2020 GMC Terrain

The 2020 GMC Terrain SUV is available in four trim levels namely SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. There are two engine options available on the 2020 GMC Terrain which include a 1.5-liter turbocharged and 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. The former engine is standard on all but Denali trim while the Denali trim comes standard with the latter engine. The base SL trim starts at $25,000 and comes with only basic amenities. Moving ahead you have the SLE trim starting at $28,400 which adds no major features compared to the base trim. Next comes the SLT trim starting at $31,200 which adds upgraded interior, seating, and infotainment system. Sitting at the top is the Denali trim starting at $38,300 which is the flagship model of the Terrain SUV. It adds all the available comfort and convenience features and also gains access to a Premium package that adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and adaptive cruise control.

We Recommend

Since the base trims have nothing much to offer, it is not easy to recommend one. On the other hand, the Denali version is a very luxurious and capable SUV but commands a hefty premium. So, to take this on one, we would recommend the SLT trim. This trim offers a handful of value-added features along with solid tech amenities.

The 2020 GMC Terrain powered by the 1.5-liter turbo-four engine has an EPA estimated gas mileage of 26 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. While the same engine with AWD sees a drop of 1 MPG in the city and 2 MPG on the highway. While when you opt for the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four engine on the 2020 Terrain then you can expect 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. 

The Ford Escape is the lightest among all and has a turbocharged inline-3 engine instead of an inline-4 engine which helps it manage the best gas mileage of 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Compared to the Terrain, the Escape offers 1 MPG more in the city and 3 MPG on the highway. On the other side, Santa Fe being the least efficient compensates the fact by offering a bigger gas tank.

“Like most of the competition, the 2020 Terrain’s cabin is perfectly functional and comfortable without necessarily being that luxurious. There are hard plastics in the lower areas of the dashboard and doors, even in the supposedly upscale Denali model.” – Kelley Blue Book

The cabin of the 2020 GMC Terrain is let down by the fit and finish level of the materials used. The front passenger and driver enjoy the best position with extra legroom and hip room. The Terrain is heavily bolstered and comfortable from the inside. The power-adjustable seats are just a blessing in multiple ways. However, they are unable to provide support for tall passengers. Even though the cabin offers a generous amount of space and comfort the poor ergonomics overpowers this pro.

Terrain’s infotainment is a delight to use and the user interface is mesmerizing. The infotainment is very responsive to user commands. It has got clear graphics along with logical menus and the latest in-car connectivity features. As standard equipment, we have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SL and SLE trims are standard with a 7.0-inch touch screen, while the higher trim Denali features an 8.0-inch unit. There’s also a standard navigation system on all trim levels.

The 2020 Terrain offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats while with rear seats folded, Terrain’s cargo increases to 63.3 cubic feet. With the help of a power liftgate and lower liftover height, cargo loading becomes easier.

The slightly extra wheelbase and bigger length of the Santa Fe help it to offer a more than generous cabin space and class-leading cargo space of 35.9 cubic feet. Compared to Santa Fe only the Ford Escape is the closest in terms of cabin and cargo space. While Equinox and the Terrain being based on the same platform offer almost similar cabin and cargo space.

Interior Features:

• Fabric-trimmed seats
• Manually adjustable front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Auto-dimming inside mirror
• Available leather-trimmed seats
• Available power-adjustable front seats
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available dual-zone automatic climate control

“The 2020 Terrain has been smoothed over—but not smothered—compared to prior generations.” - carconnection

The regular models of the 2020 GMC Terrain get a simple exterior design while the Denali comes with all bling and glamour. The Terrain has got some sharp lines flowing throughout the body. The front fascia looks upmarket with a new set of headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights. The Denali trim on the other hand offers extra chrome for mirror caps and lower rocker panels.

Dimension wise the 2020 Terrain rolls in at 182.3-inches bumper-to-bumper and offers a 107.3-inches of wheelbase. Sitting at 72.4-inch in width and with 65.4-inches of height, it has a subdued stance of a crossover. While the 6.9-inches of ground clearance ensures it has a planted stance but isn't confidence-inspiring for taking it off-road.

In this comparison, the Santa Fe as previously stated is the one with the biggest exterior dimensions, be it length, width, height, or wheelbase. Compared to the Terrain, the Santa Fe is approximately 5-inches longer, 2-inches wider, 0.7-inches taller, and has a 1.6-inches longer wheelbase. As for the ground clearance the Santa Fe offers 0.4-inches extra compared to the Terrain thus inspiring more confidence while going over broken patches or big bumps.

Exterior Features:

• 17" aluminum wheels
• Automatic on/off headlamps
• LED signature taillamps
• Acoustic laminated windshield
• Heated power outside mirrors
• Available sunroof
• Available hands-free power liftgate

The 2020 GMC Terrain has been crash-tested by NHTSA and IIHS. In the NHTSA safety test, the compact SUV has scored 5 out of 5 stars in overall rating and 4 stars in the rollover test. Meanwhile, in the IIHS tests, the Terrain has scored the top rating of 'Good' in all its six parameters. Although, it failed in the headlight tests and the agency awarded it the lowest rating of 'Poor'.

Even though the safety ratings are encouraging the entry-level GMC Terrain trims lacks advanced safety features. Some of the major safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors require to spend extra. You even need to spend more on features like upgraded headlights, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and forward-collision warnings.

Safety Features: 

• Rearview Camera
• Teen Driver
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available front pedestrian braking
• Available automatic high-beam headlights

2020 GMC Terrain vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is priced at a premium over the already expensive GMC Terrain. It is powered by a naturally aspirated engine while the Terrain uses a turbocharged motor. Power delivery and drivability are completely different in both SUVs. Where the Terrain quickly goes out of breath on the highway the Santa Fe feels relaxed and eager to build pace. The Santa Fe is more powerful of the two and is also quicker in terms of acceleration but that takes a hit on its gas mileage whereas the Terrain is just the opposite.

In terms of cabin quality and fit and finish level surely it is Santa Fe that is the better of the two. Also, Santa Fe is more spacious and practical than the Terrain at any time of the day. Thus between the two the Santa Fe is a better pick as even though it is priced higher it still has better attributes than the Terrain.

2020 GMC Terrain vs 2020 Ford Escape

Both the 2020 Ford Escape and the Terrain are priced close to each other but that's where the similarity ends. The Escape gets a smaller motor which coupled with its lighter build helps it pick pace easily and also deliver fabulous gas mileage. The driving dynamics and ride comfort of the Escape are far better than the Terrain.

Moving inside, the Escape is spacious and offers more cargo space than the Terrain. While the cabin quality isn't at par with the Terrain the fit and finish levels are way better on it. Coming to the other aspects of the SUV then the Escape is not easier to live with but also cheaper to maintain compared to the Terrain. Thus again the Escape remains a better pick between the two SUVs.

With the availability of a wide range of features and premium materials, the GMS Terrain is undoubtedly a compelling compact SUV. Although when you compare it with the rivals it falls short in many areas like the cabin space, cargo capacity, gas mileage, etc. On top of that, it is priced at a premium compared to its most rivals. So it is best to skip this SUV and if you want to go for this SUV then you can look at its almost similar yet lesser-priced cousin the Chevrolet Equinox.