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For 2022 GMC is selling the Terrain SUV with just a single engine choice and we wonder if a used 2020 model might be a better buy.
GMC’s Mid-Size SUV
media.gmc.com | gmc.com | Shop GMC Terrain on Carsforsale.com
The GMC Terrain is one of the most luxurious mid-size SUVs made in America, and for 2022 it’s added a new trim level, a more aggressive design, and improved technology. At the same time, it lost a trim level as well as an optional but more powerful and potent turbocharged engine. With those changes, we wanted to determine if the adjustments GMC has made are a benefit or a blunder for the Terrain. To do so we’re testing it against itself from 2020. That model also lost an engine that it had the previous year and was imbued with additional technology that made it more attractive. Are two years enough that depreciation will make it a far better value, or will the extra features in the new Terrain keep the new SUV ahead of its forebearer?
New vs Used GMC Terrain Specs
For 2022, GMC will only sell the Terrain with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. That power will be routed to the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic and can be sent to the rear as well in models equipped with all-wheel-drive. In 2020, the Terrain had just lost a fuel-sipping diesel, but could still be optioned with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in addition to the smaller motor it still sells with today. That larger engine made 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The rest of the drivetrain is identical between both years. The new Terrain gets 26 or 27 MPG combined depending on whether it’s front or all-wheel-drive, the same as the older model with the same drivetrain. The 2.0-liter engine drops those numbers to 23 and 24 respectively. Pricing for the new Terrain starts at $29,095 and tops out north of $45,000 when fully equipped. Used 2020 models sit around the same territory depending on trim level and options, but even the most well-equipped examples don’t crest over $40,000.
Driving Characteristics
The GMC Terrain is, in a word, soft. Considering its general demographic, that’s outstanding. Most people who complain about the 1.5-liter engine forget that. GMC never intended for the Terrain to be fast, and that’s ok. The only major concern is that with such a small amount of power and more than 4,600 pounds to haul around, passing, merging, and evasive maneuvers aren’t as easily accomplished. Steering feedback is entirely forgettable. It’s fairly numb and unremarkable in both models. Braking is surprisingly good and pulls the Terrain to a stop quickly and confidently.
The big difference between these two vehicles is of course, the larger engine available in the used GMC Terrain. For once, it’s a bit of good and bad when it comes to the additional power. Because it encourages more speed, drivers will experience a bit more body roll and slightly longer stops. We think that while enthusiasts will appreciate the additional power, it’s tough to say that it’s well matched to the steering and suspension.
Interior Comfort
The soft quality of the GMC Terrain is what most buyers will be after. It’s excellent over even poor road conditions and does a great job of keeping road noise out of the cabin. The seats are comfortable and very supportive in the front and a bit more cushy in the back. Denali and SLT trim levels can be equipped with heated and ventilated seats up front and heated outboard seats in the back, regardless of which year we’re talking about. We really like having the option to heat both the back and bottom of the seat or just one.
Visibility is very good overall. Heating and air conditioning are both very effective and quick to react. Splitting temperatures between the dual zones was especially impressive as the Terrain can both cool one side while heating the other far better than most rivals. Storage and cargo space is middling compared to other rivals in the segment.
If there’s anything we don’t love about the inside of the GMC Terrain, it’s the low-quality plastics and switchgear. This might be an up-market version of the Chevrolet Equinox, but that’s not immediately obvious when sitting inside. Considering the overall cost of this GMC, and its competition around the world, we expected more soft-touch materials and switches and buttons that feel better to use than these do.
New vs Used GMC Terrain Trims and Features
For 2020, the Terrain was available in four trims. Each of which came with a full suite of advanced safety features like pedestrian detection and automatic forward emergency braking. The base model, called the SL, was equipped with a 7-inch infotainment system that features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered mirrors, six speakers, and keyless entry.
The used GMC Terrain SLE gets access to the larger 2.0-liter engine, but adds a 4.2-inch driver information center and body-colored mirror caps as standard equipment. The SLT gets 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a larger 8-inch infotainment system, remote start, and heated front seats. The top of the line Denali trim was only sold with the 2.0-liter engine, 19-inch wheels, and a Bose premium sound system. It also gets LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system.
For 2022, the SL is gone and the new base model is the SLE. Features are nearly identical to the 2020 model, but with the addition of LED exterior lighting, Lane keep assist, and heated mirrors. The next trim level up is the SLT, which again is similar, but adds a high-def rearview camera and a hands-free liftgate. The new AT4 trim level is focused on making the 2022 GMC Terrain ever so slightly more capable off-road.
To achieve that off-road ability, GMC adds an underbody skid plate, slightly more aggressive tires, and some AT4 only styling cues. Oddly, all-wheel-drive isn’t standard, but GMC promises that the special traction control system in the AT4 is up to at least conquering snow and ice, so long as you put it in “Normal” mode. The Denali continues its reign as the ultimate trim and for 2022 it adds a safety alert seat, an upgraded driver information display, HD radio, and parking sensors.
So, is the New GMC Terrain Worth it?
2020 GMC Terrain – media.gmc.com | Shop GMC Terrain on Carsforsale.com
The GMC Terrain has never been at the top of the pile when it comes to outright value for money, but the new SUV is even less attractive thanks to its high price and limited capability. The used GMC Terrain from 2020 is another story though. For roughly ten thousand fewer dollars, buyers can get almost everything they would from a new model, so that’s what we’d recommend.
