2017 GMC Terrain Road Test and Review

2017 GMC Terrain ・ Photo by GMC

Our review of the 2017 GMC Terrain compact SUV comes at an ideal time. An all-new 2018 version is entering the marketplace, and many customers may be wondering whether to buy now or wait for a new one. The short answer is that they both have their advantages. However, it’s worth noting that the 2017 edition already offered cutting-edge technologies that some rivals still don’t have, and that’s along with many luxury comforts and a distinctive exterior design that truly stands out from the crowd. The 2017 Terrain is also available in a range-topping Denali trim for an exclusive, upscale ownership experience. New for this year is a stylish Nightfall Edition with blackout-style design cues, and a sophisticated Graphite Grey Metallic exterior finish is now available as well. There is also a definite value benefit for the 2017 Terrain, which is something we’ll get to in this review.

Exterior Design

The bold, angular shape of the 2017 GMC Terrain immediately sets it apart from the competition, and its squared-off wheel arches helped set the tone for many current GMC designs. Up front, most models showcase a modernized example of GMC’s typical three-bar grille, although in the Denali trim, it has a signature honeycomb appearance that complements other Denali-only cues like 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels. Halogen projector-style headlamps are standard, while LED daytime running lamps are among the Terrain’s upgrade options. Customers searching for even more premium cues will find many, including heated exterior mirrors, intricate full-length chrome fascia accents, a power-opening sunroof, and a programmable power liftgate that can be set to stop at specific heights.

The Nightfall Edition is eye-popping, set off by gloss-black and charcoal exterior accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels (also with gloss-black accents), and the previously mentioned LED daytime running lights.

Photo by GMC

Interior Design

The cabin for the 2017 GMC Terrain has a two-row, five-place layout with a number of relatively high-end cues as standard equipment. The seats, for instance, have premium cloth surfaces, and the Terrain takes care of the driver with a chair that provides power height and lumbar adjustments. A multi-function steering wheel, with a contoured rim and stylized four-spoke design, also comes standard. The dashboard then adds to the sophisticated ambiance with a clean, multi-piece design and a modern-looking center-stack interface.

Moving to the uplevel Terrain trims, owners will discover serious luxury touches such as perforated leather seating, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and eight-way power adjustable front seats that also are heated. Moreover, depending on exact model, the Terrain offers its leather cabin in three color themes: Jet Black on Jet Black, Jet Black with Light Titanium, and Jet Black with a rich brown Saddle shade.

But not only is the Terrain’s interior attractive, it’s also impressively functional.

Photo by GMC

Interior Versatility

An important reason that customers prefer SUVs is that sport-utilities provide more storage and seating versatility than a comparable car. In the 2017 GMC Terrain, that includes a standard Multi-Flex second-row that can be shifted fore and aft by eight inches, to optimize either rear storage or back-seat legroom. In terms of second-row headroom, the Terrain has more of it than competitors like the 2017 Nissan Rogue.

For cargo-carrying purposes, the 2017 Terrain has 31.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and if that 60/40 split bench is folded, capacity expands to 63.9 cubic feet.

GMC also serves up a variety of smaller storage spaces throughout both rows, including an especially deep multilevel bin hidden beneath the center armrest and dual-level cubbies carved out of the interior door panels. For customers curious about the cup holder count, there are eight in total.

Photo by GMC

Safety Technology and Ratings

The 2017 GMC Terrain also meets the steadily increasing customer demand for advanced driver-assistance technology. A rearview camera is standard, and as we’ll detail below, the standard display for that camera is a generous seven inches. In addition, GMC further supports driver confidence with two Driver Alert Packages: the first one bundles side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, and the second one brings forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. GMC doesn't skimp on the basics either, as all of the Terrains have standard electronic stability control, traction control, and rollover-mitigation technology.

Of those features, the Terrain’s camera system and forward-collision/lane-departure alerts are among the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Recommended Safety Technologies.”

As for NHTSA’s actual safety ratings, the Terrain matches rivals like the 2017 Nissan Rogue by earning a 4 Star Overall Safety Score, with 4 Stars for frontal-crash protection, 5 Stars for side-crash protection, and 4 Stars in the test for rollover roof strength.

Photo by GMC

Infotainment Technology

High on customer wish-lists is infotainment technology, and the 2017 GMC Terrain has that covered. As previously mentioned, the standard touchscreen/rearview-camera display measures seven inches in the Terrain, and to put that into context, the 2017 Ford Escape comes with a standard 4.2-inch screen without touch capability.

Another advantage in the Terrain is the standard 4G mobile wifi hotspot which features a complimentary three-month, three-gigabyte trial data package. The only vehicle in the segment that shares that technology for 2017 is the Terrain’s Chevrolet Equinox corporate cousin.

GMC has other significant standard content for the Terrain includes Bluetooth for both hands-free calling and audio streaming, plus six audio speakers.

Filling out the technology options are features such as navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio/NavTraffic/Travel Link, integration with Pandora and Stitcher online audio resources, and a premium Pioneer audio system.

Photo by GMC

Standard Engine Option

Though many automakers only supply a single engine choice in this segment, the 2017 GMC Terrain offers two, each with its own distinct benefits.

The standard engine is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder unit from GM’s proven Ecotec family. Incorporating variable valve timing and direct injection, this is the more fuel-efficient engine and can post an EPA line of 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway/25 mpg combined. That’s competitive for the segment and compares to a rival like the 2017 Toyota RAV4 at 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.

At the same time, the Terrain’s standard engine also delivers output ratings near the top of the class. Drivers enjoy 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque to be exact, which is enough for a 1,500-lb. tow rating. GMC also furnishes a standard six-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system for both engines.

Photo by GMC

Upgrade Engine Option

If higher levels of performance are desired, the 2017 GMC Terrain can be ordered with a 3.6-liter V6 that tops the segment in horsepower. Backed by direct injection and a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine can unleash 301 horses and 272 lb.-ft. of torque. An apt comparison here is to the 2017 Ford Escape with its available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, and although the Blue Oval product does have three more lb.-ft. of torque, the Terrain has 56 more horsepower. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan? They don’t sell high-performance optional engines at all with their compact SUVs.

Needless to say, this is something worth keeping in mind if your plans involve a lot of towing since the V6 Terrain can pull up to 3,500 lbs. and that other trio tops out at 1,500 lbs. EPA ratings for the Terrain’s more robust engine start at 17/24/20.

Photo by GMC

Pricing and Value

Despite its "Professional Grade" positioning, the 2017 GMC Terrain opens with an MSRP that’s right in the sweet spot for the segment beginning at $24,070. The Terrain falls comfortably between the 2017 Ford Escape, with a little less content and a cost of $23,750, and the 2017 Toyota RAV4, with a bit more content and a higher price of $24,410.

Shoppers also should remember that the Terrain’s standard rearview camera, a seven-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth connectivity make it suitable for many folks without the need for any extra-cost add-ons.

But the real value play for the Terrain will come the closer we get to the end of the calendar year. By then, inventory for the all-new 2018 Terrain will have ramped up and dealers will no doubt be heavily incentivized to move out the 2017 models. Which, as should be clear by now, have plenty to offer in their own right.

Photo by GMC

The Verdict

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive, and the latest entries can boast an amazing array of equipment. Indeed, the upcoming next-gen Terrain continues to raise the bar with available Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and even more driver-assistance technology. While the current GMC Terrain may not be quite as well equipped at the upper end, it nonetheless delivers obvious benefits over the 2017 competition—like mobile Wi-Fi and a V6 engine. When you also consider the expected value proposition after the 2018 model arrives, the 2017 Terrain has almost everything it needs to go out on a high note.

Photo by GMC