Debuting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the 2018 GMC Terrain adopts the styling of the larger GMC Acadia crossover, along with a new lineup of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, and some new tech features. Will those updates help the Terrain succeed in the white-hot and very competitive SUV sector?
The Terrain may be a car-based crossover, but GMC tried very hard to make it look like a traditional truck-based SUV. The boxy wheel wells, slab-like sides, and virtually flat grille give the Terrain an imposing presence, and make it look a bit like a shrunken version of the Acadia. The unusually-shaped headlights might not work for everyone, though. Despite its brick-like shape, GMC says aerodynamic efficiency was emphasized in the design.
Underneath the new sheet metal, the Terrain downsizes with a lineup of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The options include 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline engines and a 1.6-liter diesel, the first engine of its kind offered in the Terrain. The gasoline engines will get nine-speed automatic transmissions and, as before, the Terrain will be sold with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
GMC will continue to offer a high-end Denali trim level, which adds some special exterior styling bits, fancier interior trim, and features like navigation, a heated steering wheel, and Bose 7-speaker audio system. Features available across the model lineup will include 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch touchscreens, a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. New safety features include low-speed forward automatic braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning.
The 2018 GMC Terrain goes on sale this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.
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