The 2018 GMC Terrain has officially made its move to become a compact crossover, falling in line with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. However, the 2018 Terrain looks to distinguish itself from its Chevy brother by taking a much more premium route. You could say the 2018 Terrain is a little bit more precise.
It starts with GMC’s latest design motif, which it says marks the next chapter for future GMC design.
2018 GMC Terrain SLT
“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.”
Sharper lines and sculpted elements, like those found in the headlamps, are said to be what we should look forward to from the future of GMC.
2018 GMC Terrain Denali
The 2018 GMC Terrain Denali further elevates the compact crossover’s design with the brand’s signature satin-chrome grille and Denali-specific accents. Those include body-color fascias and lower trim, plus chrome roof rails, door handles, side mirror caps and body-side molding. Additionally, LED headlamps and 19-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels are standard on Denali.
If the Denali pinches the purse strings too much, all other Terrain models will receive LED daytime running lamps and tail lamps, while Bi-functional HID headlamps will be standard on SL, SLE and SLT trims. 17-inch wheels are standard equipment across the Terrain’s range, with 18-inch wheels available on the SLE and standard on the SLT trim.
Moving right along, the 2018 GMC Terrain adopts the exact same powertrain lineup from the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. So, yes, you may now have your Terrain with a 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine.
The 1.5-liter LYX turbocharged four-cylinder engine will serve as a starting point, while the 2.0-liter LTG turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers more oomph for those seeking petrol power. Both gasoline engines will be mated to an Electronic Precision Shift, nine-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel powertrain sticks with a six-speed automatic.
2018 GMC Terrain Denali
Each and every 2018 Terrain comes standard with a driver-controllable Traction Select system, which has choices for different driving conditions. Furthermore, AWD models will feature a FWD mode that disconnects the all-wheel drive system to optimize fuel economy.
Inside, GMC is all about refinement and functionality when it comes to the 2018 Terrain. Authentic aluminum trim, soft-touch materials and standard noise cancellation are standard no matter which trim of Terrain is chosen, but as you can imagine, the Denali doubles down on Professional Grade appointments.
2018 GMC Terrain SLT
The 2018 Terrain Denali features unique trim tint and “Denali” embossed on the front seats. A heated steering wheel navigation, Bose premium 7-speaker sound system and a hands-free programmable power liftgate.
As for functionality, the center console is now “pass through” thanks to the Electronic Precision Shift unit, which opens up cargo space possibilities, and the passenger and rear seats all fold flat to maximize the cabin’s space. There are also new under-floor compartments in the cargo area for even more storage possibilities.
Finally, safety is a priority, and it shows in a suite of active safety features, which include:
- Surround Vision (new)
- Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator (new)
- Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking (new)
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning (new)
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Safety Alert Seat (new)
2018 GMC Terrain Denali
GMC’s Rear Seat Reminder system is also present as is the Teen Driver System to keep the youngsters in check behind the wheel.
A hefty dose of GMC’s Precision mantra seems to have done more than enough to separate the 2018 Terrain from the more pedestrian Equinox. And as the market continues its thirst for crossovers, the 2018 Terrain looks ready to fulfill the premium compact crossover space in spades.
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Comments
So it’s push button transmission? Honestly I love the styling for sure
I like what see so far.
I am glad to see brown in side.
I also not the seats still do not fold flat but they are closer than they are.
Forget all the warning crap did they put a/c a heat vents in the back seat the worst issue on the present model. My son complains about the lack of heat and a/c all the time and he is right.
I do like this better than the Nox but not as much yet as the new Acadia
“Forget all the warning crap did they put a/c a heat vents in the back seat the worst issue on the present model. My son complains about the lack of heat and a/c all the time and he is right.”
If you look at the second to last picture showing the fold flat seats, you’ll notice a pair of vents.
I was not expecting the push button shifter, I kind of like it, though it seems oddly placed so low on the dash. I think that Lincoln has better placement, but the floating console looks great, and not too bulky. I also see head up display, which is new for the Terrain, though it will probably only be offered on the Denali. Sadly, the V6 is gone, but I saw that coming after the powertrain offerings for the Equinox were revealed. Also, of note: the fuel door has moved to the driver’s side (Equinox too). Overall, I like the WAY better than the new ‘Nox.
Overall, a great looking vehicle. Can’t wait to see some video of it and for the configurator to fire up. The push button shifter is interesting, but I don’t think its a good placement. It looks too low on the dash. Personally, I was hoping for a dial design. A dial seems more industrial and more in line with the GMC brand than push buttons, but just my opinion.
The shift system appears too low in the stack. You might have to take your eyes away from the road. Definitely could be a deal breaker if this is the case. Lincoln has a vertical pattern at the right side of the steering wheel. Will wait for a touch and feel experience.
If you would note it is just up from the console and reverse and drive have openings over them so even Stevie Wonder should be able to locate then in the dark.
Take your eyes away from the road? You’re shifting into reverse while driving? Here we go again with ridiculous nit picking.
Every line on this new Terrain has been properly placed, and looks great. The rear end also has good balance with regard to tail light and belt line placement.
This new vehicle will do very well in the marketplace.
They spoke of a GMC being sourced to Opel–this must be it with the floating roof line and Monza like crome.
GMC has done a great job putting it’s design in sync with Buick, but not in an obnoxious, redundant manner.
GM will dominate the “premium” space.
Quite sure it will be built in Mexico.
Since it’s only a matter of time before someone asks if it’s hot or not…
Something a bit edgier would have suited me more, but it’s a definite step above today’s Terrain when it comes to styling. I like the look of the lights and the wraparound greenhouse, but I don’t care for all the cheesy trim all over it. I wish they would quit that. I don’t want it surrounding my cupholders either, where it’s going to get all scratched, and I don’t want more poorly labeled buttons to figure out. The grill is too large and oval shaped too.
Well done. This is a first true complete separation between any twins. Outside of gauge cluster I don’t see anything this vehicle shares with the Equinox. Of course, engines and mechanical, but there isn’t many things someone might say, oh this is the same as in my Equinox.
Very good job by GM to go after entire spectrum of customers. Not many customers will look at this and say…ah, I’ll just buy a cheaper Equinox. Most will truly feel they are looking at two different vehicles.
I wonder if there will be a manumatic mode
I’m curious if the power outputs for the 1.5T and 2.0T will be slightly higher in the Terrain than in the Equinox?
It is a radical departure from what they had but I think it should do just fine because people cant get enough of these SUV’s
I hope Trump slaps a 30% tariff on it. I get making a 15k car there but a 30k? Come on…
Wow… It’s sad to see that only 5 people care that this vehicle is being made in Mexico. GM could have just as easily shifted that production to the Cruze factory instead of laying off works there and impacting thousands of families.
Not bad looking at all. I wish that GMC could have given the 2018 GMC Terrain a true identity of its own. This model looks exactly like the 2017 GMC Acadia. The headlights look like they were taken from the Ford F-150, the interior is exactly the same as the 2017 GMC Acadia and the side pillars look as if they were taken from the new Nissan Murano. I’m going to wait at least two to three years before considering this model as I’m currently in a 2017 GMC Terrain lease. Not a fan of the precision shift 9 speed automatic, which Fiat Chrysler currently has and has had its share of problems.
The nine speed transmission is a GM transmission. They’re not going to buy some off brand mopar transmission.
The transmission was build by GM with funding and input from Ford and has nothing to do with Mopar or Fiat. They have their own issues with their own off the shelf parts.
I like the more Aerodynamic exterior.
But push button shift controls? Innovative.
My first girlfriend’s FATHER had that on their 1967 Plymouth station wagon.
I think it might catch on. . . . lol.
Looks better and less boxy. No flared wheel wells.
But yeah – I seem to remember push-button shift. I Googled it – Dodge intro’d it in 1956 (!).
I hope GMC nailed it – if it has some kinks, kinda flies in the face of Precision and Prof Grade.
Well, I guess I’m the odd man out. Don’t like the exterior at all. Front is a giant round bubble with a huge grille and never been a fan of the GMC logo not being centered top to bottom. Rear quarter panel looks like they added two wings. Usually the rear quarter glass lines up with the rear hatch glass edges for a smooth flow but a rear corner shot makes the quarter panels look hideous. Plus the rear vision out that quarter panel is terrible with the tiny windows and high belt line.
Inside is nice but don’t like the push button transmission; specifically the +/- tap being so low and away from the driver. Hopefully they have paddles on the wheel for tapping up and down, but nothings been said.
Great looking SUV. And the wheel well/arches is so much more attractive and refined than the last generation. A winner!
This will be next vehicle.
I wonder how much spilled coffee it would take to bugger up the gear selector?
There is so much to love here. The interior is light years better than the chintzy pontiac-holdover red from the last Terrain. I love the push button gear selector. Both the physical weight loss (hundreds of lbs) and visual weight loss (less boxy) will do quite a bit for driving dynamics as well as appealing to a broad audience.
There was so much anxiety in the days proceeding the debut over the floating roof line on the D pillar. Many claimed it was a rip off of the Nissan. Well, take a look at the two side by side now and tell me the Terrain isn’t a WAY better looking vehicle despite sharing a small design element.
I hope the weight loss will be enough to persuade the bevy of consumers lamenting the loss of the V6 that they can survive and actually (gasp) enjoy a 4 cylinder. Is this the same 2.0T that is in the ATS? If so, that car does NOT suck to drive. All of that will depend however, on the transmission and other elements relating to driving dynamics. I can’t wait to drive it and see if it all comes together.
For the first time ever, I find a GM design I can honestly say I totally LOVE! Front to back! Very well done GMC! This is by far the best interpretation of their design language to date! Even the interior has a strong premium look that says it’s more than an overpriced Chevy!
Let’s see…… roofline of a Nissan Maxima & Lexus RX, rear lights of a Honda Civic & the front grill of an Acadia. What’s not to love here?! 10 points for execution 0 for originality.
I like what GMC has done with the new Terrain . The front end does have some design elements of the new Acadia but this is going to be the face of the brand going forward . The rear tailights look a bit Volvo-esque but thats not a bad thing . GMC has really thrown in the latest of technology , and am pleasantly suprised to see a heads-up display on the Denali version , even the Acadia doesn’t offer it anymore .
The tan interior looks rich and am so glad that pumpkin colored leather isn’t available . It looks like the designers did alot of work to differenciate the twins , inside and out . Sometimes the wheels can make a huge design statement for a vehicle and I like what I see . And nothing from the current Terrain made it to the design of this new one .
Can’t wait to actually see it in person .
Even though the exterior design is derivative of other cars the interior is a well executed design. Something to look forward to.
The original Terrain sold very well for GMC due to the design. But the designers didn’t give the original any thought for inspiration in this new design. I wonder why.
Does anyone know the size/dimension specs? How long/wide is this vehicle? It looks much smaller than the current 2017 Terrain. Just wondering if its smaller than the new Ford Escapes. Great looking vehicle.
I think it’s just a few inches shorter. But still have the same amount of legroom.
I have two equinox before and the best back seat lost of legs room for adults ,,,I never have any problem whit the v6 I switch to a Acadia and it was a nice SUV slt and now I have a sierra pickup but I think I will,go back one day whit the equinox diesel ,,,