Used 2021 GMC Terrain

The 2021 GMC Terrain has a challenge. Although it’s an arguably handsome compact-crossover SUV offering strong turbocharged engines, a chassis that favors ride comfort over cornering precision (perfectly reasonable in this kind of vehicle) and comes with a decent level of standard equipment, it’s in direct competition with such giants of the class as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Both Japanese rivals have more interior space for passengers and cargo alike.

So GMC pitches its Terrain at the more upscale end of the market, as illustrated by the elegant (for a crossover SUV) styling. And just to top it off, the late-arriving Denali version is the plushest of all the new Terrain models.

Making just 170 horsepower, the 2021 Terrain’s combination of 1.5-liter turbo-4 and 9-speed automatic transmission is best described as adequate. It’s rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Around town or on the highway, the Terrain is comfortable and quiet. Attack a set of curves, and it’s nimble enough to be engaging, as opposed to wildly entertaining. That’s partly thanks to reinforcing up front that makes the steering feel confident. The 2021 Terrain Denali comes with a dedicated suspension setup that’s even more comfortable than the lower trims.

It’s quiet in here. Effective sound insulation, a supple ride, and well-cushioned seats make the 2021 Terrain’s cabin a pleasant environment, even if its design is not as well-considered as the exterior.

A few hard plastics in the lower areas of the dashboard and doors are reminders that this is a mainstream marque, not a luxury one. The embroidered headrests and stitched dashboard covering in the Denali bring a sophisticated air, though.

The rear seats don’t slide or recline, but the front seatback folds for some extra cargo versatility. Luggage space behind the rear seats measures 29.6 cubic feet. Folding them down creates a cargo area of 63.3 cubic feet. Neither figure compares well with the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

Lower trims of the GMC Terrain have simpler designs (but it could be argued, no less attractive), while the Denali is brighter and more ornate, from the grille and front bumper right back to the tail.

Overall, the Terrain sports sharp lines, highly stylized headlights with LED accents, and the current trend of rear pillar treatment that gives the impression of a floating roof.

The SLE and SLT trims are eligible for an Elevated Edition package that includes black-finished 19-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out exterior accents.

STANDARD GMC PRO SAFETY
Standard in every 2021 Terrain, this array of safety features includes forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance/lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

FLEXIBLE CARGO AREA
We hinted at the 2021 Terrain’s relatively smallish cargo area earlier, but it is a smart space, especially with the fold-flat front passenger seat offering extra versatility for carrying longer objects. There’s handy under-floor stowage as well.

At its entry level, which is the SL trim, the 2021 GMC Terrain has the turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. It’s not eligible for all-wheel drive, the more powerful engine, nor several desirable options.

Even so, standard equipment levels include 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, active noise cancellation, active grille shutters, an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, four USB ports, and the GMC Pro Safety package of driver assistance features (see the Safety Technology section below).

The SLE trim comes with a self-dimming rearview mirror and more available options. The SLT adds an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, power-adjustable/heated front seats, leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, and self-dimming side mirrors. Both trims may be ordered with the GMC Pro Safety Plus package (itemized in the Safety Technology section).

GMC’s Denali contains virtually everything as standard that might be optional in the lower trims, such as Bose audio, driver’ s-side memory settings, navigation, 360-degree camera system, and wireless charging. This trim also offers extras like heated outboard rear seats, ventilated front seats, a self-parking feature, and a premium suspension.

A 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, running on regular gasoline, is the sole Terrain engine for 2021. It is linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the standard setup, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional with either engine.

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
170 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
203 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/30 mpg (FWD), 25/28 mpg (AWD)