Terrain offers pretty decent value for money. With the overall driving feeling geared towards smooth and comfortable cruising and a high quality interior that’s versatile and refined, this compact and competent SUV will surely win some hearts of those in the market for a smaller SUV.
