2018 GMC Terrain: Changes To This Midsize SUV We Didn’t Know We Wanted Until Now
Mary Moore
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As the old saying goes, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”
That is how I felt when sitting in the new 2018 GMC Terrain for the first time. So many things had been updated or changed from older versions of the Terrain and yet, each one of them made complete sense to me.
Let’s break it down into the top, most notable changes that we found in the 2018 Terrain. Some of them might leave you saying “Yes! Why didn’t they think of this before”?
Tour the 2018 GMC Terrain
7 Prime Upgrades Make the 2018 GMC Terrain More Flexible and Capable Than Ever
The newly released 2018 GMC Terrain incorporates updates that serve a purpose, make sense and accommodate the way we live our lives in our cars. Among the updates:
1. Electronic Precision Shifter
Instead of having a traditional shifter stick, the 2018 GMC Terrain has an innovative push and pull button set up.
To move the vehicle into drive or reverse mode, pull back on a button housed on the dash. To place the vehicle into the park or neutral modes, use the nearby push buttons marked with the corresponding letters.
Upon first impression, the electronic precision shifter system in this vehicle can appear intimidating. However, with a little bit of acclimation, the new system sets the vehicle up for better space management and integration into the future of autonomous driving.
Read more about the future of autonomous driving here.
Interior look at the 2018 GMC Terrain. Photo: Mary Moore
2. Added Storage Solutions
Everywhere I looked in the 2018 GMC Terrain, I found new storage areas! Not only does this vehicle have the traditional spots to toss change in or to house all of the “stuff” we accumulate with daily driving, but it has increased storage because it uses previously wasted space.
3. Added Center Console Storage Space
I never realized it before, but the center console can have quite a bit of wasted space! In the 2018 GMC Terrain, the sides of the console have been transformed into storage solutions by opening up pockets near both the driver’s and the front seat passenger’s leg space.
This is a great spot to store papers, notebooks, or other small items that make up our life in cars.
4. New Front Seat Passenger Device Storage
Have you ever noticed how inconvenient it can be as a driver to share storage space with a front seat passenger? And what about the passenger – where is a good place to put your items when the driver claims her space?
One of the things that felt immediately useful in the 2018 GMC Terrain was the added cell phone storage space built into the dash directly in front of the passenger seating. This small cove was the perfect spot to stash my device to keep it within reach but out of the way of the driver’s space. This space was also near enough to a port so the phone could easily be charged from this spot.
New Storage Space for Devices in the 2018 GMC Terrain SUV. Photo by Mary Moore for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
5. Increased Internal Storage with Collapsible Front Passenger Seat
Another upgrade GMC that gave the 2018 Terrain more space was the addition of a foldable front seat that allows drivers to transport items up to 8 feet long. If you’re one to transport a kayak or building materials around but also want a family vehicle, this upgrade was made with you in mind.
Want something larger than an SUV? Here’s our review of the GMC Canyon 4-WD Crew Denali.
Increased storage capabilities of the 2018 GMC Terrain. Photo: Mary Moore
6. Redesigned Space
With the addition of the electronic precision shifter and the new storage space innovations, GMC designers set themselves up with a great opportunity to redesign the user experience. They used part of the newly freed up space on the center console to redesign cupholder placement.
How many times have you found yourself arguing over whose coffee goes where or forgotten whose cup was whose? With the newly designed side by side cupholders, this matter is resolved.
Raise your hand if you think this small adjustment could improve your marriage or relationship. Thank you, GMC.
7. Diesel is Now an Option
I typically associate the words diesel with truck – but now all of that has changed. After test driving the 2018 Terrain with a 1.6L Diesel engine, I realized that small SUVs can also thrive with this option.
While the diesel engine isn’t available with every trim style, it can be found with the SLE and SLT versions.
Read more about the benefits of driving with diesel here.
The new 2018 GMC Terrain now offers a diesel engine. Photo: Mary Moore
Who the 2018 GMC Terrain is For:
- Buyers who want more storage options.
- Buyers who frequently haul larger items.
- Those who want a family vehicle.
- Those looking for a diesel option in a smaller vehicle.
- Buyers who enjoy technology innovation.
What It Costs:
- SLE Trim starts at $27,820 MSRP
- SLT Trim starts at $31,320 MSRP
- Denali Trim starts at $37,520 MSRP
What We Loved:
- Denali Style Trim Option-GMC’s top of the line trim
- Heated and Cooled Front Seating
- Tons of Storage Space
- Interior Design and Function
- Availability of a Diesel Engine