Expectations were indeed high when the striking Cayenne Red GMC Terrain AT4 arrived. This compact SUV, hailing from GMC, General Motors’ truck-focused brand, enters the market with a starting price just under $30,000, positioning itself as a strong contender in the value segment. While some automotive critics have pointed out a perceived lack of horsepower, this can also be viewed as a strategic focus on efficiency and value, which resonates with many buyers.
Reflecting on a past experience, a test drive of the Terrain’s cousin, the Chevrolet Equinox, a few years prior was quite favorable. Although the Equinox boasted a more powerful engine option, the Terrain presents a compelling package in its own right, especially when considering its trim levels and intended use.
The 2022 Terrain lineup offers four distinct trims, beginning with the rear-wheel-drive SLE model, which starts at an attractive $29,095 MSRP (adding All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is an additional $1,600). Progressing up the trim ladder, the SLT emerges as a particularly appealing value proposition. For a starting price of $33,045, the SLT trim enhances comfort and convenience with features like heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power rear liftgate.
The tested model, the AT4, is a fresh addition to the 2022 Terrain family, specifically designed for those seeking a vehicle with light off-road capabilities and a rugged aesthetic. Adorned in the eye-catching Cayenne Red metallic paint (a $695 option) and accentuated with black trim, grille, and lower-body cladding, the Terrain AT4 projects a genuinely adventurous image. Interestingly, this vehicle garnered more attention and appreciative glances than some luxury sports sedans encountered recently, perhaps highlighting the current market’s strong appetite for SUVs and their bold styling.
The AT4 trim distinguishes itself further with Goodyear Sport Terrain tires, a traction selection system incorporating an off-road mode, hill-descent control, a robust steel skid plate protecting the undercarriage, and unique embroidered AT4 headrests. With a starting MSRP of $35,145, the AT4 includes AWD as standard, enhancing its all-weather and light off-road performance.
For buyers prioritizing luxury, the Denali trim represents the pinnacle of the 2022 GMC Terrain range. Even in this top-tier configuration, the Terrain Denali maintains a competitive price point of $37,700. The Denali elevates the driving experience with a color Head-Up Display (HUD), a premium suspension system, luxurious leather upholstery and trim accents, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless device charging, and the Pro Safety Plus package, which expands the suite of advanced safety technologies.
For families prioritizing value and practicality in their SUV search, the 2022 Terrain undoubtedly warrants serious consideration. Its range of trims and features caters to a broad spectrum of needs and preferences within the compact SUV segment.
However, what immediately stood out during the test drive was the Terrain’s exceptional ride quality. GMC has seemingly prioritized passenger comfort, recognizing the often-less-than-perfect condition of many roads. Instead of opting for an overly firm, performance-oriented suspension, the Terrain is tuned for comfort and composure. This translates to a remarkably smooth ride, even when traversing potholes, uneven pavement, and expansion joints. Occupants remain largely undisturbed by road imperfections thanks to the well-tuned suspension and Goodyear R17 tires. It’s also worth noting that replacing these tires in the future will likely be more budget-friendly compared to larger, more expensive wheel sizes.
This focus on ride comfort alone makes the 2022 Terrain a compelling option. Complementing the comfortable ride is light and easy steering, fitting for a vehicle in this class. Parking maneuvers are effortless, and despite a somewhat vague steering feel, maintaining lane position is straightforward. While body roll is present during sharper turns, it’s within expected limits for a family-oriented SUV – this isn’t designed to be a sports car, but a comfortable family hauler.
Engine power from the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 is described as “mild” but not inadequate. The engine’s 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque are effectively managed by the smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. Gear changes are seamless, and the torque delivery enables reasonable acceleration from a standstill and adequate power for everyday driving situations.
The AT4 model’s standard AWD system provides enhanced traction in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow. The Terrain Mode system offers selectable drive modes, with 2WD as the default for optimal fuel efficiency in normal driving. A simple console-mounted knob allows for easy switching to AWD when needed, and an additional off-road mode caters to light off-pavement adventures. This system is user-friendly and effective for its intended purpose, although it’s not designed for serious rock crawling or extreme off-roading.
The inclusion of a front steel skid plate on the AT4 trim provides added peace of mind, protecting the undercarriage from potential damage when venturing onto gravel roads or trails.
Externally, the 2022 Terrain presents a more sculpted and muscular design compared to previous generations. The black trim elements effectively accentuate this bolder styling, and the sharply designed front and rear lighting contribute to a more premium and contemporary appearance, elevating its visual appeal within the competitive compact SUV segment.
Inside, the Terrain’s interior prioritizes simplicity and spaciousness while maintaining an attractive and functional design. The seats in the test vehicle featured a perforated dark gray leather upper section with durable cloth sides. Contrasting golden-brown stitching adds a touch of visual interest and is echoed on the dashboard and leather-wrapped steering wheel, creating a cohesive and upscale feel.
Subtle imitation carbon fiber trim accents are incorporated on the door panels and a small strip on the passenger side dashboard. The matte gray finish on the plastic console and steering wheel hub is a practical and appreciated detail, minimizing sun glare and reflections.
The seats are a standout feature, offering excellent support for the hips and lower back while striking a balance between firmness and comfort, making them suitable for extended drives. Both front and rear seats provide ample room, comfortably accommodating four adults, and even five passengers for shorter trips, provided the rear center occupant isn’t overly large.
The rear seats feature a convenient split-folding design, folding completely flat to expand cargo space. Additional under-floor storage in the cargo area provides concealed space for smaller items. As previously mentioned, the power liftgate adds a touch of convenience for loading and unloading.
The optional equipment on the test vehicle largely consisted of value-oriented and desirable features that many buyers would likely appreciate or consider essential.
The Pro Safety Plus package, standard on the Denali trim, is available as an option on lower trims for a reasonable $645. This package includes lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, a safety alert seat that subtly vibrates to warn the driver of potential hazards, and adaptive cruise control, significantly enhancing safety and driver assistance.
The dual-pane sunroof with a power shade, while priced at $1,495, adds a significant amount of natural light and a more open feel to the interior.
The infotainment package, priced at $1,180, upgrades the audio system to a premium Bose setup with seven speakers, includes a navigation system with voice recognition, an 8-inch color touchscreen display, and smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
A tech package, adding HD Surround Vision, front and rear park assist, and a Head-Up Display (HUD), is available for $850, further enhancing technology and convenience features.
The test vehicle was initially intended to include heated front seats, but due to ongoing semiconductor chip shortages, this feature was unavailable at the time of testing. GMC offered a $50 credit in lieu of the heated seats, though the physical buttons for the feature were already integrated into the center console.
With all options included, the as-tested price of this 2022 Terrain AT4 reached $39,960, which remains notably below the average price of a new vehicle, further reinforcing its value proposition.
However, there are a few minor interior aspects that could be improved. Widening the center console’s inner section by approximately half an inch would allow for a cell phone to lay flat more easily, and the addition of wireless charging would be a welcome convenience feature. A slightly larger console cubby would better accommodate larger smartphones as well.
The most unconventional design element is the horizontal row of push-button and pull-toggle gear selectors located on the lower center stack. This arrangement is somewhat unusual and may require an adjustment period for drivers. Specifically, Park and Neutral are engaged by pushing buttons, while Reverse and Drive are selected by pulling toggles – a design that deviates from conventional gear selectors.
Fuel economy, however, is a definite positive. The Terrain AT4 AWD achieved 26.4 mpg in mixed driving conditions (approximately 60% city driving) during the test. EPA fuel economy ratings for the AWD Terrain are 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway on regular gasoline. The RWD Terrain model achieves even better highway fuel economy, rated up to 30 mpg.
The 2022 GMC Terrain should be a strong contender on the shopping list for families prioritizing value, space, and a comfortable ride in a compact SUV.
Competitors in this segment to consider include the Mazda CX-5 and the newer CX-50, the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape, and Subaru Outback, among others.
2022 GMC Terrain AT4 AWD Overview
Hits: Aggressive styling, exceptional ride comfort, adequate acceleration, All-Wheel Drive capability, Terrain Mode system with multiple settings. Dual-pane sunroof, power liftgate, Bose premium audio system, comfortable and spacious seats, roomy interior, underbody skid plate, comprehensive standard safety features.
Misses: Lack of wireless phone charging, omission of heated front seats in test vehicle, center console phone cubby too narrow for larger smartphones, unconventional and potentially confusing push/pull gear selector toggles.
Vehicle Origin: Mexico
Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, 170 horsepower / 203 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Vehicle Weight: 3,659 lbs.
Wheelbase: 107.3 inches
Overall Length: 182.3 inches
Cargo Capacity: 63.3 cubic feet
EPA Fuel Economy Rating: 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Observed Fuel Economy: 26.4 mpg (tested)
Base Price: $35,145 (including destination charge)
Invoice Price: $33,631
Major Options:
Infotainment Package II (Bose premium audio w/7 speakers & amplifier, 8-inch HD color touchscreen with Navigation & voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto): $1,180
GMC Pro Safety Plus Package (lane change alert w/side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, safety alert seat, adaptive cruise control): $645
Skyscape Sunroof w/ Power Shade: $1,495
Tech Package (HD Surround Vision, front and rear park assist, Head-Up Display): $850
Cayenne Red Metallic Paint: $645
Heated Front Seat Credit: -$50
Total Price of Test Vehicle: $39,960
Data Sources: GMC Official Website, Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
