The second-generation Terrain launched for the 2018 model year at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, bringing with it a complete overhaul of the compact crossover SUV. Included in the long list of updates was an enhanced suspension setup for the range-topping GMC Terrain Denali, with the trim-specific suspension tuning offering a more refined ride compared to non-Denali models. And now, the GMC Terrain Denali is doubling down on its comfort-enhancing suspenders for the 2020 model year.
To appreciate what’s new, we must quickly revisit what’s old: the 2018 and 2019 GMC Terrain Denali came equipped with unique suspension tuning compared to the rest of the line, as well as urethane spring isolators that worked to reduce road noise when traveling over less-than-ideal road surfaces.
For the 2020 model year, the GMC Terrain Denali gets further ride improvements by introducing an additional internal valve for the struts and shocks to deliver even more refinement. This is in addition to the upgraded urethane spring isolators that were present for 2018 and 2019 model years.
What’s more, the 2020 GMC Terrain Denali also offers updated content in the form of the Denali Premium Package, which bundles together the Advanced Safety Package and Comfort Package to stuff the crossover with high-end features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats, among other features.
It’s great to see the GMC Terrain Denali taking its premium approach one step further. This space is outrageously competitive these days, so anything done to stand out from the crowd is definitely appreciated.
For reference, the second-generation GMC Terrain is offered with three powerplant options, including the turbocharged 1.5L LYX four-cylinder gasoline engine, the turbocharged 2.0L LTG four-cylinder gas engine, and the turbocharged 1.6L LH7 four-cylinder diesel. The diesel, however, is being discontinued for the 2020 model year due to a low take rate.
| RPO Code | Displacement | Configuration & Cylinders | Aspiration | Ignition | Valvetrain | Engine Stop/Start | Power (hp / kW @ RPM) | Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LYX | 1.5L | I-4 DOHC | Turbocharged | SIDI | 4-valves per cylinder | Yes | 170 / 127 @ 5600 | 203 / 275 @ 2000-4000 |
| LTG | 2.0L | I-4 DOHC | Turbocharged | SIDI | 4-valves per cylinder | Yes | 252 / 188 @ 5500 | 260 / 353 @ 2500-4500 |
Output for the remaining gasoline 1.5T and 2.0T mills is 170 horsepower and 252 horsepower, respectively. Both of the gas engines mate to the GM nine-speed automatic transmission with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive to put power to the pavement.
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Comment
Interesting. The wording in this article leads me to believe they are going to a shock/strut system similar to what Buick had back in the 90’s with it’s “Dynaride” deflected disc valving system. It actually worked quite well with very low cost. I have not heard of anything like that since then (in terms of terminology used by Buick or GM today) and I have no idea if Buick even still used it. If not, why?