The 2018 GMC Terrain Denali is a mighty and powerful SUV. Its expressive design and turbocharged efficiency, coupled with purposeful technologies, is perfect for someone wanting an exceptional compact sport utility vehicle.
The 2.0-liter turbo-four engine works with Terrain’s new Electronic Precision Shift system with nine-speed automatic transmission. When combined with GMC’s driver controllable Traction Select system, the vehicle gives you the power you need when you need it. As the owner, you can make up your own mind on just how bold and passionate you want your drive to be. The Terrain will definitely present you with that opportunity.
This 2018 AWD Terrain earns an official EPA fuel economy of 26 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city, for a combined 23 mpg.
My Terrain was wrapped in a Satin Steel Metallic exterior color accompanied by a Taupe/Light Platinum interior.
The beautifully sculpted styling outside includes the GMC Signature C-shaped lighting with projector-beam LED headlights, all riding on 19-inch ultra-bright machined-aluminum wheels. The Terrain is topped with roof rack rails and features a hands-free liftgate at the back.
The GMC Terrain’s all-wheel-drive system allows the driver to select between 2WD, 4WD, and Off-Road to optimize fuel efficiency under normal driving conditions as well as optimize traction under poor conditions.
The interior of the Terrain is expansive. Its leather-appointed seats are bold, wide, and comfortable, and the vehicle comes standard with heated front seats and eight-way power adjustment and power lumbar control for the driver. On the Denali trim, the front passenger enjoys six-way power adjustment and power lumbar support. The 60/40-split backseat folds down to offer more cargo space when needed.
The first thing you notice upon entrance is the four-spoke heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 4.2-inch multi-color driver information screen complements the 8-inch HD color touchscreen that is connected to the Bose sound system. Navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth audio streaming, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar are all live behind this screen.
The long and comprehensive list of safety and security features found in the Terrain ensures peace of mind. They include advanced technologies like lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, low-speed forward automatic braking, safety-alert seat, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-vision camera, rear-park assist, and keyless open/start.
The government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) uses a 5-Star Safety Ratings system to provide consumers with a standard gauge on the safety ratings of new vehicles. The 2018 GMC Terrain scores four stars on overall vehicle safety and five stars in the frontal-crash category for both the driver and passenger sides. The vehicle also receives a four-star rating in the side-crash and rollover categories.
You will sit up tall behind the wheel in GMC’s Terrain. The sloping hood and art-crafted grille allow you to easily see where you’re going. Handling is natural around the corners, and power builds quickly on the straightway. A safe, comfortable, and affordable vehicle surrounded by the industry’s best technology makes the 2018 Terrain a real candidate for your driving selection.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $38,690 for the Denali AWD.
Warranty
36-Month/36,000-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
60-Month/60,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
72-Month/100,000-Mile Rust-Through Protection
60-Month/60,000-Mile Roadside Assistance
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at dcaussey@sbcglobal.net
