The GMC Terrain is on the list of lesser known compact SUVs. However, with the lengthy list of standard safety features and impressive available options, the Terrain deserves more attention. We’re taking a look at the 2021 GMC Terrain to see what it has to offer.
The Base, SLE, and SLT trims are available for purchase now, however the highly anticipated AT4 and Denali trims are not available yet. The AT4 model that was anticipated for release in 2021 has been delayed due to COVID-19 and is expected to release in 2022. As for the upscale Denali trim, it will have a late availability in 2021.
MECHANICAL
Mechanically, the biggest change the 2021 Terrain experienced is the discontinuation of the larger 2.0L engine. This is the first time in Terrain’s history that an additional engine option won’t be offered. According to GMC, the 1.5L Turbo Engine accounts for approximately three quarters of its sales, which supports their decision to discontinue other engine options for 2021.
The Terrain retains the Front Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive options and pairs its only engine with a 9-speed Automatic Transmission. Although its engine produces up to 170 horsepower and 203 lb. ft. torque, some consumers feel it still lacks in umph going up steep inclines.
Other notable mechanical features for the 2021 Terrain include:
- 4-link Rear Suspension
- Automatic Stop/Start (for improved fuel efficiency)
- Capless Fuel Fill
- Electronic Precision Shift
- Electronic Parking Brake
Along with an available Engine Block Heater the Terrain also comes with Hill Descent Control and the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control. The Hill Descent Control uses anti-lock braking to improve vehicle control while traveling downhill without having to press too firmly on the brake pedal. The StabiliTrak System is there to provide enhanced control by adjusting the brakes and engine torque to help maintain your intended driving direction. This feature is an incredible addition that provides the extra help needed in those unplanned emergency instances when you need to quickly change the vehicle’s path of travel, like on a slippery road or when avoiding a potential collision.
EXTERIOR
The standard and available exterior options for the Terrain each add an element of class. All trims come with body-colored door handles, deep-tinted rear glass, HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Headlamps, and Terrain’s signature C-Shaped headlights. The SLE and SLT trims also come with body-color mirror caps.
The SLE and SLT trims come with heated power outside mirrors, however the SLT trim is the only available trim that comes with heated power auto-dimming outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and fog lights.
Additional features offered as upgrades on the SLE and SLT trims include:
- Bright Rear Bumper Protector (for added style and bumper protection)
- Chrome Grille on SLE and SLT
- Chrome Mirror Caps on SLE and SLT
- Darkened Front Grille on SLE and SLT
- SkyScape™ Power Sunroof (which extends over the first and second row)
The SLT also has an available Darkened Grill with Black Surround and Charcoal Insert which is not offered on the other trims.
INTERIOR
There is quite a list of interior features that come standard on all Terrain Trims. The Bluetooth®, built-In Amazon Alexa capability, 4G LTE Wi-Fi® Hotspot capability, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability aid in productivity on the move, while the standard 6-speaker Audio System keeps your motivation on target as well.
There are two standard 12-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlets; one located in the front of the vehicle and the other in the cargo area. Along with the two auxiliary ports, two USB charging ports can also be found in the rear of the center console. The SLT trim comes standard with two type-A USB ports which are located in the center console.
Along with the standard technology-supporting interior features, the Terrain also comes with front bucket seats and an interior humidity sensor providing optimal comfort on the go. The SLT trim adds a 6-way power front passenger seat, 8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, hands-free programmable liftgate, and ambient interior lighting to its list of standard features. This trim also offers an available Brandy/Jet Black, perforated leather-appointed seat trim for added comfort and luxury.
The SLE trim’s available add-on features include:
- 110-Volt Power Outlet
- Two additional front USB data Ports (one Type-A and one Type-C)
- Additional Auxiliary Input Jack with SD card Reader
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
*Note: These features come standard on the SLT trim.
Keyless open and keyless start also come standard across the board on all Terrain trims, along with complete flat-fold rear and front passenger seating so you can transport even the longest items.
Both the SLE and SLT trims also have an available rear seat infotainment system with DVD player that includes dual 8" diagonal headrest screens along with SD, USB, and HDMI connections. This impressive add-on also includes 2 sets of 2-channel wireless headphones and a single remote control alongside a companion app to enable parental control of the system while in use.
Cargo:
The passenger space in the Terrain measures in at an impressive 103.2 cubic feet. Though some consumers feel that the max cargo space of 63.3 cubic feet and the 29.6 cubic feet of space found behind the rear seat leave something to be desired.
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND TECHNOLOGY
Right out of the gate, the 2021 Terrain comes equipped with a Rear Vision Camera. You can upgrade to the HD Rear Vision Camera on the SLE trim, whereas that feature comes standard on the SLT trim. To further upgrade the visibility in your Terrain, there’s also an available HD Surround Vision being released later in 2021. Both trims also have built-In navigation as an available feature for added driving support.
The 2021 Terrain is one of the leading competitors when it comes to standard safety features across its entire lineup.
All Terrain trims come standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package which includes the following:
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam® headlamps — advanced headlamps system automatically switches from low- to high-beams when driving conditions require.
The GMC Pro Safety Plus Package is an available upgrade for the SLE and SLT trims, and will come standard on the Denali trim upon release.
This safety package includes these additional and expanded capabilities:
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Park Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control — helps your vehicle maintain a constant following distance when cruise control is on to prevent the driver’s need to transition in and out of cruise control while the flow of traffic changes.
- Safety Alert Seat — provides driver seat vibration alerts to aid in better crash avoidance.
One of the largest benefits the Terrain has to offer parents of any new driver is the Teen Driver standard feature. This feature allows you (the parent) to activate and configure vehicle settings such as top speed and maximum radio volume which are directly associated with a set key fob being used by a specified driver. This advanced safety feature also provides an in-vehicle report card to give you an up-to-date account of your teen’s driving habits.
AVAILABLE PACKAGES
Not only does the 2021 Terrain come standard with a host of safety features, it also offers an array of available packages so you can customize your Terrain as much or as little as you’d like. Check out all your options:
Elevation Edition (not available on SL trim)
- 19" Gloss Black aluminum wheels
- Black GMC center caps with black GMC lettering
- Darkened front grille
- Black roof side rails
- Black mirror caps
- Black model and trim exterior badging
- Black exterior accents
‘Hit the Road’ Package (available on SLE and SLT trims)
- Roof-rack cross rails
- Molded assist steps
Bright Accent Package (available on SLE and SLT trims)
- Chrome mirror caps
- Chrome grille
- Bright rear bumper protector
Cargo Package (available on SLE and SLT trims)
- Retractable cargo shade
- Vertical cargo net
Dark Accent Package (available on SLT trim)
- Darkened grille with Black surround and Charcoal insert
- Black painted mirror caps
- Black rear license plate applique
- Black front and rear fascia inserts
Driver Convenience Package (available on SLE trim)
- Remote Start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Driver and front passenger heated seats
- Driver 8-way power seat
- Driver power lumbar control
- Roof-mounted luggage rack side rails
Floor Liner Package (available on SLE and SLT trims)
- Front and rear row all-weather floor liners
- Integrated cargo liner
Infotainment Package I (available on SLE trim)
- 8" diagonal GMC Infotainment System with navigation, multi-touch display and AM/FM/SiriusXM radio
- 4.2" enhanced display with audio, phone and navigation capability
- SiriusXM Radio for 3 months
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- 2 USB ports, located within the center console
- 2 USB data ports with SD Card Reader, located within front center storage bin
- 110-volt power outlet
Infotainment Package II (available on SLT trim)
- 8" diagonal GMC Infotainment System with navigation, multi-touch display and AM/FM/SiriusXM radio
- Bose® premium 7-speaker system
- HD Radio
Memory Package (standard on SLT trim)
- 2 driver presets for power driver seat and outside mirrors
- Press and hold the memory buttons to return position preferences
Preferred Package (standard on SLT trim)
- Hands-free rear power programmable liftgate
- Memory settings for the power driver seat and outside mirrors
- Front passenger 6-way power seat with power lumbar
- Heated steering wheel
- Universal Home Remote
Roadside Safety Package (available SLE and SLT trims)
- Highway Safety Kit
- First Aid Kit
TOWING AND PAYLOAD
With an acceptable 1,500 lbs. max towing capacity, this compact SUV won’t take the win in its class for highest towing capability. However, the standard Traction Select System that comes on Front Wheel Drive models is a huge plus in comparison to some of its competitors. This system allows you to customize your driving capability based on current, real-time road conditions. It comes standard with Normal mode and Snow mode, and offers the available Tow/Haul mode for additional towing control.
FUEL ECONOMY
Some consumers have noted that the overall power behind the Terrain’s engine is somewhat lacking. However, the slightly lower numbers of horsepower and torque can prove to have a benefit when it comes to fuel efficiency. The fuel economy of Front Wheel Drive models is a remarkable 26 mpg City / 30 mpg Highway and has a 14.9-gallon fuel tank. The All Wheel Drive models come in just behind with 25 mpg City / 28 mpg Highway and come with a slightly larger 15.6-gallon fuel tank.
WARRANTY
Although not sitting on the top of the leaderboard for warranties, the Terrain’s warranty does provide some notable benefits. The GMC Manufacturer warranty gives you:
- Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty for 3 Years / 36,000 Miles
- Corrosion Protection for 3 Years / 36,000 Miles
- Rust-Through Corrosion Protection for 6 Years / 100,000 Miles
- Powertrain / Drivetrain Limited Warranty for 5 Years / 60,000 Miles
**Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years / 100,000 Miles
- Roadside Assistance Program for 5 Years / 60,000 Miles
**Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years / 100,000 Miles
WHAT COMES NEXT
The luxurious Denali trim is planned to become available late in 2021. The public is also looking forward to the potential release of the highly anticipated AT4 trim planned for 2022 which will create a whole new, more adventurous option for GMC’s popular Terrain SUV.
CONCLUSION
While the 2021 GMC Terrain isn’t known for its power right out of the gate or its rear cargo space, it does offer great fuel efficiency, extensive standard safety features, and a long list of package options. The Terrain has proved to be a well-anticipated new compact SUV for 2021.