The GMC Terrain has been around since the 2010 and is GMC’s smallest SUV, using the same Theta platform that underpinned the Pontiac Torrent that it replaced. Since its inception into the GMC family, the Terrain has lingered between the compact and midsize crossover segment (known as being a tweener by some) and didn’t get its first update until the 2016 model year. But, GMC has been hard at work and is set to debut the second-gen model at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show as a 2018 model. So far, little is known about it, but it will have a slightly smaller exterior footprint as GM has decided to firmly reposition it in the compact crossover segment. It should feature GMC’s latest design language, a significantly lower curb weight, and new technology that will finally bring it into the modern ages. More importantly, it will ride on GM’s new D2XX architecture.
That architecture is the same mechanical framework that supports models like the Chevy Volt, Chevy Cruze, 2018 Chevy Equinox, and the Buick Envision. As to what will motivate the new Terrain, that’s still a mystery, but rumor has it that GM will ax the current four-cylinder and V-6 engines for smaller, forced-induction units that provide better fuel efficiency and a similar power output. But, we’ll know more about that after the second-gen terrain makes its debut in Detroit. Until then, let’s talk a little more about it in my speculative review below.
Exterior
Based on the spy shots that have been circulating the internet, we know that the windshield will have a slightly steeper angle to it, while the roof will have less of a negative rake to it. The other noticeable difference is the waistline itself. On the current model, the waistline is flat from front to rear, but the new model will follow the styling of the new Acadia in which the waistline gradually swoops upward as you move from the front to the rear. This should lead to the rear door glass and the rear quarter glass being a bit smaller than before.
It will share at least some styling cues with the GMC Acadia and should be more muscular and aggressive than the new Chevy Equinox.
The spy shots that have circulated around were under heavy camo and padding, so as far as specific design features, we have very little to go by. However, it is expected that it will share at least some styling cues with the GMC Acadia 
and should be more muscular and aggressive than the new Chevy Equinox. The spy shots we have seen indicate that it will still rock those large, awkward headlights but they should get a new design and will probably shrink a bit. The radiator grille will be redefined and feature a shape similar to that of the new Acadia, but with sharper points and a taller presence. Down below the air dam will be larger, and fog lights should be positioned in the corners.
The other big then to mention here is that the spy shots that have circulated around show that the wheel arches are significantly toned down. The current model has this massively boxy look that is pretty long in the tooth at this point. But, the test mule also didn’t feature all of the extra trim pieces like the wheel arch flares, so there’s no telling what GMC has really done in this department. Hopefully, it will lose the boxy look and go with something a little sleeker. If the Acadia is any indication, GMC has done just that, but we’ll know more about that in the coming days.
Interior
Note: current GMC Terrain pictured here.
One of the biggest complaints about the current Terrain is that its technology isn’t on par with everything else in the compact and midsize segment. But, the second-gen model should change all of that. The dash and interior trim will get an all-new design, while the instrument cluster should be available as a semi-digital unit. The center stack should be graced by GMC ’s latest Intellilink infotainment system with a seven- or eight-inch display. This system will offer phone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There will also be a 4G LTE hotspot and an upgraded backup camera, among other things. Expect at least one or two USB ports for device charging and connectivity as well has several 12-volt power outlets and possibly a 120-volt outlet on upper trim levels.
The dash and interior trim will get an all-new design, while the instrument cluster should be available as a semi-digital unit.
Despite the fact that the new Terrain is actually shrinking in size, passenger and cargo room on the inside should actually increase just a bit compared to the current model. This will be made possible thanks to more efficient use of interior space, new materials, and better fit and finish. It will continue to offer seating for five with two bucket seats up front split by a wide and luxurious center console and a bench seat in the rear. Base trim levels should feature healthy appointments of leather while upper trim levels and a future Denali model should get wooden trim inserts.
Drivetrain
Note: current GMC Terrain pictured here.
The most important thing about the second-gen model is that it sheds the aging and heavy Theta platform that as served as the supporting architecture since 2010. As such, the new Terrain will make use of GM’s much lighter and stronger D2XX platform. In the case of the Chevy Equinox – the next-gen Terrain’s cousin, this platform helped shed 450 pounds, so that should definitely help increase efficiency while providing better structural rigidity. Arguably, just as important, is the fact that the D2XX platform supports all-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, and is setup for extended range electric vehicles and all-electric vehicles, so plug-in and all-electric models of the Terrain could be seen closer to the end of the second gen’s life cycle.
In the Equinox, the 1.5-liter is said to offer some 170 horsepower with fuel economy in the range of 31 mpg on the highway while the 2.0-liter has 252 horsepower on tap
Another big thing to note with the use of the D2XX platform is the removal of the 3.6-liter V-6 from the engine lineup. Since the D2XX is designed to support a range of GM’s four-cylinder engines, those who want a larger, V-6 Mill will have no choice but to go with a larger offering like the Acadia. News as to what specific engines will be available is virtually non-existent, but the 1.5-liter, Ecotec, four-cylinder that will serve as the base engine in the Equinox will probably serve as the base engine in the Terrain as well. It will also likely see the 2.0-liter Ecotec as an engine for the range-topping models. Full specs have yet to be released, but in the Equinox, the 1.5-liter is said to offer some 170 horsepower with fuel economy in the range of 31 mpg on the highway while the 2.0-liter has 252 horsepower on tap. For the Terrain, these engines could be tuned to deliver a little more power, but will still fall short of the output offered in the current Terrain. The 2017 Arcadia also has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that is naturally aspirated and pumps out 194 horsepower, which could also be available in the new Terrain, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
As far as transmissions go, the standard offering should be a six-speed unit while an eight-speed unit will be available on higher-end models. It should ride on four-wheel independent suspension and, thanks to the new platform, the body structure will be at least 25 percent stiffer. But, we’ll definitely know more after the Terrain makes its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, so stay tuned for updates!
Pricing
Despite the fact that the Terrain is actually shrinking in size and will be firmly planted in the compact segment, don’t expect prices to shrink. With the Chevy Equinox competing against models like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, the Terrain – being a semi-luxury model – will be able to compete directly with models like the Acura RDX and Lincoln MKC. With those starting out at $32,880 and $35,670, respectively, expect to see the Terrain see a price bump to as much as $28,000 for the base model and as high as $38,000 for the range-topping Denali. It, of course, be a bit cheaper, but that will give it the extra interest it needs to be successful through the end of the decade.
Competition
Competition is a little iffy when it comes to GMC because it’s a semi-luxury brand, so you can’t really compare it to offerings from Chevy and Ford Directly, but it doesn’t compete directly with luxury models from brands like Audi or BMW either. With GMC working hard to revamp its lineup, I think the brand is going to bring a lot to the table with the new Terrain, and I think it will be able to compete with more luxurious models that carry a higher price. As such, I’m stepping a little out of the box here, but when it comes to cross-shopping, the new Terrain could easily be compared to the Acura RDX and the Lincoln MKC. The only downside is that the Terrain will no longer support a V6 powertrain, which will leave it somewhat underpowered in comparison to some models in this niche
Acura RDX
Acura knows the SUV segment well and has been a strong contender in most SUV segments. In the compact luxury segment, the RDX is a key player. Revamped for the 2016 model year, the RDX comes correct with modern technology and styling that will keep it fresh through the turn of the decade. On the outside, the RDX is sporty and attractive with character lines in all of the right places. Inside you’ll find a semi-digital instrument cluster two display screens in the center stack, great fit and finish and plenty of luxurious leather in all the right places. As I mentioned before, the big thing about the RDX being a competitor is the powertrain configuration which includes a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 279 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. So, on the power front, the high-end versions of the Terrain can compete, but the entry-level model won’t be able to keep up as far as power output goes. Pricing for the RDX starts out at $36,970 with FWD and $38,470 with all-wheel drive.
Read more about the Acura RDX here.
Lincoln MKC
The MKC is actually a baby in this segment, being introduced at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2015 model. As such, it may get a mid-cycle facelift in the next couple of years, so if you’re leaning toward the Lincoln, you may want to hold off on getting a new ride for another year or two. On the outside, it features a rather smooth and elegant design with a dual front grille, and curvy nose. The hood and side profile is slightly muscular while the rear features a lot of character. Inside, the MKC is the definition of American design with a big pronounced center stack that dwarfs the infotainment display. There’s a lot of geometric design going on inside, however, so the interior does have a lot of character. Like the new Terrain, the MKC is only available with four-cylinder engines, one of which is a 2.0-liter and the other being a 2.3-liter. The smaller engine offers 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet while the 2.3-liter brings 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet to the part. Pricing for the MKC starts out at $32,880 in entry-level form and climbs to as much as $45,635 in Black Label trim (think Terrain Denali as competition for this model.)
Find out more about the Lincoln MKC here.
Conclusion
At this point, we know very little about the new Terrain but, from the look of things, it’s going to be a breath of fresh air in the compact segment. I suspect we’ll see loads of fresh, modern technology, increased comfort, and better reliability. With the new lighter and stronger platform, the Terrain should also see a small bump in fuel economy. Unfortunately, the lower trim levels won’t be able to compete with most of the luxury competition out there, but the higher-range models should have enough go-juice under the hood to at least keep up and be viable options for those trying to cross shop a very competitive segment. We’ll be back with all of the details after the new Terrain makes its debut, so stay tuned for updates in the near future.