GMC Terrain is well named for Colorado

BY H. THROTTLE
AUTO COLUMNIST

I can remember as a boy many wonderful GMC pickup trucks that seem to last forever. Owners loved their GMC pickups and worked them hard, year after year.

General Motors Co. has been located in Detroit for decades and makes Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and GMC cars and trucks. They have 202,000 employees worldwide located at 396 facilities.

Their various dealerships are located across Arapahoe County and you can go see A.J. at an Elway dealership on South Broadway and drool over the Camaros and Corvettes parked in the showroom and auto plaza area.

I’ve owned many General Motors vehicles and have two in the garage at the present time. I’m a fan of this great American iconic company.

So, the 2019 Terrain SLT, all-wheel drive model that arrived for a driving review. The Terrain has a sleek, almost race car appearance with “Ebony twilight metallic” paint and a jet-black interior with quality seats and interior.

The cabin area is compact, this is not a large SUV, but with seating for five adults and front seats that fully recline. A power trunk lift that is so handy and easy to operate.

Terrains were first introduced in 2017 and have not changed a great deal through the 2019 models with continual upgrades in a perfect five-star safety rating. The latest models have all of the new safety equipment that include a driver alert package that warns of many highway frontal and rear-view dangers.

The various models pricing start around $25,000 and range upward of $40,550 the test car price loaded with every option that a Terrain can feature that make it almost a luxury SUV.

The Terrain has reputable GM dealerships that stand behind the vehicles and offer good warranties. Bottom line is the way the 2019 Terrain drives and handles on the highways, a very good drive.

Sharp steering, the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine delivers 252 horsepower that provides powerful acceleration coupled with a nine-speed transmission. Really a powerful driving experience in comfort and surrounded by air bags and safety features.

GMC offers a diesel model that provides higher fuel economy, but the test model ranged 26 highway and 21 in the city for an overall 23 mpg. Should be higher but this is a four-wheel drive SUV with a solid heavier frame and powerful engine.

J.D. Powers gives this Terrain an excellent review and safety rating and it scores well against all competitive brands.

The final assembly of this model was in San Potosi, Mexico with the engine and transmission both made in the United States.

This may be a good time to shop the remaining 2018 models that may be on sale now at a local dealership.

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