Used 2013 GMC Terrain SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2013 GMC Terrain comes with a new and improved engine for the model year. A 3.6-liter V6 flex-fuel engine will deliver 301 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration speed for zero to 60 mph will be right around 6.7 seconds, which is pretty remarkable for a vehicle of this size. Gas mileage will be nothing to get excited about though as it will return 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Those looking for better fuel economy and lower emissions will be interested in the option ECOTEC 2.4-liter inline-4 VVT engine that will be optional. Direct injection technologies and variable value timing will work to return 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive comes standard.

Properly equipped, the 2013 GMC Terrain will be able to safety tow up to 3,500 pounds. The light design is tuned for optimal comfort and the four-wheel independent suspension absorbs every bump and hole in the road like a sponge.

Technology

• Infotainment System: Terrain’s new system features a home screen with Bluetooth integration, intuitive voice commands, iPod controls and the ability to control interior radio streaming.
• Navigation: Find where you are going with ease with terrain’s color touch navigation. It is right on the dash and includes three months of SiriusXM Traffic and Weather.
• Garage Door Opener: This universal system allows you to control three separate channels for your garage door, community entrance gate and home security system. Why fumble with three different remote controls when you can simply have one.

Safety

From the reinforced steel safety cage to thoughtful placed airbags, Terrain surrounds you and your passengers in safety. Although crash tests results have not been provided yet, the 2013 model is expected to score the same as the 2012 model did. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Terrain a “Good” rating in roof-strength, side-impact and frontal-offset crash tests.

Six months of OnStar comes with every new Terrain, which provides automatic crash response, emergency services link and roadside assistance. Other safety features to offer peace-of-mind on terrain include:

• Forward collision alert
• Lane departure warning
• 4-wheel ABS
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Child seat anchors
• Emergency braking assist
• Rear door safety locks
• Tire-pressure monitoring
• Post-collision safety system
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Traction control
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Stability control

Appearance

Terrain receives a few new flourishes for the 2013 model year, including new headlamps and taillights, chromed grille, body color fascia in the front and rear and body colored rocker panels. Also, consumers will have the choice to upgrade to 18 or 19-inch wheels if they want to. Of course, the signature grille will remain a focal point.

Comfort

Leather seating, wood trim accents, safe touch surfaces and ambient lighting will provide the attention to detail that GMC is so well known for. All passengers will enjoy a smooth ride in this whisper quiet cabin while the driver will appreciate how controls are thoughtfully placed in the dash. Unfortunately, GMC did nothing to change the fact that some of the controls are grouped to closely together, it makes them quite difficult to operate. Aside from these awkward controls, it is hard to not just fall in love and feel at home in this cabin.

Cargo

Once again, Terrain will cause split emotions, when it comes to cargo. With the rear seat in place, you are granted 31.6 cubic feet, which is beyond impressive. However, when you fold the rear seat flat, only 63.9 cubic feet are opened up for you to use. This falls quite short, when compared to others in this class.