Six years is a long time, especially when you get older like I am. I think back to how different the world was in 2016, and how much it has changed. That’s never so evident as in the automotive world. Six years can make a huge difference when it comes to cars. Some are completely redesigned, others are discontinued, and new ones introduced.
Then there is the GMC Terrain. The last one I had was in 2016, a Denali model. Since then, the second-generation Terrain was introduced (2018) and I’ve gotten fatter.
Will only one of those matters; at least to automotive world.
I liked my first week with the Terrain, a smallish SUV that was introduced in 2010. It wasn’t flashy nor stood out from the crowd; it just was. And what it was, was just fine with me.
Fast forward to 2022 and GMC delivers me a 2022 Terrain, this time an AT4 off-road variant which was part of the refresh for this year. That refresh also includes a revised grille and front bumper, new LED headlamps and taillamps, new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs, updated upholstery, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. GMC also discontinued the previously-optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, leaving the turbo 1.5-liter powerplant as the sole engine choice.
There are four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali (there were five in 2016). All models are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (170 horsepower, 203 lb-ft of torque) and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available as an option (it’s standard on the AT4 and Denali).
I was hoping that I would see that GM had addressed the few minor faults I had with the 2016, mainly the lack of cargo space when compared to its rivals, and the outdated design.
Well half isn’t bad, I guess. Yes, the styling has been updated, and modernized, but the cargo room remains pretty much the same. And, that 3.6-liter engine I had in the 2016? Well, it’s gone; the only engine that can be had now is the 1.5. At the end of the day, it seems it’s a case of GMC giveth and GMC taketh away. Sure, I like the AT4 version with the all-wheel drive, and the off-road enhancements that include a skid plate, but having 170 horses under the hood instead of the 301 the 6-cylinder had in 2016 might give me a bit of a pause before charging across that mudhole.
Beyond that minor inconvenience the updated Terrain is just fine; it still is what it is and nothing more. And I’m still fat.
The 2022 GEM Terrain AT4
MSRP: $35,195
MSRP (as tested): $38,185
Engine: 1.5 L 4-cyinder 170 horsepower at 5600 RPM, 203 ft0lb torque @ 2000 – 4000 RPM
Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
Base Curb Weight: 3659 lbs.
Fuel Milage (EPA) 26 city, 25 highway, 28 combined
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 107.3
Length: 182.3
Width, without mirrors: 72.4
Height: 65.4
Front Track Width: 62.3
Rear Track Width: 62.5
Minimum Ground Clearance: 7.90
Interior Dimensions
Passenger / Seating Capacity: 5
Total Passenger Volume (cubic feet): 103.2
Front Head Room (inches): 40.0
Front Leg Room (inches): 40.9
Front Shoulder Room (inches): 57.2
Front Hip Room (inches): 54.4
Second Row Head Room (inches): 38.5
Second Row Leg Room (inches): 39.7
Second Row Shoulder Room (inches): 55.6
Second Row Hip Room (inches): 51.8
Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet): 63.3
Cargo Space/Area Behind Second Row (cubic feet): 29.6
Warranty
Basic: 3 years / 36000 miles
Powertrain: 5 years / 60000 miles
Corrosion: 3 years / 36000 miles
Greg has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.