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addressed the few minor faults I had with the 2016, mainly the lack of cargo space when compared to its rivals, and the outdated design.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
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