GMC rolls out luxury Denali version of redesigned 2018 Terrain crossover

The redesigned 2018 GMC Terrain offers a choice of three turbocharged engines, including a new diesel. This is the top-of-the-line Denali model, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.

By G. CHAMBERS WILLIAMS III

GMC has rolled out yet another in its line of the high-end Denali models of its trucks and SUVs – the all-new 2018 Terrain Denali.

It’s the top model in the lineup of the completely redesigned GMC Terrain compact crossover utility vehicle for the 2018 model year, with a price of $37,520 (plus $995 freight) for the front-wheel-drive version, or $39,270 for the all-wheel drive.

The new generation of the Terrain, introduced for 2018, has starting price of $24,995 for the base SL front-wheel-drive model with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine.

Optional are a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which has 252 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque; and a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder diesel that will also be available in the Chevrolet Equinox and the Chevy Cruze compact, with 136 horsepower and 236 foot-pounds of torque. The Equinox is a sister vehicle to the Terrain.

The Denali versions come with the 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

In between the SL and Denali are the SLE gasoline front-drive ($27,820), gasoline AWD ($29,570), front-drive diesel ($31,590), and AWD diesel ($33,340).

Above that level comes the SLT front-drive gasoline model ($31,320), gasoline AWD ($33,070), diesel front-drive ($34,165), and diesel AWD ($35,915).

There is a new nine-speed automatic transmission for the 2.0-liter engine, while the 1.5-liter and the 1.6-liter diesel get six-speed automatics.

“Terrain helped define the premium compact SUV segment, and the all-new 2018 model elevates it with a stronger roster of standard and available features,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “GMC’s proven SUV experience makes it a more compelling choice than ever, with a strong blend of design, functionality and engineering excellence.”

The 2018 Terrain Denali comes with a new interior with a unique trim tint color and Denali-specific logos and piping on the front seats. Other standard features include a heated steering wheel, navigation, Bose premium seven-speaker sound system and a hands-free programmable power liftgate.

Standard features even at the base level include the 1.5-liter turbo engine; driver-controllable Traction Select system; LED daytime running lights and taillights; leather-wrapped steering wheel; flat-folding front passenger seat; and keyless open and start.

But with the Terrain Denali comes such extras as the 2.0-liter engine; 19-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels; LED headlights; heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel; hands-free power programmable tailgate; a navigation/infotainment system with eight-inch screen and Bose premium seven-speaker audio system; and standard safety features including Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist and a Safety Alert Seat, which vibrates/pulses to warn the driver of impending hazards.

The Terrain also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with the available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. An unlimited data plan through AT&T is offered for $20 a month. The OnStar Basic Plan is standard across the line at no extra cost for the first five years.

The new Terrain has a roomier interior and lots of standard and available new technology. The cabin has also been extensively restyled, with a low windshield base that gives a larger outward view.

Among new interior features are an optional denim-style seat fabric, and a kneeling rear seat. Its bottom cushions tilt forward when the split-folding seatbacks are lowered, allowing a flat floor for easier loading of cargo.

EPA fuel-economy ratings are expected to be as high as 31 mpg highway for the 1.5-liter, 28 highway for the 2.0-liter, and 40 highway for the diesel.

The new model will be about 4.7 inches shorter than the current model. With a base weight of 3,327 pounds, it will also be about 450 pounds lighter than the current generation.

Safety gear will include radar- and camera-based adaptive technologies that can provide alerts to potential crash threats, allowing the driver to react and make changes to avoid them.

2018 All-New GMC Terrain Denali

Besides those listed above for the Denali, there will also be available Surround Vision, Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator, Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking, and a Rear Seat Reminder (to alert you when there’s a child back there and you’re departing the vehicle).

Front-wheel drive is standard. The optional switchable all-wheel-drive system disconnects from the rear axle when not needed, helping to conserve fuel by allowing the vehicle to operate only on front drive.

The unique kneeling rear seat gives the vehicle a flat rear load floor and up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seat is not needed for passengers.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3.

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