The GMC Terrain is a decently rated SUV, gaining an overall score of 69 on Consumer Reports and ranking as No. 8 out of 16 for compact SUVs. Even so, many reviews — including those by Consumer Reports and Edmunds — have noted that the Terrain is, well, average. Do its standard features really match up with its $25,000 price point? If you’re looking into the GMC Terrain, here’s what you should know.

More standard features in the GMC Terrain than before

The 2020 Terrain has one major improvement on the previous models, according to Edmunds – it has finally standardized many features that were previously only optional. In past years, this added up to significantly higher costs if you wanted anything other than the most basic safety features. Now, though, you’ll have more features available even if you only go with the standard choices. Among the new standard features are automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning.

There are four trim levels available for the 2020 Terrain: SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. The base SL comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and has 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. It gets 14 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway with an average annual fuel cost of $1,340. The base SL also comes with a number of standard equipment features, including rear privacy glass, heated mirrors, and keyless entry. Where the Terrain really shines, though, is in its standard safety features.

Safety features

In addition to the new safety features praised by Edmunds, the Terrain offers lane departure warning, daytime running lights, traction control, electronic stability control, and brake assist. And for anyone with a new driver at home, the Terrain’s Teen Driver technology might be particularly interesting. This equipment comes standard on most GMC models, and is a response to particularly high rates of teen motor vehicle crashes; it is specifically designed to promote safe driving habits for teenagers.

With this tech, the owner of the Terrain is able to customize a particular key fob so that the Teen Driver technology activates whenever the teenager is behind the wheel. When activated, the vehicle can be programmed to have maximum speed limits and over-speed warnings. Additionally, all audio devices will be muted if any passenger is not wearing a seatbelt. Parents can regularly check the in-vehicle report card generated by the Teen Driver technology, so they can keep track of how their teen is doing. 

Entertainment options

The Terrain’s base SL model comes with a 7-inch infotainment system which Edmunds describes as intuitive and easy to use. This system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Terrain also has standard Bluetooth capabilities, SiriusXM Radio, and a six-speaker system.

New features, mediocre reviews for the GMC Terrain

All in all, the new GMC Terrain has quite a few new standard features, but reviewers’ responses have been underwhelming. Edmunds reports that while the 2020 Terrain is decent and the new standard features are nice, there are vehicles at more affordable price points that offer the exact same perks of this SUV. Consumer Reports agrees, pointing out that the Terrain does not handle especially well and has an interior that appears somewhat cheap.

While the Terrain may not be getting rave reviews, though, it isn’t bombing either. Instead, it’s holding its own as a middle-of-the-road option that may appeal to some drivers, but not to others. If you’ve been considering the Terrain, there’s no need to abandon the idea — but it may be worth doing some extra research just to make sure it’s the best fit for your needs.