Used 2020 GMC Terrain

#5 in Best Compact SUVs of 2020

The 2020 GMC Terrain has a challenge to face. Although it’s an arguably handsome compact-crossover SUV offering strong turbocharged engines, a chassis that favors ride comfort over cornering precision (as it should be 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 has pitched its Terrain at a particular slice of the market, the more upscale end of things, as illustrated by the elegant (for a crossover SUV) styling. And just to top it off, the Denali version is the most upscale of all the new Terrain models.

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The base 1.5 turbo is best described as adequate. The 2.0-liter gasoline engine is the one to choose, and can even pull 3,500 pounds.

Around town, the Terrain is comfortable and quiet. Attack a set of curves and it’s nimble enough to be engaging, as opposed to wildly entertaining.

It’s quiet in here. Effective sound insulation, a supple ride and well-cushioned seats make the 2020 Terrain’s cabin a pleasant environment, even if its compact SUV 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, not luxury, marque. The embroidered headrests and stitched dashboard covering in the Denali bring an upscale air, though.

The rear seats don’t slide or recline, but the front seatback folds down 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 compact SUV 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 enjoys sharp lines, highly stylized headlights with LED accents, and the current trend of rear-pillar treatment that gives the impression of a floating roof.

STANDARD GMC PRO SAFETY
Standard on every 2020 Terrain, this safety suite includes forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance/lane-departure warning and automatic high beams.

FLEXIBLE CARGO AREA
We hinted at the 2020 Terrain’s smallish cargo (even for a compact SUV)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 2020 GMC Terrain has the turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. It’s not eligible for all-wheel drive, either of the other two engines, 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, infotainment system with Bluetooth phone and music streaming, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, four USB ports and a 7-inch touch screen.

The SLE trim comes with a self-dimming rearview mirror along with the option of driver-assistance features (some of which really ought to be standard at this point). The SLT adds an 8-inch touch screen, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, power-adjustable/heated front seats, leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, and self-dimming side mirrors.

GMC’s Terrain Denali compact SUV 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-device charging. This trim also offers extras such as heated outboard rear seats, ventilated front seats, a self-parking feature, automatic high beams, and a premium suspension.

A choice of two turbocharged gasoline engines endow the 2020 Terrain with either 170 horsepower or 252 horsepower. Not bad for a compact SUV.

The gasoline units can be paired with front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD) and come with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

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: 26/30 mpg (FWD), 25/28 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
252 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg