2020 GMC Terrain Reviews, Pricing & Specs

GMC released the second generation of its compact Terrain crossover in 2018. For 2020, it gets a few updates. It competes with the Honda...

GMC released the second generation of its compact Terrain crossover in 2018. For 2020, it gets a few updates. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

You’ll find one of three engines in every Terrain. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder unit that makes 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. If you desire more performance, GMC offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder good for 252 hp and 260 lb-ft. Both of those engines pair with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive (FWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The 1.5-liter engine with FWD is rated for 26 mpg city, 30 highway, and 27 combined, while the 2.0-liter with FWD achieves 22/28/24. But the efficiency champion in the lineup is a turbocharged 1.6-liter diesel inline 4-cylinder engine, packing 137 hp and 240 lb-ft. It pairs to a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes in either FWD or AWD. Fuel-economy ratings for the diesel ring in at 28/39/32.

Last year’s SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims return to the roster for 2020. The base SL trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless access and start, a 6-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capability, and a 7-inch infotainment system. Other trims add leather, a sunroof, wireless charging, power seats, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, larger wheels, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Several appearance packages are also available. The former Black Edition package, now called the Elevation Edition package, includes black mirror caps, black exterior trim, and 19-inch painted black wheels.

For 2020, the Terrain comes standard with GMC Pro Safety. It bundles forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, a following-distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Other options include adaptive cruise control, lane-change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a safety alert seat, which vibrates to indicate cross-traffic. The Terrain achieved excellent crash-prevention scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but a “poor” headlight rating. It also earned a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The improved GMC Terrain continues to be a solid choice for anyone looking for a 5-passenger compact crossover.