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2019 GMC Terrain review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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GMC Terrain highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Comfortable and upscale interior
  • Infotainment touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use

Cons

  • Complete package of driver aids remains optional
  • 1.5-liter turbocharged engine disappoints with power, fuel economy and refinement
  • Less cargo space behind the back seat than in most competitors

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 26 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Available diesel power and upscale appeal define the 2019 GMC Terrain

With an available diesel engine, handsome styling and a stylish interior, the 2019 GMC Terrain brings upscale appeal to the compact SUV class, especially the Denali trim. In addition, the quiet and comfortable interior features modern and easy-to-use technology.

The Terrain’s available diesel engine offers gobs of low-end torque, a difference you can feel pulling away from stoplights or passing on the highway. It also has the best fuel economy of the Terrain’s trio of engines, which includes a standard lackluster 1.5-liter four-cylinder and optional more sporting 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Road trippers will like the Terrain’s firm and supportive front seats and overall quiet, and everyone can enjoy the upscale design of the interior. Cargo space expands with a fold-flat front passenger seat for long items, but note that some interior controls are frustrating to use, like the gear-selector buttons that are oddly placed low on the dash.

All GMC Terrain years

What is new for the 2019 GMC Terrain?

  • Automated Cruise Control and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SLT trim now comes with Full Roof Rack as standard equipment.

2019 GMC Terrain trims

Curious how GMC Terrain trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SL:

  • 170-hp, 203-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • View our GMC Terrain SL inventory

SLE:

  • Includes all features available on the SL
  • 2.0L
  • 137-hp, 240-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
  • 4WD/AWD
  • Power Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Remote Start
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Turbo Diesel Engine
  • View our GMC Terrain SLE inventory

SLT:

Denali:

  • Includes all features available on the SLT
  • 252-hp, 260-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Automated Parking
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Navigation System
  • View our GMC Terrain Denali inventory

GMC Terrain photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 GMC Terrain

What We Like:

Technology: The Terrain’s standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto smartphone integration are a nice addition to its easy-to-use touchscreen interface. Every GMC Terrain also comes standard with four standard USB ports, and higher trim levels add two more. The Terrain also comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward-collision alert, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, and even automatic high beams. However, we suggest looking for models with the optional Driver Alert Package II (SLT and up), which adds adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Interior Comfort: There’s a lot to like for road-trippers inside the Terrain. The front seats are firm and supportive, perfect for long drives, and the side cushions manage to hold you in place without making it hard to get in and out of the vehicle. Add in the overall low noise levels, and the open road beckons.

Cargo Flexibility: While other vehicles in this class offer more cargo space, the Terrain makes up for it with excellent flexibility. The hands-free power tailgate is activated by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper (SLT and up) for easy access. Folding the rear seatbacks expands the cargo area, but the front passenger seat also folds flat to accommodate extra-long items like a surfboard. It even has a hard plastic back to avoid damaging the upholstery.

What Needs Improvement

Interior Controls: We wish the interior’s controls were as well thought out as the rest of the Terrain’s interior. Unfortunately there are multiple examples of awkwardly placed buttons which make them difficult to use. Chief among these are the buttons for the transmission gear selector, which are located low on the dash. While long-term owners will get used to the placement, it’s still a weird stretch to reach.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2019 GMC Terrain is a great vehicle for those looking for a comfortable, stylish, and economical SUV. The Terrain has heated steering wheel, seats, and mirrors, which are great for those living in cold climates. The Terrain also has a sleek exterior and easy to clean interior.
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the GMC Terrain an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks GMC Terrain 11th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC Terrain

GMC Terrain features and specs

Denali 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Parking
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14.9

Wheelbase

107.3"

Overall length

182.3"

Width

72.4"

Height

65.4"

Leg room

F 40.9"/R 39.7"

Head room

F 40"/R 38.5"

Front tires

P235/50R19

Rear tires

P235/50R19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 GMC Terrain FAQ

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