Used 2014 GMC Terrain

Fitting into what might be called the “just-right- size” SUV category, the 5-passenger 2014 GMC Terrain has a rugged-looking truck-like – yet handsome – exterior, a roomy and luxurious interior, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that gives it all-weather capability for snowy days and a choice of two engines, each of which delivers commendably-good fuel economy. It does not offer a 3rd-row seat and it’s not really intended for off-road duties. Still, for the more reasonable uses that most of its owners will require, the Terrain will more than fill the transportation bill. Compared to some of its likely competitors, such as the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda CR-V, the 4-cylinder Terrain has fuel economy ratings around the upper-end of the category, and the optionally-available V6 engine delivers 301 horsepower-worth of performance, yet is still remarkably fuel-efficient.

Occupants of the 2014 GMC Terrain will appreciate the remarkably quiet interior – thorough applications of laminated glass, active noise-cancellation technology and triple-sealed doors have resulted in an almost luxury-car level of quiet, even at highway speeds. The base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder of 182 horsepower that delivers adequate performance along with exemplary fuel economy. Optionally available is a 3.6-liter V6, rated at 301 horsepower, that cranks out plenty of performance for passing or tackling long hills along with commendably-decent fuel economy. Going down the road, the Terrain has a comfortable ride, with predictable steering feel and reassuring directional stability. It might have the looks of a rugged truck, but it has the easy driving manners of a medium-size car.

The Terrain shares a lot with its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Equinox, but comes across as more upscale, with higher-quality materials and a snazzier, more luxurious look that includes satin metal trim and 2-tone leather. Going further, the Terrain Denali includes an 8-way power passenger seat, smoked mahogany trim and French-stitched seams on the upholstery. More details show in the GMC signature instrument panel, with glowing red lighting and backlighting for the control functions – even the USB port is made easier to find at night, thanks to a lighted surround. Another nice touch is a touch-screen radio and sound system that includes icons similar to those on smartphones in order to operate the various functions.

If you want your SUV to look more rugged and truck-like than others in this size category, the GMC Terrain is for you. The strong, angular wheel openings and big grille – with block GMC lettering and capped with a generous piece of chrome – will certainly catch your eye. There are optional 19-inch wheels to fill out those big wheel openings, and on top is a sturdy roof rack for whatever you want to tie down. Also, even though the Terrain looks substantial, it’s not particularly high off the ground, so it’s easy to get in and out and to reach that roof rack, as well.

DISTINCTIVE EXTERIOR
In a world of swoopy compact and mid-size SUVs, the Terrain’s somewhat squared-off styling, with its prominent fender flares and truck-like grille, stands out from the crowd. It might not be for everyone, but we like it.

MOVEABLE 2ND-ROW SEATS
The Terrain’s entire second row can be moved forward or back eight inches, allowing for taller passengers to gain more legroom or for parents to pull kids in car seats significantly closer.

Standard equipment on the base 2014 GMC Terrain includes the 2.4-liter 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, rearview camera, color touch-screen radio, USB port, iPod support, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, six airbags, and the very handy sliding rear seat that can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches. Another nice feature is the Active Noise Cancellation that helps to keep the interior quieter by the projection of sound waves through the speakers to counteract loud and obnoxious exterior noises.

The 2014 GMC Terrain includes most of what you would want as standard, but the options list includes the 3.6-liter V6 engine (which is heartily recommended for those who will be carrying heavier loads or spending long times on the highways) and 19-inch alloy wheels. A 2nd-row entertainment system with two independent screens will keep the kids occupied on long trips. Other options include color touch-screen navigation with IntelliLink, a 10-gigabyte music-storage hard drive, Pioneer audio and a programmable rear liftgate that can be set to open at a desired height. Safety options include Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert, and the Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The GMC Terrain for 2014 offers a choice of two engines: A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder of 182 horsepower or a 3.6-liter V6 of 301 horsepower. Both feature the efficiency benefit of direct fuel injection and are matched to 6-speed automatic transmissions, and both deliver remarkably good fuel-economy numbers. Most drivers will probably find the 4-cylinder entirely adequate around town and, if not too heavily loaded, will appreciate its fuel economy on the highway. But those who carry more or drive in hilly conditions should consider the more-powerful V6, which still has decent fuel economy ratings and is known for smooth, quiet operation.

2.4-liter inline-4 (SLE, SLT, Denali)
182 horsepower @ 6,700 rpm
172 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg (front-wheel drive), 15/22 mpg (E85, front-wheel drive), 20/29 mpg (AWD), 14/20 mpg (E85, AWD)

3.6-liter V6 (SLE-2, SLT, Denali)
301 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
272 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (front-wheel drive, gasoline), 13/22 mpg (front-wheel drive, E85), 16/23 mpg (AWD, gasoline), 12/17 (AWD, E85)