GMC Terrain AT4 Crossover Review

The 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 is the latest in compact SUVs from the highline division of General Motors. Taking its place in the middle of a very competitive segment, the Terrain manages to hold its own and then some. The Napleton News recently had a chance to try the GMC Terrain out for a week and, for the most part, came away impressed. Here’s our report.

Just the facts: The GMC Terrain AT4

Following its mid-cycle refresh, the GMC Terrain is a compact Crossover Utility Vehicle that wages a battle against the Mazda CX-5, the Nissan Rogue, Kia Sorento and others. The first thing you’ll notice is its distinct GMC DNA identified by its somewhat larger-than-life grille.

The GMC Terrain is available in four trim levels beginning with the base SLE and SLT models. Adding AWD to either model costs an additional $1,600. The two upper trims, including the off-road-oriented AT4 and the top-shelf GMC Terrain Denali, include AWD standard.

Power for the GMC Terrain AT4, like all Terrain models, comes from one engine: the GM 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. It delivers 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Those are enough ponies to get out of its way, but it could stand a few more. It is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that can be a bit pokey when called on for some heavy lifts. Since ours is an AT4 model, it includes a front skid plate, GMC’s Traction Select System with an off-road mode and hill descent control to help it gently creep down an incline.

Napleton News thoughts on how the GMC Terrain looks?

The new Terrain has been refreshed for 2022. The current model entered its second generation in 2018. Three years in, it has received the proverbial “mid-cycle refresh.” It features the bold look of the GMC corporate grille and a different aesthetic than that found in the lower part of the Terrain trim ladder.

Start with C-shaped LED headlight arrays that frame the corporate grille. Discreet fog lamps peek out from below the bumpers in the far corners. Side cladding helps protect the lower bouts of the body for those rare times the Terrain does venture off the pavement.

At the rear of the side panels, there is a combination of floating roofline and a high collar, as seen on a dress shirt. It’s a look that helps separate the Terrain from the also-rans in the segment.

What about inside the Terrain?

The interior of the GMC is a modern place to do business. Featuring many different elements seen in its larger siblings, the Terrain includes a gauge and a 4.2-inch driver information binnacle reminiscent of the one found in the GMC Sierra. We found ourselves looking at the gimmicky button-style gear selector switches at the base of the center console. There are better ways of doing this. GM knows this.

A Bose 7-speaker premium audio system keeps occupants entertained via an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen display. Users will find Wi-Fi and telephone communications via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Seating is comfortable throughout the cabin, with room for five adults. Cargo capacity can be a bit narrow but fine for a limited trip involving small bags. One of the more remarkable features is how the front passenger seat folds forward. When combined with the fold-down second-row seating, quite a few longish items can be stored inside.

Napleton News Behind the wheel of the GMC Terrain

The new GMC Terrain is a well-sorted piece of kit. But there are some buts. We felt it very comfortable for all runs, whether in the neighborhood or across country. It was a good handler with stability at speed and adept handling when rounding curves. We never felt top-heavy rounding a turn.

It provided a competent drive but if you needed to merge into high-speed traffic, be prepared to stand on the accelerator when hitting the on-ramp. That’s because it will take the 1.5-liter engine all it can muster to get up to speed.

Mileage was impressive, though, and managed to give us an average of 26 mpg with 25 city/28 highway. We were surprised at the level of road noise that managed to work its way into the cabin of the Terrain. It wasn’t terrible, but it was more noticeable than other vehicles in its class.

The GMC Terrain a stylish compact crossover. It manages to do many things very well. All that’s needed is for you to plan your moves and act deliberately.

GMC Terrain AT4 Specifications

	2022 GMC Terrain AT4 Specifications
Popular Equipment
Engine Type	1.5-Liter turbocharged Inline-4 engine
Horsepower	170 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	203 LB-FT @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
Transmission	9-speed automatic
Fuel Economy	26 mpg (25 city/28 hwy)
Suspension	Strut / Multilink
Turning Circle	37.4 ft.
Also Available	AWD, Denali trim levels
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	107.3 inches
Overall Length	182.3 inches
Width	72.4 inches
Height	65.4 inches
2nd Row/3rd Row	29.6/63.3 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	40.0 inches
Headroom, Rear	38.5 inches
Legroom, Front	40.9 inches
Legroom, Rear	39.7 inches
Shoulder, Front	57.2 inches
Shoulder, Rear	55.6 inches