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What do our experts think of the 2023 GMC Terrain? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 GMC Terrain – gmc.com | Shop 2023 GMC Terrain on Carsforsale.com
What’s new for the 2023 GMC Terrain?
The GMC Terrain is still in its second generation and it offers a single engine and transmission combo that works with either front or all-wheel drive. Four trims are on offer and pricing ranges from the low $30k mark to just above $40k for a Denali trim with some additional options.
GMC adds a new Black Diamond Edition package available to the Denali trim of the Terrain. It includes special wheels, a sunroof, and other luxury features. In addition, two new paint colors are available.
The Breakdown
Dapper styling
Comfortable interior
Fuel efficient
Weak engine
Cheapish feeling interior
Uncompetitive in the segment
We would love to see the turbo engine return
2023 Terrain Specs
- 175 horsepower from base engine
- 203 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 29.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 63.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Wireless Android and Apple connectivity
- Cheap advanced safety aids
- Basic warranty package
2023 GMC Terrain Powertrain
When we reviewed the Terrain last year we lamented the discontinuance of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that was available in 2021. While GMC still hasn’t brought it back, they did add five horsepower to the 1.5-liter engine that powers every 2023 Terrain making for a new grand total of 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque.
That’s still nowhere near enough in our eyes when the Denali version costs just shy of $40k. For comparison, the Honda CR-V makes 190 hp, the Mazda CX-50 and Hyundai Tucson make 187 and all three offer a more powerful engine choice too. Hopefully, GMC will find a way to offer a drivetrain that’s properly competitive in the future.
For now, the thing that we do like about this 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine is how smooth it is as it works along with its nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s quiet and composed unless you need to really wring it out when merging onto the highway or passing someone. Front-wheel drive is standard on the bottom two trims but AWD is available on each and becomes standard on the top two trims.
2023 GMC Terrain Fuel Economy & MPG
Since every Terrain has the same engine and transmission, fuel economy ratings are very similar across the entire range. In fact, regardless of FWD or AWD, the EPA estimates that it’ll get 26 mpg combined. The only difference in their figures comes down to highway mileage where it thinks that the FWD version will get 29 mpg while the AWD gets just 28.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Keeping occupants comfortable is where the Terrain does its best work. The front seats are surprisingly supportive and highly adjustable. The rear seats are a bit flat but this SUV benefits from the fact that it’s not trying to shoehorn a compromised third row inside of it. Because of that, we think that all of its seating positions are probably spacious and comfortable enough for long trips.
Top trims can also add heating to the rear outboard seats and ventilation to the front seats. At the same time, the lack of a third row is a benefit to cargo space behind the third row. There, you’ll find more than 29 cubic feet to stow stuff in. For the times when that’s not enough, the seats fold flat to offer just under 64 cubic feet. The front passenger seat also folds down flat to allow for 8-foot long cargo to fit completely inside of the Terrain.
If there’s anything to complain about it’s the somewhat dated nature of this cabin. The dash features cheap plastic and foam that doesn’t live up to the level we expect from GMC. The tri-level center control stack also looks long in the tooth and could use a modern redesign with better switchgear.
Entertainment & Technology
Atop the dash of lower-end Terrains is a 7-inch infotainment system that we’re fans of in general. It’s fast, easy to use, and the graphics are crisp. It does feel a bit small but thankfully, GMC offers a larger 8-inch version that looks more appropriate and offers additional features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard across the entire lineup too.
The base sound system is fine but the available Bose package is a dramatic improvement. The SLT and AT4 have a heads-up display available to them which is standard on the Denali. It’s one of our favorites in the field and provides helpful information with bright graphics that can be seen in most situations. Still, if high-end tech is something you love, we suggest looking elsewhere. Even the much-maligned Mitsubishi Outlander beats the Terrain on those grounds.
Safety Features
The GMC Terrain fares well in most safety categories. It achieved a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and while it’s not a Top Safety pick from the IIHS, it scores well in most tests. In addition, it offers a lot of available safety technology for very little money. So little in fact that we’d like GMC to simply include features like adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic braking, and more as standard equipment.
2023 GMC Terrain Trims & Pricing
SLE – $31,295
The base Terrain gets 17-inch aluminum wheels, LED exterior lighting, heated mirrors, keyless entry, push-button start, a 7-inch infotainment screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, and an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot.
Standard safety features include lane-keep assistance and forward collision warning. FWD is standard but AWD is available. For a little over $600, buyers can add a pair of packages that include rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear park assist and more.
SLT – $35,295
Buyers who step up to the SLT get roof rails, 18-inch wheels, a larger 8-inch infotainment system, a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, driver’s seat memory functions, a high definition reverse camera, and a household-style power outlet.
AT4 – $37,305
The AT4 starts out with AWD and also includes 17-inch black wheels, an underbody skid plate, hill descent control, and all-weather floor liners.
Denali – $39,995
As the top trim, the Denali gets most of the available bells and whistles. That includes an upgraded driver information display, a wireless device charging pad, a Bose premium audio system, integrated navigation, a heads-up display, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a safety alert seat.
New for 2023 is the $3,240 Black Diamond Edition which includes a sunroof, heated rear outboard seats, adaptive cruise control, 19-inch wheels, a surround-view camera, automatic parking assist, and ventilated front seats.
Warranties
GMC offers a very basic warranty package which includes three years or 36,000 miles of limited coverage along with five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. It’ll also cover the very first maintenance visit to the dealership.
What we think
2023 GMC Terrain – gmc.com | Shop 2023 GMC Terrain on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 GMC Terrain is a decent SUV but the market is so big that we can see it getting lost in the shuffle quite easily. It’s possible that some new car incentives make it a worthwhile consideration but lots of rivals offer more for less cash. If it was our cash we’d consider a used Terrain before buying new.
