Mannerism comes to the GMC Denali.
The all-new 2018 GMC Terrain looks to be a competently engineered descendant to the brand’s popular compact SUV. GMC will offer customers – 88,000 of them during 2016 for a -20% drop y-o-y – as competition intensified and Terrain aged – the widest selection of choices to date. There are three all-new turbocharged propulsion systems, including a turbo-diesel. Two new efficiency-improving nine-speed automatic transmissions are matched with the gasoline engines, the first application for GMC.
The 2018 Terrain goes on sale this summer in SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali (25% of all GMC sales) models, likely maintaining the money-making line created by the first-generation model where more than 700,000 have been sold in North America since it went on sale in 2009.
“GMC’s strong growth over the past decade is due in large part to Terrain,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of global GMC Sales and Marketing. “The all-new Terrain builds on that success, leveraging GMC’s proven premium SUV experience to shake up the largest vehicle segment, with a strong blend of design, functionality and engineering excellence.”
The new Terrain’s “bold exterior,” – yes, they really said that – signals the next chapter of clichés in GMC’s design language (To be fair, they are not alone in using the following styling babble). It’s claimed to be stronger, sharper and more sculpted elements such as the grille and lights.
“It is a striking design with functional beauty,” said Helen Emsley, executive director, Global GMC Design. “There’s confidence and optimism in its stance, with exceptional attention to detail that speaks to GMC’s rise as a premium brand.” You decide.
The Terrain Denali has a chrome grille along with body-color fascias and lower trim, chrome roof rails, door handles, side mirror caps and body-side molding. LED headlamps and 19-inch bright machined aluminum wheels are also standard on Denali. All other models have LED daytime running lamps and tail lamps. Bi-functional HID headlamps are standard on SL, SLE and SLT. Additionally, 17-inch wheels are standard on SL and SLE, with 18-inch wheels available on SL and SLE, and standard on SLT.
Turbochargers
There are three turbocharged engines, including an all-new optional 1.6-liter turbo-diesel, which is likely dead on arrival. New 1.5-liter (std) and optional 2-liter turbocharged gasoline engines are matched with two unique new nine-speed automatic transmissions; with the 2-liter turbo offering stronger acceleration and more performance than its 1.5-liter counterpart. Buyer beware here: be sure to test drive before you enter a contract – these are small engines for a heavy vehicle designed to produce higher EPA fuel economy ratings, not necessary driving performance. This is an industry-wide trend. (See AutoInformed: CAFE, Global Warming Rules Approved for 2022-25)
GMC’s new “Electronic Precision Shift” creates more storage room in the center console by replacing the conventional transmission shifter with electronically controlled gear selection consisting of push buttons and pull triggers.
The Terrain comes standard with GMC’s driver-controllable Traction Select system, which has choices for different driving conditions. Elements such as the throttle responses are optimized for the selected driving mode. AWD models include a FWD mode that disconnects the AWD system to minimize drag and optimize fuel economy, while the AWD mode offers all the benefits of an active AWD system.
Interior
The Terrain’s interior “makes a statement and serves as a fundamental component of the vehicle’s heightened emphasis on refinement and functionality.” There is aluminum trim, soft-touch materials on the instrument panel and doors and standard active noise cancellation. A new fold-flat front passenger seat and flat-folding rear seat help adds greater versatility for stowing longer items and make it easier to load cargo. There are also new under-floor compartments in the cargo area for more storage.
GMC keeps passengers connected with 7- and optional 8-inch-diagonal infotainment systems, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto y and a standard OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (data plan purchase required, of course, after a limited trial period) that can accommodate up to seven mobile devices.
Owners can also manage their vehicles remotely with the myGMC mobile app via compatible smartphones. (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, and require a compatible smartphone.)
Every new Terrain comes standard with five years of the OnStar Basic Plan at no additional cost. Among other benefits, this connectivity plan has OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service claimed to help GMC owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance, reduce wear and tear, monitor fuel efficiency and become better drivers. ownership experience.
Safety
Optional active safety technologies can, in theory, improve driver awareness and make it easier to park and maneuver at low speeds. These include radar- and camera-based adaptive technologies that can provide alerts to potential crash threats, allowing the driver to react and make changes to potentially avoid them, including:
- New Surround Vision
- New Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator
- New Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking
- New Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- New Safety Alert Seat
The new Terrain also has a new Rear Seat Reminder and Teen Driver. Rear Seat Reminder alerts drivers to check the back seat as they exit their vehicles under certain circumstances. Teen Driver allows parents to set controls and review an in-vehicle report card – computerized in loco parentis – to urge better driving, when adults are not in the vehicle.
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