2018 GMC Terrain

Pros: Good selection of available comfort and safety features; lively performance with 2.0-liter turbo engine

Cons: So-so acceleration with base engine; price premium of optioned-up versions, especially topline Denali model

CG Says: The GMC Terrain is redesigned and downsized for 2018. The new Terrain is about three inches shorter and up to 400 pounds lighter than the previous generation, which bumps it from the smaller side of our midsize SUV class to our compact SUV category. The Terrain shares its basic platform and powertrains with the Chevrolet Equinox, which is also redesigned this year. The base engine is a turbocharged 170-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder. The most powerful engine is a 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyliner, while the most fuel-efficient engine is a 137-hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder. The two gas engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and the diesel is mated to a 6-speed auto. Front-wheel drive is standard and all models except the base SL are available with all-wheel drive. Available safety features include forward-collision alert, low-speed automatic braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other available features include a surround-view camera, automatic parking assist, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, heated and ventilated front seats, and hands-free power liftgate. The redesigned GMC Terrain now competes more directly with the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and it boasts a slightly more upscale look and feel than the other vehicles in its class. You’ll pay a bit of a premium for that ambiance, but the Terrain’s pleasant road manners, user-friendly infotainment system, and generous passenger room also satisfy.