2023 GMC Terrain Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The GMC Terrain gets a boost to its power output for the 2023 model year. Does that make it competitive for the price?

The GMC Terrain is a compact crossover SUV, notably expensive compared to rivals such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. Though not without merits, it’s a tough proposition in the face of much better values.

What’s New for the 2023 GMC Terrain

For 2023, GMC boosts output of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine from 170 to 175 horsepower, though the 203 pound-feet of torque stay consistent. Last year saw more updates, including refreshed styling inside and out, new wheel designs, and a new off-road AT4 trim with sporty styling, all-terrain tires, and underbody protection.

Design

As far as compact crossovers go, the GMC Terrain looks tougher than most, mainly because of the brand’s signature truck-like front end, a masculine rear, lighting that’s not in the least bit decorative, and purely functional wheel designs. The AT4 takes this to another level with knobbier tires and steel skid plates, while the Denali looks convincingly upscale with finer detailing.

Powertrain

Just one engine is available, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder recently upgraded to 175 horsepower. While not particularly impressive on paper, the 203 pound-feet of torque make up for a lot, giving the Terrain the ability to skip off the line without missing a beat. A nine-speed automatic transmission drives the full lineup, and front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. With FWD, the Terrain earns EPA ratings of 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined; with AWD, the highway rating loses just one mile per gallon.

Interior

Inside, the Terrain has a more affable personality. It’s roomy for the class, with good passenger space in both rows, a 29.6-cubic-foot cargo hold that opens up to a maximum of 63.3 cubic feet, and plenty of storage areas, including a big bin tucked under the cargo floor. Trimmings in the base trims are, well, predictably basic, but the AT4 and Denali offer upgraded upholstery, with a particularly likable caramel color framing the perforated leather on the AT4.

Technology

The 2023 Terrain’s base infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The SLT, AT4, and Denali rims upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen, which opens up availability of natural voice recognition and a premium Bose audio system.

Safety

If there’s a value proposition to be found in the GMC Terrain, it’s in the long list of safety equipment, which includes the GMC Pro Safety Package and its forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and following-distance monitoring. The Denali trim also includes the Pro Safety Plus Package, which can be added to all other trims and features adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-change assist function, rear parking sensors, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat.

Pricing

As of this writing, the GMC Terrain starts at an MSRP of $29,900 for the SLE trim, which is high for the class, and prices only get higher and more out of line with segment expectations from there. The Terrain SLT starts at $33,900, the AT4 trim starts at $36,000, and the Denali starts at $38,600. GMC adds $1,395 for destination across the lineup.