2020 GMC Terrain review
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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Upscale styling and a comfortable interior highlight 2020 GMC Terrain
With premium styling and a comfortable interior, the 2020 GMC Terrain aims for a slightly more upscale feel in the compact SUV class, especially the Denali trim. In conjunction with the ruggedly handsome exterior and comfy interior is modern and easy-to-use technology.
If you like road trips, the Terrain’s firm and supportive front seats and overall quiet ride make long drives a breeze. The upscale interior has a stitched dash and touches like separate heating controls for the seat bottom and seatback. The cargo space is augmented by a hands-free power hatch and a front passenger seat that folds flat for long items. Note that some interior controls are frustrating to use, like the gear-selector buttons that are oddly placed low on the dash.
For 2020, GMC dropped the diesel engine option, leaving the standard 1.5-liter and optional 2.0-liter gasoline engines. Of the two, we prefer the bigger 2.0-liter thanks to its more generous power, and the fuel economy penalty is a small price to pay to avoid the sluggish base engine.
All GMC Terrain years
What is new for the 2020 GMC Terrain?
- Terrain trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
- The SL trim now comes with Power Seat(s) as standard equipment.
2020 GMC Terrain trims
SL
The base trim includes power-adjustable heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and more.
SLE
Similar to the SL, but adds access to optional packages like Driver Convenience, Infotainment, and Driver Alert packages.
SLT
Adds leather upholstery as well as an eight-inch touchscreen, power driver seat, and dual-zone climate control.
Denali
The top-trim Terrain includes all of the features of the other trim levels plus a french-stitched leather interior, a heated leather steering wheel, burnished aluminum accents, a Denali premium suspension, LED headlights with signature lighting, and more.
GMC Terrain photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 GMC Terrain
What We Like:
Technology: The standard touchscreen interface has big icons and is easy to use, but what’s better is that every GMC Terrain comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration and four standard USB ports. 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 Pro Safety Plus package, which adds adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Interior Comfort: We like the firm and supportive seats, and the fact that the side cushions manage to hold you in place without making it hard to get in and out of the vehicle. Combined with the overall low noise levels, the Terrain makes a good choice for road trippers.
Cargo Flexibility: It’s true that other vehicles in this class offer more cargo space, but the Terrain makes up for it with excellent flexibility. Sweep a foot under the rear bumper to activate the hands-free power tailgate (SLT and up) for easy access, and once inside the rear seatbacks fold flat for added capacity. The best trick is the fold-flat front passenger seat, which can 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 like the interior’s comfort, without question. But it’s hampered by controls that are awkwardly placed and difficult to use. Primary among these is the transmission gear selector, which is a series of four buttons located low on the dash. While long-term owners will get used to the placement, it’s still a stretch to reach.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 GMC Terrain, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a great midsize crossover that seats up to seven and comes with lots of cool features. The 2017 model year started the Acadia's second generation and the SUV got a bunch of upgrades. Choose from the standard 193-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder, or opt for the 3.6L V6 which is good for 310 horsepower. Both powertrain options are available with all-wheel drive. Start with the 2019 Acadia base model SL/SLE-1 or move up the trim levels to the upgraded SLE-2 which adds standard features like an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, and a remote vehicle starter system. The All-Terrain trim adds standard AWD and then you can step up to the more luxurious SLT-1 and SLT-2, both with standard leather seating, or opt for the cool Acadia Black Edition or the top of the line Acadia Denali. The GMC Acadia lineup has something for everyone.
With seating for five, the Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, great handling, and plenty of cargo space. 2017-2021 models have 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which opens up to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Base trims are powered by a 170-hp 1.5L inline-four engine; a 252-hp 2.0L turbo-four and a 137-hp turbodiesel 1.6L engine are available as options.
Standard features on the 2017-2021 Chevrolet Equinox include:
Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration
Rear-seat reminder
17-inch alloy wheels
Heated side mirrors
This good-looking SUV has plenty of luxury touches throughout and the available all-wheel drive makes it a great companion if you regularly have to tackle rain and snow. As standard on 2019–2020 models, you'll find great features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
The 2017–2020 Buick Encore has these standard features, and more:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Tinted rear glass
LED daytime running lights
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Ratings & reliability
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 TerrainGMC Terrain features and specs
SLT 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- 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
- Automated Cruise Control
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- BOSE Sound System
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear View Camera
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
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
P225/60R18
Rear tires
P225/60R18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 GMC Terrain FAQ
The 2020 GMC Terrain is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SLT: 26 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- SLT: 28 MPG City and 39 MPG Highway
- Denali: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- SL: 26 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- SLE: 28 MPG City and 39 MPG Highway
- SLE: 26 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
The GMC Terrain received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the GMC Terrain as 10 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2020 GMC Terrain has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 GMC Terrain, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 GMC Terrain Reviews.
The 2020 GMC Terrain has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2020 GMC Terrain:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Seat(s)
More about the 2020 GMC Terrain
Color options
Exterior colors
Blue Emerald Metallic
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Graphite Gray Metallic
Quicksilver Metallic
Red Quartz Tintcoat
Satin Steel Metallic
Smokey Quartz Metallic
Summit White
White Frost Tricoat
Interior details
The 2020 GMC Terrain is available with lots of great interior features:
Base SL and SLE models feature premium cloth seating with four-way manual adjustment for the front seats.
SLT and Denali trim levels feature perforated leather seating while front passenger seats are both heated.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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