GMC Terrain AT-4: test drive…
The current generation GMC Terrain came out back in 2017. So it’s heading towards the end of its cycle.
It got a refresh for 2022 with a few changes to keep it up to date.
The version I was driving for a week was the more off-road-oriented AT-4. Which gets rid of most of the chrome and adds these black 17-inch wheels with unique tires.
The AT-4 starts at $34 000. The loaded model I tested was $38 615 plus an $1195 destination charge.
It included a lot of stuff like a Bose sound system, Skyscape sunroof, head-up display, surround vision, and more.
I think the Terrain still looks really good after these years. And the AT-4 model, while a mostly cosmetic package, adds even more personality.
The interior seems to have aged a bit more than the exterior. As it does look like “previous generation GM”. But everything seems solid and works as it should.
The Bose stereo is good but not great.
The seats feel a bit narrow. You do feel the bolstering on the sides a bit much.
But they are mainly very comfortable.
The cargo area is very roomy. As are the rear seats. As you can see, there was no lack of room for my favorite disco balls.
The Terrain is now only available with a 1.5 Liter Turbo. Although in previous years, a 2.0 Liter Turbo and even a diesel were on the menu.
The smaller engine and 9-speed combo is surprisingly refined. The engine is always very smooth and quiet. And the 9-speed auto seems to always be in the right gear.
This is far superior to the Honda CR-V’s 1.5 Liter/CVT combo.
The start-stop system is also one of the best I have experienced. Very smooth and quiet, you hardly notice it at all. Again, not the case with the CR-V.
The steering feel is also fine. Not fantastic but better than what I expected.
The suspension is very comfortable most of the time. Although it gets a bit busy on bad roads. And these tires actually don’t add that much road noise either.
The AT-4 is rated at 25MPG city and 28HWY. I almost got this around town (more like 23/24). But I had no problem getting around 32 on the freeway.
The Terrain AT-4 is a very pleasant compact crossover to drive. And the “wannabe big-truck” personality is actually kind of fun. At least it doesn’t look like everything else on the road.
It is more refined than I expected. All the next-generation needs is an updated design and interior. But the rest of the car is just fine. It is already a better driving car than the Honda CR-V. (I keep mentioning the CD-V because I’ve also been testing it recently)
At $38 615, the loaded AT-4 isn’t cheap. Even if you skip the AT-4 and load a regular version with all the options it still adds up to about $37 500.
But. GMC… Which probably means some kind of a deal. Even in these crazy times.
Still, refinement and personality aren’t something everyone offers these days…