Latest news with #Terrain
Motor Trend
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 GMC Terrain AT4 First Drive: Snazzier, but No Smoother or Swifter
The General updated its heart-of-market compact SUVs this year, ratcheting up the differentiation between the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain admirably. The Chevy impressed us enough to win a finalist berth in our 2025 SUV of the Year contest, but ever since then this duo has struck us as coming up slightly uncompetitive on performance and powertrain refinement relative to the leaders in the segment. Now the GMC Terrain lineup is getting its more upscale and off-road-enthusiastic AT4 variant. Might this newfound capability and panache help elevate the Terrain from its current number 13 spot in our Ultimate Car Rankings? 0:00 / 0:00 What AT4 Includes Red front recovery/tow hooks now represent table stakes for all GMC AT4 offerings, but the level of terrain-tackling hardware from there back is tailored to different products' likely use cases. This smallest, least Rubicon-ambitious model contents itself with a standard on-demand all-wheel drive system, a steel powertrain skidplate, 17-inch all-terrain tires, an off-road-oriented suspension damper tuning, and a 'Terrain' drive mode that is unique to AT4 models. What does it do? It slows the throttle response and under 30 mph it mimics an EV's one-pedal drive mode. This makes it easier to creep up over and down off of an obstacle. Will AT4 Vault Terrain Up in our Rankings? Not to the top. The Terrain's new design looks great and doesn't resemble the Equinox at all, inside or out. The features loading is also quite impressive. The weak point is precisely what kept the Equinox RS AWD off our SUVOTY podium—a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain that struggles to whisk nearly two tons of compact SUV up to speed. What's worse, during such a drag-strip run the transmission seems to slur shifts, like it's waiting to ensure the next gear is fully engaged and prepared for the onslaught of full-throttle torque in the next gear. The whole thing sounds like it's complaining in the process. Now, granted, most folks seldom explore that 80–100-percent region of the throttle travel. But when those occasions crop up, a driver doesn't want to feel like their vehicle is breaking a serious sweat. Ride and Handling? The AT4 comes exclusively with 17-inch rims wearing all-terrain tires. Our test car sported General Grabber A/Ts with a generous 235/65 sidewall that provided ample cushioning on Detroit's scabrous streets. But what the taller sidewalls giveth in comfort, the open tread blocks taketh away in noise. Mild singing can be heard at 40 mph, and the tires remain audible over wind and powertrain sounds at highway speeds. The Grabbers felt pretty squirmy when bending into a cloverleaf off-ramp from highway speeds, too, and the fronts outright squealed when we took a right turn onto a city street before fully slowing. Buyers who wear out a set of these A/Ts before ever having explored a fire road would be wise to replace them with quieter, equally comfy, better performing tires with a street compound and tread. Is the AT4 Worth It? Our limited initial drive opportunity didn't afford a chance to bang the skid plates off any rocks or assess the Generals' propensity for grabbing muddy or rocky inclines, but the AT4 certainly looks the business with glossy black wheel-lip and lower-body cladding, and the lone (predominantly black) interior color choice includes 'storm gray' cloth over CoreTec faux leather featuring AT4 logos stitched on the headrests plus mahogany stitching and piping. Dual-zone automatic climate controls, hill-descent control, animated headlamp illumination, Rainsense wipers, and a power driver seat are standard features you don't get on Elevation. It's a decent amount of kit for $39,995—just $3,355 more than an Elevation AWD model (or a $3,100 bump over the Equinox RS AWD). But we can't help thinking a Nissan Rogue Rock Creek offers similar off-road capabilities with more power and performance for $3–$4,000 less.
Car and Driver
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2025 GMC Terrain Elevation Tested: Send In the Clone
Being a clone sounds like an unexciting mission, but it works for the GMC Terrain. Although GMC's compact SUV is the functional and mechanical twin of the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, it quietly sells in decent volume, offering unique styling with a more trucklike appearance than its sibling. For 2025, the Terrain has been redesigned, yet it's still largely a Chevy clone, so it seems that GMC's strategy for success remains the same. Curiously, only the entry-level Elevation trim is offered for this initial model year, while rugged-looking AT4 and luxury-oriented Denali models are launching for 2026. All come with a 175-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. We sampled the Elevation AWD model. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Elevation, and that version comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission; our test car featured the optional all-wheel-drive system, which also swaps in an eight-speed automatic in place of the CVT. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Decent Value If you want to save some money, the Elevation is the trim to go with. The 2025 model starts at $31,395 (add $2000 for all-wheel drive). The newer AT4 and Denali models come with all-wheel drive as standard; the former starts at $39,995 while the latter commands a $42,495 price before options. That's an $11K delta between the base price of a front-wheel-drive Elevation and the starting ask for an all-wheel-drive Denali. Slide into the Terrain Elevation, and it won't feel like you've compromised much. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard. A large 15.0-inch infotainment system sits portrait-style in the center of the dash, and an 11.0-inch digital gauge display fills the binnacle behind the steering wheel. A pair of thickly cushioned front seats provides enough comfort for a day of errand running, and there's plenty of space in the back seat for two adults to spread out and settle in for a road trip. It's not the quietest thing inside, though, registering 71 decibels of noise at a 70-mph cruise. View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Our all-wheel-drive test vehicle came with several option packages, including the $2100 Premium package (eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic liftgate) and the $950 Convenience Package III (ventilated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable passenger's seat, heated outboard rear seats). It also featured the $1085 Technology Package II, which includes fog lamps, rear pedestrian alert, and a 360-degree camera system. View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver The $1495 panoramic sunroof seems worth it, but otherwise our test car came equipped with several options we'd skip, including the $895 Black Edition package (which adds black wheels and badging), a $100 engine-block heater, and a $495 black-painted roof. As equipped, our Elevation tester carried a $40,515 price, still well below the average new-car transaction price. What's Your Hurry? Out on the road, the Terrain's appeal dwindles. While this GMC is stable and competent, its handling is utterly forgettable. Acceleration is disappointing too, and one must thoroughly exercise their right foot to encourage the Terrain to highway speeds. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver How's this for mediocrity? Our all-wheel-drive Elevation needed 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph and required 16.6 seconds to cover the quarter-mile with a trap speed of 83 mph. The Honda CR-V is quicker in both metrics. So is the three-cylinder Nissan Rogue. Highs: Solid list of standard features, plenty roomy inside, squared-off good looks. EPA fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model ticks up by 1 mpg to 27 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive version is unchanged at 25 mpg. Both trail the figures for the CR-V and Rogue. The Terrain managed 30 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, though, beating its official rating by 2 mpg. The nonhybrid Honda and the Nissan, however, each returned 31 mpg. Lows: Ho-hum driving dynamics, mediocre fuel economy, unhurried acceleration. Cornering grip is similarly mid, with the SUV's Continental CrossContact RX all-season tires hanging on for just 0.80 g on our skidpad. The Honda and the Nissan both beat this result, as did the Dodge Hornet GT, which managed a relatively strong 0.85 g in the same test. The brakes are perhaps the Terrain's strongest dynamic element, hauling our test car down to a stop from 70 mph in 167 feet. The 2026 additions to the lineup broaden the Terrain's scope, and we were able to sample those during a product briefing in Detroit. The AT4 rides on all-terrain tires with model-specific 17-inch wheels and sits 0.4 inch taller. It also gets hydraulic bump stops that should hold up better over rougher, er, terrain. On the road, its ride motions are noticeably cushier than the other models, thanks in part to the meatier sidewalls of its tires, but road noise also seemed more prominent. The fancier Denali version essentially comes loaded, but there are a few styling options. Most notable is a set of handsome 20-inch wheels with all-season tires. It also gets model-specific dampers tuned for its lower-profile rubber, which helps it ride surprisingly similar to the Elevation on its 19-inchers. However, neither of these new trim levels improve the Terrain's athleticism. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver You might argue that people don't buy compact SUVs in search of engaging road manners. But just because compact SUVs sell in high volume and are designed to appeal to a broad swath of buyers doesn't mean they have to be boring to drive—see the Mazda CX-50 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. Verdict: GMC continues to crib off of Chevy's homework. GMC missed the memo, though, and the 2025 Terrain is dynamically as bland as the previous generation. The Terrain stays in its lane, which once again happens to be the same one trod by its Chevrolet counterpart. Specifications Specifications 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation AWD Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $33,395/$40,515 Options: Elevation Premium package (CoreTec upholstery, 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging pad, automatic liftgate), $2100; panoramic sunroof, $1495; Technology Package II (traffic-sign recognition, rear pedestrian alert, 360-degree camera system, rear camera mirror, LED fog lamps), $1085; Convenience Package III (8-way power front passenger seat with lumbar adjustment, ventilated front seats with memory, heated outboard rear seats), $950; Black Edition (19-inch gloss-black wheels, darkened exterior accents), $895; Ebony Twilight Metallic roof, $495; engine-block heater, $100 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 91 in3, 1490 cm3 Power: 175 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 203 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 11.8-in vented disc/11.3-in disc Tires: Continental CrossContact RX 235/55R-19 101H M+S TPC 3198MS DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.5 in Length: 181.0 in Width: 74.5 in Height: 66.1 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/48 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 64/30 ft3 Curb Weight: 3702 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 8.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.6 sec @ 83 mph 100 mph: 28.6 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.4 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.3 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 125 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 22 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 30 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 25/24/28 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED Drew Dorian Managing Editor, Buyer's Guide Drew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He's a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.
Car and Driver
19-05-2025
- Business
- Car and Driver
View Interior Photos of the 2025 GMC Terrain
Cargo space is fairly generous, and the back of the Terrain held a plethora of Costco purchases during our time with it.
Car and Driver
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Exterior Photos of the 2025 GMC Terrain
Read the Full Review | see interior photos The GMC Terrain underwent a thorough redesign for the 2025 model year, but the SUV is still essentially a clone of the Chevrolet Equinox.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police release new details about UTV crash that took life of Clinton County teen
Macy M. Haar, a 16-year-old junior at Breese Central Community High School, was driving a Utility Terrain Vehicle, or UTV, during the crash that led to her death, according to the Clinton County Sheriff's Department. The incident involved multiple vehicles occupied by teenagers, including the 2023 Solaris Ranger UTV that Haar was driving and a second UTV driven by a juvenile, according to the latest news release issued Monday by the sheriff's department. A UTV is a type of all-terrain work or recreation vehicle also known as a side-by-side. Friday was 'Alternative Vehicle Day,' an event sponsored by Central's student council and Future Farmers of America chapter. The website says that on these days, 'students that have CHS driving privileges are invited to parade to school in a mode of transportation that is beyond (their) normal vehicle.' The fatal crash happened after they left the Central High School parking lot. Haar died after the UTV she was driving lost control and hit a ditch. She was ejected from the vehicle, the release says. The sheriff's department released the following details about the crash, which were derived from multiple witness statements: Multiple vehicles, including the two UTVs, left the school's parking lot just before 3 p.m., headed east on Old U.S. Highway 50, then turned south on Drive In Road in rural Breese. The vehicles were driving at or near the speed limit. Haar was carrying a passenger in her Ranger UTV. Four other teenagers occupied the second UTV. The UTV Haar was driving started out in front of the other vehicles. It will be called 'the first UTV' below. Roughly a half mile south of Highline Road, Haar's UTV began swerving for unknown reasons. The other UTV tried to pass, but the Ranger accelerated. The second UTV managed to pull in front and Haar braked hard 'as, or just before the (second UTV) merged toward the southbound side of the roadway.' Haar lost control of the Ranger UTV. A Chevy Silverado, driven by a 16-year-old, was trailing Haar and swerved to avoid a collision. It pulled toward the other side of the roadway, sustaining damage when doing so. As the Silverado skidded out of control, the Ranger UTV hit a ditch and ejected Haar onto the roadway. The Clinton County Sheriff, in an earlier release, said emergency personnel arrived 'within minutes' of receiving a 911 call reporting the crash, and that Haar died before they arrived. Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Team continues to investigate. It's not known if those in the UTVs were wearing helmets or seatbelts, or if the teenager driving the Silverado was wearing their seatbelt. Clinton County Sheriff Dan Travous did not respond to BND's two attempts to reach him on Monday. Dustin Foutch, the superintendent of Central Community High School District 71, said Haar's death is tragic, adding that the junior always seemed to have a smile on her face whenever he saw her. Foutch said that the school tells students they need to have street-legal vehicles on Alternative Vehicle Day, which includes a tractor parade. Foutch said participating students meet at a tractor supply store, at which point police escort the parade of tractors to the school. This is a common tradition put on by FFA chapters in rural areas, Foutch said. At the end of the day, those who brought tractors to school are dismissed at a different-than-usual time to avoid traffic with other vehicles in the lot, Foutch said. The UTVs are not street legal in Illinois and Clinton County ordinance provide none of the allowable contingencies by state statute. A petition was started on urging the school district to stop alternative vehicle days in response to the crash and Haar's death. As of Monday evening, the petition had 112 signatures. The petition's description says it was started by the sister of one of the students involved in the crash. 'Alternative Vehicle Day might seem like an entertaining way for students to display their creativity and vehicles, but the reality is grim,' the petition states. 'Each year, there are reports of accidents, some unfortunately resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. The excitement and joy quickly turn to chaos and heartbreak, affecting not only the immediate families and friends but the entire community of Clinton County, Illinois. ... 'It is time to reevaluate whether such events are worth the possible consequences. Our goal with this petition is straightforward and crucial — cease the organization of Alternative Vehicle Day at Breese Central High before more tragedies unfold. The petition includes an upate that says the school will no longer have Alternative Vehicle Day. When asked about this, Foutch told the BND that the district will evaluate how to be more specific on what vehicles can and cannot be used on these days. Central Community High School will have an e-learning day on Wednesday, May 14, to allow students and staff the opportunity to attend Haar's funeral. The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. that day at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown. The school's counseling staff and the Coping 4 Life team are available to help students, along with the school's faculty and staff, says a district Facebook post. 'Macy was an incredible young person whose beautiful smile and giving spirit touched everyone she met,' the post reads. 'Her unforgettable personality and kindness made a lasting impact at Central, and she will be missed by all who knew her. Macy truly made our school, and the world, a better place.'
