The 2014 GMC Terrain->ke3419 is the perfect example of how a company can put a model in the best position to succeed by not deviating away from its true identity, even if it means not appeasing those who clamor for a new and futuristic design. The Terrain may be classified as a midsize SUV->ke145, but it still has the soul of a truck, which is why the muscular nature of its looks fits into its identity. The 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 301 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque also helps in that department.

It probably would've been a good idea to change the way the Terrain looks if it was struggling in sales, but the Terrain has been one of GMC's->ke32 more successful models, and there doesn't appear to be much calling for any drastic changes to its appearance.

Why change a good thing, right? In the case of the Terrain, it definitely applies.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 GMC Terrain

2014 GMC Terrain

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 GMC Terrain
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 182 @ 6700
  • Torque: 172 @ 4900
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

GMC knows what it's identity is and with people connecting the company to its trucks, it was important that the design of the Terrain also carried this look. So kudos to GMC for not deviating from the Terrain's rugged and brawny character.

Looking at the Terrain immediately shows just how strong it's appearance is. The generous helpings of chrome also add to the muscular look of the SUV, and to a certain extent, the angular wheel openings and the enormous grille with giant "GMC" block lettering do the same to add to the appeal of the Terrain.

Some might brush away this design approach with a lack of creativity on GMC's part, but some companies have a strong identity and deviating from it would only look pretentious on its part. In a lot of ways, that's what GMC avoided and it worked.

2014 GMC Terrain - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):

112.5 / 2858

Overall length (in / mm):

185.3 / 4771

Overall width (in / mm):

72.8 / 1849

Overall height (in / mm):

66.3 / 1684

Track (in / mm):

front: 62.9 / 1598
rear: 62.1 / 1577

Approach angle (deg):

15.2

Departure angle (deg):

23.5

Breakover ramp angle (deg):

16.7

Minimum ground clearance (in / mm):

6.9 / 175

Ground to rear load floor (in / mm):

28.8 / 731.2


2014 GMC Terrain - Standard Exterior Features

- Bumpers, front and rear body-color

- Daytime Running Lamps

- Door handles, body-color

- Fog lamps, front round, halogen

- Glass, deep-tinted

- Grille, Charcoal with chrome surround

- Headlamps, halogen projector lamp

- Liftgate, rear manual with fixed glass

- Mirrors, outside heated power-adjustable, body-color, manual-folding and integral spotter mirror

Interior

The interior of the Terrain is pretty clean to look at, at least far from what it's name conveys. The front, in particular, is neatly organized with the instrument panel carrying pretty much all the controls and buttons in one stacked area. Glowing red lighting and matching back lights add depth to the panel, and makes it easier to navigate at night. The touchscreen radio and sound system is appropriately sized, and has a lot of functions.

Outside of the components, the Terrain also makes use of some posh and fancy materials, including a satin metal trim and two-tone leather for the seats.

2014 GMC Terrain - Interior Dimensions

Seating capacity:

5

Headroom (in / mm):

front: 39.8 / 1011
rear: 39.2 / 996

Legroom (in / mm):

front: 41.2 / 1046
rear: 39.9 / 1013

Shoulder room (in / mm):

front: 55.7 / 1415
rear: 55.3 / 1405

Hip room (in / mm):

front: 55.1 / 1400
rear: 51.3 / 1303


2014 GMC Terrain - Standard Interior Features

- Air bags, dual-stage frontal, and thorax side-impact, driver and front passenger, and head curtain side-impact, front and rear outboard seating positions

- Audio system feature, 6-speaker system

- Seats, front buckets

- Seats, rear bench, 3 passenger with manual fore/aft adjustment, 60/40 split seatback and recline feature

- Steering column, tilt and telescopic

- Steering wheel, comfort grip vinyl with mounted cruise and audio controls

- Visors, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors

- Windows, power, with driver and front passenger Express-Down

Drivetrain

Two powertrain options are going to come with the 2014 Terrain. The first one is a 2.4-liter, inline-four engine that produces 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The Terrain also has an optional 3.6-liter V-6 that develops a tidy 301 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. Estimating the Terrain's performance numbers, we're looking at a 0-to-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds a top speed of 118 mph for the inline-four and 7.6 seconds and 130 mph for the V-6 version.

2.4L DOHC I-4 DI

3.6L DOHC V-6 DI

Displacement (cu in / cc):

145 / 2384

217 / 3564

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98

3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Block material:

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

DOHC, four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing

DOHC, four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing

Fuel delivery:

direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control

direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control

Compression ratio:

11.2:1

11.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

182 / 136 @ 6700 (SAE certified)

301 / 224 @ 6500 (SAE certified)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

172 / 232 @ 4900 (SAE certified)

272 / 367 @ 4800 (SAE certified)

Recommended fuel:

regular unleaded or E85 ethanol with federal emissions

regular unleaded or E85 ethanol with federal emissions

Emissions controls:

close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor

close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor

EPA-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):

22 / 32 (FWD)
20 / 29 (AWD)

17 / 24 (FWD)
16 / 23 (AWD)


Prices

The entry level price for the Terrain hits at $27,390 for the SLE-1 with the top-of-the-line model, the Terrain Denali, fetching $36,080.

Model

Price

GMC Terrain SLE-1

$27,390

GMC Terrain SLE-2

$28,890

GMC Terrain SLT-1

$30,440

GMC Terrain SLT-2

$33,685

GMC Terrain Denali

$36,080


Competition

Toyota Higlander

The new-generation Toyota Highlander recently made its world debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show and with it came a series of new features, including an updated exterior look, a refined, premium interior and a new six-speed automatic with sequential shift offered for the V-6 models.

The 2014 Highlander is also offered with a choice of multiple engines options, including a pair of gasoline units and one hybrid powerplant. The model that could give the Terrain a run for its money is the one powered by a 3.5 liter, V-6 engine that delivers a total of 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.

Nissan Pathfinder

Even though it’s not completely new, the 2013 Pathfinder does come with a series of updates that transform it into a pretty interesting option for a mid-size SUV. The Pathfinder is offered with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that delivers a total of 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 240 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. As you can see, the Pathfinder has the disadvantage of offering just one engine option, but a hybrid version is also being offered, giving it the kind of mechanical variety the Terrain doesn't.

Conclusion

Given how many other midsize SUVs are on the market today, it's not easy to give a stamp of approval on the Terrain. But that's not to say the GMC SUV doesn't deserve it. We like its power. We like how it stays within itself in the aesthetics department. And most of all, we like how GMC packaged it as a rugged SUV that's true to its brand's identity. No flashy, yet ultimately empty promises here, fellas.