Showcasing a unique square-jawed exterior body design, the GMC Terrain is an absolute favorite among the Crossover lovers. Carrying over its 8-year legacy, the GMC Terrain has seen some tremendous response user response in the US. What makes it this popular amongst the buyers? Well that optional monstrous V6 and that General Motors reliability.
With a base price of $24,070, the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV highly impresses with its quiet and comfortable ride quality and its active driving dynamics. Furthermore, its roomy rear seats and powerful optional engines make it a complete SUV. The standard 7-inch infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and represents the luxurious interiors that you can expect from any Crossover SUV.
You get two engine options with the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV - the standard 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a common 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard.
The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard in all the trims of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV. Other than that, with the SLE-2, SLT and Denali trims, you get the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine. The 6-speed automatic transmission is coupled with both the engines. All the trims have Front Wheel Drive as a standard system but with the base SL trim, you get an optional All Wheel Drive system.
It's not just the good looks that make the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV an all-round performer. Even without the looks, the two engine options drive the Terrain exceptionally well. The 2.4 liter inline-4 engine has direct injection which helps it to generate a horsepower of 182 and torque of 172 pound-feet. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive coupled with the inline-4 engine makes the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV ideal for both urban runabouts and long-distance cruises.
As for the 3.6-liter V6 engine lifts the overall output and performance of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV with its muscular burble and generates 301 horsepower and 272 pound feet of torque.
Among the four, the Honda CR-V LX manages to claim the podium with the highest horsepower of 184 at 6400 rpm and torque of 180 pound-feet at 3900 rpm. The 2017 GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox L share the similar engine performance of 182 horsepower at 6700 rpm and torque of 172 pound-feet at 4900 rpm. The Toyota RAV4 LE falls behind with the least powerful engine making only 176 horsepower even after carrying the largest engine of the lot.
Both the engines of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV have minimal turbo lag in spite of generating plenty power. The 6-speed automatic transmission makes best use of the low-end torque to achieve an acceleration that is highly impressive for an SUV.
Furthermore, the optional 3.6-liter engine kicks up the performance by reaching to the 60 MPH mark in a whopping 6 seconds.
In spite of having the least powerful engine among the four, the Toyota RAV4 LE manages to clinch the best timing for reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 8.3 seconds. The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV and the Honda CR-V LX share a similar timing of 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph from the halt. The Chevrolet Equinox however isn't seen to put up an impressive performance and manages to reach the 60 MPH mark in 9.3 seconds.
Over the quarter mile, things change up a little bit as the GMC Terrain compensates for its initial slow start and covers the distance the fastest in just 16.5 seconds. The Honda and Toyota end up with a similar timing of 16.7 seconds whereas the Chevrolet Equinox continues to struggle being the slowest and covering the quarter mile distance in 17 seconds.
In terms of emissions, the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV and the Chevrolet has the highest emission ratings with the Honda is the least emitting of the four.
The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV is reputed among its passenger as it provides a comfortable and noise-free ride. The responsive suspension is a boon for long drives on the highway. Quite interestingly, the two engines operate with two different steering systems. With the 2.4 liter inline-4-cylinder engine you get a new electric power steering that is really helpful in saving fuel and the 3.6 liter V6 engine get a hydraulic steering system.
Bringing the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV to a halt irrespective of any speed is a smooth and hassle-free experience, thanks to its acutely designed brake pedals that applies brakes to all the four wheel disc brakes progressively.
Featuring the biggest front and rear brakes along with the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV, the Chevrolet is the fastest to bring the car at halt from 60 mph at a distance of 116 feet. Falling short by just a foot, the Honda also has impressive braking. The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV has a decent stopping distance of 122 feet when coming down from 60 to 0 mph. last but not the least, the Toyota RAV4 has the least effective stopping power as it brings the car at halt by covering a distance of 125 feet, decelerating from 60 mph.
The base 2.4 liter inline-4 cylinder engine of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV manages to achieve respectable fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg in cities, 31 mpg in highways and 25 mpg combined which is no small feat for an SUV. All credit goes the engine's busy direct fuel injection system and the available "Eco" button that cuts off the unnecessary accessory controls to reduce the power usage and holds on to the torque converter quicker. These fuel-saving tricks come really handy in keeping the economy rating at check.
The optional 3.6 liter V6 engine of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV is all about its powerful output and towing capacities and thus, understandably, compromises with the economy ratings being 17 mpg in the cities, 24 mpg in the highways and 20 mpg combined.
Housing the most powerful engine among the four, the Honda CR surprises its rivals with outstanding fuel economy ratings of 26 mpg in the cities, 32 mpg in the highways and 28 mpg combined. The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV and the Chevrolet Equinox once again share similar stats in fuel economy as well - 21 mpg in the cities, 31 mpg in the highways and 25 mpg combined. However the Toyota outperforms both of them in cities and combined with a better rating of 23 mpg and 26 mpg respectively while it suffers in the highways with 30 mpg.
The largely accommodating and spacious interiors of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV is somewhat compromised by the usage of low quality build materials. Both the front and rear seats are very supportive and comes with a standard 60/40 split folding rear bench seat.
For front passengers, the Chevrolet has the most generous headroom while the Toyota dominates the legroom area in spite of having the least headroom same as the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV, which has the least legroom like the Chevrolet.
In terms of rear passengers, the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV along with the Honda and the Chevrolet enjoy the most spacious headroom while the Toyota lacks behind. As for the legroom, the Honda manages to surpass the rest while the Toyota continues to suffer.
The infotainment system of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV is easy to operate and responds instantly to commands and has added benefits like logical menus, clearer graphics and the modern in-car connectivity features. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You get a 7-inch touch screen and an optional 8-inch screen with the SLT and Denali trims along with the in-dash navigation system.
The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV has an expertise in loading luggage of various sizes because of its standard 60/40 split folding rear seats and the availability of a flat-folding front seat.
With the rear seats up, the Honda is seen to be able to house the most cargo volume of 39.2 cubic feet followed by the Toyota with 38.4 cubic feet. The Chevrolet is the least accommodating with the lowest of 31.5 cubic feet; neither does the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV with a close 31.6 cubic feet of trunk volume.
When the rear seats are folded, there is no change in the capacities with Honda maintain the top position with an increased volume of 75.8 cubic feet and the Toyota coming next with 73.4 cubic feet. The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV does a little better than the least spacious Chevrolet with 63.9 cubic feet and 63.7 cubic feet of storage space respectively.
The powerful 3.6 liter V6 engine of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV contributes significantly towards it towing capabilities and it manages to pull an extra weight of 1500 pounds behind its back.
The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV along with the Honda and the Toyota share the similar towing capacity of 1500 pounds.
The exterior of the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV is represented by its blocky designs and makes it stand out among the crowd. The dimensions are inclined towards that of an average compact crossover.
The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV enjoys fairly balanced dimensions other than being the heaviest among the four and has the largest wheel base same as the Chevrolet. The Honda is the lightest and shortest and shares a similar broadest width with the Chevrolet and the least wheelbase with the Toyota, which is the least wide and has the least ground clearance and track width. The Chevrolet is the longest among the four and has the highest ground clearance, largest wheelbase and track width as the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV.
The active safety features in the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV along with its Driver Alert I and Driver Alert II packages ensure the safe and sound ride experience keeping the vehicle secure from any danger.
The extremely versatile and highly competent Honda CR-V LX has been a reliable choice for the SUV lovers. the supportive seats adds to the firm yet relaxed ride quality and complements its roomy, good looking and quiet interiors. The 2.4 liter 4 cylinder base engine and a 1.5 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine are the powertrain options you can choose from. The engines are supported by the Continuously Variable Transmission system which sends power to the standard front wheel drive system; an optional all wheel drive system is also available. In comparison with the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV, the Honda has a better engine performance, fairly equal acceleration, better braking statistics and a much improved fuel economy. It also impresses with its spacious interiors and cargo storage area.
The trademark sharply creased body design with angled headlamps gives the Toyota RAV4 LE a unique presence and the praises don't just stop there. It's a very practical and easygoing utility vehicle which doesn't compromise with its ride quality. It derives its power from a 2.5 liter inline-4 cylinder engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission sending power to either a front wheel or all wheel drive system. You can opt between a 6.1-inch and a 7-inch infotainment screen. Up against the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV, the engine performance is weak\t and it does compensate with its acceleration and needs some work with its braking. The fuel economy is better and the interiors spacing can be a little compromising. However, there's nothing to complain about the huge trunk space.
If the quiet interiors and practical cabin design makes the Chevrolet Equinox L a good deal, it is the well-balanced chassis that makes it an instant favorite. You get to chose from there engine choices - the 1.5 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder and the 1.6 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engines coupled with the 6-speed automatic transmission; the 2 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder with a 9-speed transmission is for those who desire an enhanced performance. The 7-inch touch screen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard while you can opt for the 8-inch screen as well. active safety features like lane keeping assist and automated emergency braking make it a complete crossover. When compared with the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV, we find many similarities related to engine performance, fuel economy, interior spacing and cargo volume as well. However, the Chevrolet has a slower acceleration but better braking statistics.
The 2017 GMC Terrain SUV is a complete compact crossover SUV in its own terms and doesn't disappoint the buyers who are investing the amount. It does need some improvement when it comes to competing with its market rivals and what's make it more difficult is the similar price range. Thus, our final word on the 2017 GMC Terrain SUV is that it's a good vehicle and can become even better with few tweaks.
Quite a sluggish feel with the 4-cylinder engine.
Nightfall appearance package in black trim.