2023 GMC Terrain: All-New GMC Terrain Small SUV Ultimate Review

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2023 GMC Terrain we understand inventory crunch is real, prices for new and used cars are very high, and you might be considering a vehicle from a brand you may not have bought before.

If this describes you, and your search for the perfect Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 is coming to an end, you might be eyeing the 2023 GMC Terrain as an acceptable replacement.

Keep going, mate. Despite a few tech updates and a bit of restyling last year, the Terrain’s many weaknesses keep it from being a high-end or even mid-range competitor in the small SUV segment.

The only engine available was underpowered and thirsty, and seating and driving comfort were well below class standards. The only saving grace is the aforementioned upgrade to the tech interface.

In 2022, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are added to the standard feature list, and options including a high-definition 360-degree camera and a new head-up display are available. Not all of Terrain’s major competitors offer this feature.

2023 GMC Terrain Review

GMC Terrain 2023 The GMC Terrain 2023 is a 5-seater compact SUV that stays fresh from a recent redesign which, among other updates, includes the addition of an off-road-themed AT4 trim to the lineup. For this reason, we don’t think Terrain 2023 will bring any major changes or major updates.

2023 GMC Terrain

With a bold new exterior – including a massive front grille flanked by eye-catching LED headlights – and a long lineup of standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Terrain works hard to stand out in busy terrain that includes the Honda CR-V. , Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, and Nissan Rogue, to name a few.

Powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 170 horsepower to the front wheels or all four, if all-wheel-drive (AWD) is added, Medan doesn’t shy away from the competition with a powerhouse performance. For all the speed devil SUV buyers out there, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

On the other hand, the Terrain’s modest acceleration is offset by some excellent fuel economy figures. Many SUV buyers will be happier with better MPG than the acceleration rate of a sports car.

The roomy cabin and user-friendly infotainment system are complemented by some cheesy-looking plastic trim here and there, along with the awkward push-button shifter controls located on the dashboard. They weren’t hard to figure out, but the horizontal arrangement was very odd.

The 2023 Terrain’s cargo space isn’t as cheap as the Terrain’s ample passenger space, despite competing with many rivals.

Read next: 2024 GMC Terrain: The New GMC Terrain 5-Passenger Compact SUV Review

2023 GMC Terrain Redesign

The last time the GMC Terrain Redesign was in 2022. The SUV arrived for the model year with updated styling, wireless smartphone compatibility, new AT4 trim, and updates to the SUV powertrain lineup.

After the recent update, we believe the upcoming GMC Terrain 2023 will be the default model. The SUV is expected to be redesigned in 2024.

For 2022, GMC is updating the Terrain design. The SUV received reshaped headlights, revised taillights, and a new front fascia. The new wheel design completes the changes. Terrain currently uses C-shaped headlights that are next to the large grille.

Along the sides, this SUV has a solid body cover and clear windows on the C pillar to give the body an elongated appearance. The C-shaped taillights give the Terrain a cohesive look. The GMC Terrain 2023 should retain the same overall design as the current SUVs on sale.

The current Terrain interior features a hands-on design inspired by GMC trucks. Large rotary knobs, clearly labeled buttons, and a simple design make the cab easy to use.

The center console also houses a push button for the transmission, which creates more storage compartments on the center console. The Terrain has low-quality materials and rugged plastic that makes the SUV not feel like a high-end option.

As a carryover model, the Terrain 2023 will have the same interior design as the 2022 model.

On the tech front, we expect the GMC Terrain 2023 to be available with the same features as the current model sold.

That means a seven-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi hot spots, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and six audio speakers will be standard. Available features include an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose seven-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad.

Just like the current Terrain on sale, the 2023 model is expected to be available with a single powertrain. The SUV should come standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque.

A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive. The terrain is available with an all-wheel drive as an option.

GMC offers current Terrain with forwarding collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane guard assistance, pedestrian detection, Teen Driver system and automatic high beam assist as standard equipment.

Available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, lane change alert, park assistance, heads-up display, and adaptive cruise control.

2023 GMC Terrain AT4

Usually, when you think of the GMC Terrain, aspects like its comfort, upscale interior, ample seating and cargo storage, impressive fuel economy ratings, and easy-to-use infotainment system spring to mind.

2023 GMC Terrain

South Dakota car buyers can expect the following changes and improvements this season:

  • The first GMC Terrain AT4 model
  • Updated front fascia with new front grille design across SLE/SLT, AT4, and Denali trims
  • LED headlights and LED taillights with a new look
  • Three new Terrain exterior colors
  • New 18-inch and 19-inch wheel design
  • Updated Terrain interior with new fabrics and trims

The first-ever GMC Terrain AT4 is a rugged crossover that fits perfectly into the unforgiving landscape of Mount Rushmore State.

With off-road-inspired design elements and advanced technology, this SUV is definitely worth the wait! Car buyers in the Mitchell area can expect the following features:

  • 17-inch Gloss Black Painted Aluminum Wheels
  • AT4-Exclusive Goodyear ® Sport Terrain Tire
  • Front Steel Skid Plate
  • Black Chrome Exterior Accents and Finishes
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
  • Traction Selection System
  • Unique AT4 interior
  • Heated Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • GMC Pro Standard Security
  • New Head-Up View Available
  • High Definition Surround Vision Available

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2023 GMC Terrain Colors

Customizing your GMC Terrain is half the fun of owning this rugged crossover and there are plenty of options. The new Terrain is available in four different trim levels, including the SLE, 2023 GMC Terrain SLT, AT4, and Denali.

In addition, this SUV offers South Dakota drivers more than eight accessory packages such as the Elevation Edition, GMC Pro Safety Plus, and the Hit the Road Package. But the most pressing question about this SUV.

  • Summit White
  • Quicksilver Metallic
  • Ebony Twilight Metallic
  • Marine Metallic
  • Cayenne Red Tintcoat
  • Desert Sand Metallic (AT4 exclusive)
  • White Frost Tricoat
  • Hunter Metallic (Denali exclusive)

2023 GMC Terrain Price

Look for the GMC Terrain 2023 in the base SLE trim starting at around $29,000. Given the many comforts and safety features that come standard on the base model, it’s not unreasonable to suggest many SUV buyers will stop at this point.

Only one engine and transmission are offered in Terrain 2023, so powertrain options are limited to choosing front or all-wheel drive. Adding AWD to the base Terrain pushed the price up to around $1,600.

At the top of the Terrain lineup, the all-terrain-focused AT4 starts at around $34,000, while the high-end 2023 GMC Terrain Denali model rings around $37,000.

2023 GMC Terrain Release Date

GMC will start taking initial orders in late June with production set to begin in late August, according to fleet production data. We expect the SUV to arrive at dealerships before the end of 2022.

With no changes expected, the 2023 GMC Terrain should be in the same price range as the current model being sold. Prices for Terrain should range from $29,095 to $37,795 including destinations.


Preceding Part

The New GMC Terrain 2023 compact crossover SUV comes with a fresh face, more standard safety features, and an off-road-oriented AT4 trim. Although the light refresh was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, GMC didn’t reveal many specifics about the New GMC Terrain that will be on sale at dealerships earlier this summer.

The AT4 trim completes the Terrain lineup and now means that every GMC vehicle can be had with off-road cosmetics.

The 2023 GMC Terrain is equipped with a black chrome grille and fog lamp surrounds, as well as larger black alloy wheels and front skid plates that define the trim that was first launched on the 2019 GMC Sierra pickup truck.

The rest include the SLE, SLT, and top Denali trim models that sit above the AT4. The base SL model has been discontinued, so we expect an initial price above the current SLE of $32,000. The SLE and SLT can be had with the Elevation edition which has more subtle elements than other models; GMC did not reveal what that would mean for Medan.

2023 GMC Terrain Review

2023 GMC Terrain Adds Rugged-Looking AT4 Variant, More Technology GMC Terrain adds a new AT4 variant, which brings an off-road-oriented look and more prominent tires to the compact SUV.

Although last year we got a peek at the new GMC Terrain AT4, the coronavirus pandemic forced GM to delay its official launch. But it looks like things have now ironed out for the brand, as the new 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 is officially the last (and newest) model in GMC’s lineup to get an off-road-oriented package.

In addition to the new variant, the Terrain gets a midcycle update in all four trims SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, adding a fresh look and more technology.

Living up to GMC’s promise to expand the AT4 badge across its lineup, the Terrain AT4 has a rugged look that other variants don’t have. But that’s about it, as the only hardware added is the front steel skid plate.

From our review a while ago, we also noted more prominent tires, which makes sense for an SUV like this. We liked the dark details like the alloy wheels and mirror caps, but we wanted to see more off-road components to match the look.

2023 GMC Terrain Redesign

The All-New 2023 GMC Terrains get a wider grille, as well as the redesigned front fascia, headlights, and taillights for a sharper look. The lower trim gets 18-inch wheels, while the top-spec model comes with 19-inch wheels.

Like the AT4, the Denali gets a unique grille that adds lots of chrome and a more elegant design.

Inside, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board, and Amazon Alexa comes to the infotainment system, which we’ve praised in the past. Denali models get an 8.0-inch driver information display and a new heads-up display; the latter is available in SLT and AT4 trims.

Regardless of the variant, the 170-hp, 203-lb-ft 1.5-liter turbocharged L-4 will propel all Terrain; the nine-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive send power to the front or rear wheels.

Like other models like the Chevrolet Equinox, the Terrain dropped the 2.0-liter turbo-four and doesn’t look like it’s coming back for 2022. We’ll probably have to wait a few more months to see if GMC decides. to add an optional factory to the lineup, but for now, the 1.5-liter turbo is the only engine.

GMC Pro Safety, a group of safety technologies, comes as standard equipment for Terrain 2022. Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane guard assistance, forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, distance following indicator, and automatic high beam are part of the package.

The SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims will hit dealerships this summer, while the Denali models will arrive in the fall. The Elevation special edition will return to the SLE and SLT trims. Prices for all models will be announced closer to the sale date.

2023 GMC Terrain

2023 GMC Terrain Overview

  • What: the all-new GMC Terrain compact crossover utility vehicle that will represent the third generation of the nameplate, after the second-generation Terrain was introduced in 2017
  • When: we expect the next GMC Terrain to be launched within the calendar year 2023 as a model year vehicle 2023
  • Why: The all-new Terrain is very important to GMC, as it remains a best-seller for brands in the competitive and profitable mainstream compact crossover segment.
  • Where: sold in all current markets where Terrain is currently sold, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East

Some of our expectations about GMC Terrain in the future:

  • Based on the new GM VSS-F platform, bringing new foundations and engineering
  • All-new exterior design, available in a four-door crossover body style
  • All-new interior design
  • Enhanced interior comfort and convenience
  • Next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system inclusion
  • Introduction of more GM Active Safety features and technologies
  • Introduction of the new powertrain range
  • We look forward to the upcoming GMC Terrain Body Style which will continue to be available as a compact four-door crossover.

We expect the next-generation GMC Terrain Platform to drive the GM VSS-F platform (vehicle regulatory strategy) that is shared with all future GM front-drive cars and crossovers.

We expect the next GMC Terrain Powertrain to feature a new powertrain, including a new engine and transmission set.

Read next: 2023 GMC Acadia: The New GMC Acadia Mid-Size Luxury SUV Details

2023 Terrain Exterior

The modest exterior upgrade of the 2023 GMC Terrain comes with a revised perforated grille, thicker LED headlights and taillights, and a lower grille that better integrates the fog lamps. It comes with a new 18 or 19-inch wheel design; The Terrain 2021 SL comes with 17-inch wheels.

2023 Terrain Interior

Interior upgrades should be more visible. The standard 7.0-inch touchscreen now comes with wireless smartphones and Amazon Alexa compatibility, and every Terrain is equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, and automatic headlights.

On the Denali trim to be released later this year, a new heads-up display becomes standard, as does the 8.0-inch digital vehicle info display.

2023 Terrain Engine

The 2023 GMC Terrain engine is expected to get even better with an upgrade powered by a 170-hp 1.5-liter turbo-4 that produces 203 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels or the available all-wheel drive.

2023 Terrain AT4 Off-Road

General Motors in early 2020 unveiled an updated GMC Terrain complete with an available AT4 off-road class, which will hit showrooms last year as a 2021 model.

2023 GMC Terrain

Then the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic hit and vehicles were put at the back of the stove while GM focused on more pressing matters.

Luckily the updated Terrain wasn’t dropped but just delayed. It will now arrive in late summer as a 2022 model and continued updates for the 2023 model with the upcoming arrival of the AT4 class with the vehicle means GMC’s full lineup will now be off-road ready. Other grades will include SLE, SLT, and Denali. A dark Elevation design pack will also be available for SLE and SLT buyers.

GMC is silent about what exactly will be included in the AT4 Terrain class. Usually includes all- or four-wheel drive, along with underbody protection and all-terrain tires.

The grade also tends to include some visual improvements such as black exterior accents and aluminum cabin trim.

All-Terrain will feature updated styling, with the main changes being new LED headlights at both ends and a sturdier front fascia design. Inside, there will be new trim options, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and some built-in Alexa capabilities.

There will also be several key safety features included as standard, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The heads-up display will be offered in SLT and AT4 grades, but standard in the upscale Denali.

Only one powertrain has been announced, the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. It will be mated to a 9-speed automatic as standard. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch but starting slightly above $27,000.

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2023 GMC Terrain Color

We speculate that the color will likely come in several color variants as follows:

  • White Frost Tricoat.
  • Blue Emerald Metallic.
  • Graphite Gray Metallic.
  • Satin Steel Metallic.
  • QuickSilver Metallic.
  • Summit White.
  • Ebony Twilight Metallic.
  • Red Quartz Tintcoat.

What Is The Best Year GMC Terrain

We think the best year for Terrain sales was 2018 when 114,314 units were sold in the US, but that same year GM sold 332,618 Equinox units and it wasn’t even the best year of Equinox.

Is GMC Terrain Good Car

Yes, the GMC Terrain is a fine compact SUV. It has a spacious cabin loaded with easy-to-use technological features, and competent handling and smooth ride enhance its driving appeal. The engines available are very powerful, but you’ll need to get the highest trim, the GMC Terrain Denali, to get them.

Is The 2020 GMC Terrain A Good Car

Height Accommodates interior space, solid fuel economy, fast with 2.0T engine. Lowest Dowdy interior materials, non-intuitive push-button shifters, at a higher price than competitors. Verdict A mediocre little crossover at an overly ambitious price.

2023 GMC Terrain Release Date

We expect the next-generation New GMC Terrain to be launched in late 2022 as the model year 2023. Until then, we expect the current second-generation Terrain to receive minor changes, updates, and upgrades.

It is currently unclear where the GMC Terrain will be assembled. The current second-generation model is assembled at GM’s San Luis Potosi plant by GM Mexico.

2023 GMC Terrain Price

Initial GMC Terrain Price Increases With Base Trim Down GM is getting rid of the old base model for the 2023 model year.

We expect the next GMC Terrain to be the same price as the current second-generation model, starting in the $25,000 range, and not expecting a major price spike.

In a similar move to the Chevy Equinox, the GMC Terrain will also get a base price increase for the mid-cycle update for the following model year. The starting price goes up to $2,900 but we’d be remiss not to mention that this is actually due to the company dropping the base SL trim at this time.

The 2021 Terrain SL retails for $26,195, while the new base Terrain SLE 2022 will start at $29,095. However, it’s important to note that the current SLE price starts at $29,695, which means there will be a discount for the 2022 model year.

The pricing details are revealed through the agent’s order guide in CarsDirect’s hands. For the record, the price drop for the 2022 model year will be reflected across the board: the SLT will get a $600 cut, while the top-of-the-range Denali will cut $900 off its asking price.

However, pricing for the new AT4 trim has not been revealed as of this writing, but it is expected to be priced between the SLT and Denali, selling for $33,095 and $37,795, respectively.

Please note that all prices mentioned here are inclusive of destination fees.

Eliminating the base SL variant might tell you an increase in Terrain’s initial price, but keep in mind that the SL doesn’t qualify for other incentives and discounts, which somehow offsets its affordability.

The Terrain SL, as well as the Equinox L, are among the baseline of vehicles GM has added since 2015 to lower the advertised price tag of the automaker’s lineup. The price cuts mentioned here could make this vehicle even more attractive for the 2022 model year, which brings us to the next question: when will GM start selling the updated model?