GMC has pulled the covers off its all-new, 2018 Terrain. It follows the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox into a new generation of GM’s small crossover, with both sharing the same platform, same three engine options, and advanced safety systems. This is no hacked-up badge-engineering job, however. The GMC is definitely more premium thanks to its upscale, avant-garde styling, and classy interior with high-end materials. The Terrain even adopts a push-button gearshift to free up center console space. And yes, GM’s new 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder is available and the Denali continues as the range-topping trim.

The Terrain will remain a two-row crossover with a transversely mounted engine powering the front wheels or all four wheels. That’s where the connection to the outgoing Terrain stops. Nearly everything from the lug nuts up is new, including its D2XX platform.

Outside, the Terrain is said to expand on GMC’s new design language ushered in by the 2017 Acadia. Sharp lines, crisp angles, and premium details help separate the GMC apart form its GM cousins and anything else in the compact crossover segment. The Terrain is offered in four trim levels – the SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. GMC expects the Denali trim to continue its respected 25-percent take rate among buyers. Like other GMC models, different grille designs and wheel options will separate the trim levels, with the Denali getting the iconic cheese-grater chrome grille and large 22-inch chrome wheels.

Helen Emsley, executive director of Global GMC Design, said, “It is a striking design with functional beauty. There’s confidence and optimism in its stance, with exceptional attention to detail that speaks to GMC’s rise as a premium brand.”

As for powertrains, a 170-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder is the entry-level engine. A 2.0-liter turbo four offers more grunt, at 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping engine is the new 1.6-liter turbodiesel. It makes 136 horsepower and a respectable 236 pound-feet of torque. While it’s less powerful than the 2.0-liter, it is expected to earn a higher EPA fuel economy rating. The two gasoline four-cylinders come mated to a nine-speed automatic, while the turbodiesel get a six-speed automatic.

AWD models can be switched into FWD mode for fuel savings, or left in automatic AWD mode, which detects slippery conditions and automatically activates the rear axle for added traction.

Inside, the GMC offers a spacious and well-conceived interior with a very functional layout. The traditional shift lever was ditched in favor of a push-button sifter located low on the center stack. Dual-zone climate controls, heated and cooled front seats, and GMC’s latest IntelliLink infotainment system software are all present.

Safety systems include GMC’s Surround Vision camera system, Forward Collision Alert, Low-Speed Forward Auto Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and GM’s Safety Alert driver seat.

Continue reading for more about the 2018 GMC Terrain

Why It Matters

The Terrain is an important vehicle for GMC, especially in these days of SUV and crossovers dominating the market. Folks are clambering to two- and three-row unibody crossovers and dumping sedans for the larger interior volume, higher ride height, and perceived safety and utility.

GMC says it has sold more than 700,000 Terrains in North America since it went on sale for the 2009 model year. That’s impressive seeing as that was directly in the Great Recession and that the Terrain has see few updates to reflect current market demands since then.

GMC will undoubtedly be better off with this new model filling company coffers with much-needed profits. And by the looks of things, the new Terrain should sell very well. GMC expects to have the 2018 Terrain in dealer showrooms by the summer of 2017.