2013 GMC Terrain Denali SUV

The Terrain adds a Denali model with an upgraded suspension, unique trim details, and eight-way power driver and passenger seats. All models gain a universal home remote, as well as a few new paint colors: crystal red, Atlantis blue metallic, champagne silver metallic, ashen gray metallic, and iridium metallic.

Designed with some styling cues taken from the Hummer, the 2013 GMC Terrain is a midsize crossover sport utility vehicle featuring a large squared front end with a flat face and trapezoidal grille. It has an overall rugged look, featuring large fender flares. The Denali trim includes a chrome bullet-hole grille that makes it look a little like a locomotive. The Denali trim also includes other exterior chrome finishes and unique headlights and tail lamps. Different trim levels come equipped with various exterior features. The SLE-1 features standard 17-inch alloy wheels and the SLE-2 trim adds roof rails. The SLT-2 features 18-inch chromed wheels, chrome exterior trim including a charcoal-chrome grille, and a sunroof. Ten different body colors are available for the Terrain, including Champagne Silver Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, and Atlantis Blue Metallic.

The interior of the 2013 GMC Terrain is not as rugged-looking as its exterior. Featuring a stylish curved dashboard and controls and gauges with soft, blue backlighting, the cabin of the Terrain is outfitted with a seven-inch color touchscreen display with various functions including the audio system with Bluetooth streaming audio. Seating is comfortable and supportive for all passengers, and the Terrain seats up to five. Its second row of seating is roomier than its competitors, as a matter of fact. The system can be a little clunky at times and miss a few touch commands. Cargo space is limited to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, a bit less than its major competitors such as the Santa Fe. Visibility outside the cabin is also poor due to its design, though a rearview camera is included as standard equipment to accommodate this flaw. Different trim levels include various standard features. The SLE-1 trim includes cruise control, OnStar telecommunications service, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The SLE-2 adds automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an upgraded eight-speaker Pioneer sound system. The SLT-1 offers leather upholstery, and the SLT-2 features standard driver-seat memory functions. The upgraded Denali receives special interior trim and an eight-way power passenger seat.

The 2013 GMC Terrain received an overall rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Terrain was also selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a Top Safety Pick, having received high scores in all of their impact tests. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and rearview camera. The Terrain also includes standard side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. A safety package can be added to the Terrain, which includes lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning. As an added security measure, a remote anti-theft alarm system is included as a standard feature with all trim levels.

Available with two different engines, the V-6 significantly improves upon the four-cylinder offering. Whether to hold more passengers or tow cargo, it is difficult to go with the smaller engine even considering its lack of improvement to fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder almost seems too small for such a manly-looking vehicle, however it can serve as the right choice for some depending upon how much power is actually needed. The Terrain offers a smooth ride even over the bumpiest surfaces, and adds features which reduce wind noise in the cabin, leading to an overall more comfortable and quiet ride for all passengers. Handling is very truck-like and can be a bit cumbersome to maneuver under certain circumstances. The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder produces 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. It fuel economy stands at 22/32 mpg city/highway and 26 mpg combined, which is great for a vehicle in its class. With this engine, the Terrain accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, which is about average for a vehicle of its type. The heftier 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine makes a better 301 horsepower, which really improves the acceleration of the vehicle from the former 3.0-liter engine offering. Fuel economy comes in at 17/24 mpg city/highway and 20 mpg combined.

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