GMC’s Denali sub-brand adds another fine piece to its portfolio of Sport Utility Vehicles with the new Terrain Denali. The car also marks the introduction of a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing, replacing the old 3.0 liter unit, with 301 horsepower (224 kW) and 272 lb.-ft. (369 Nm) of torque.
Despite the bigger size and added power, GMC claims that the new engine has the same sort of fuel consumption as the old one. But if it’s economy you are after, you should go for the Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 with direct injection, which does 32mpg highway.
All models are fitted as standard with FWD, with all-wheel drive available for both engines. GMC promises a smoother ride for the new Terrain thanks to the new dual-flow dampers used in its suspension.
Design-wise, the new Terrain is a pure GMC with lots of odd angles and lots of chrome. It’s a love or hate kind of design. New features on the exterior include Signature chrome grille, Satin chrome accents, Body color front and rear fascias, Body color rocker panels with satin chrome molding, New headlamp and taillamp designs, and Dual chrome finish exhaust outlets (single outlet on 2.4L). The 2.4L engine feature 18-inch wheels, while the V-6 engine is paired with 19-inch wheels.
Inside the cabin it’s luxurious, well-made and well-equipped. You get Soft-touch instrument panel with French stitching, Leather-wrapped steering wheel with smoked mahogany wood accents, Embossed Denali logos on front seatbacks, Smoked mahogany wood trim accents, Denali illuminated front sill plates, and Eight-way power driver and passenger seat. There is also a top-notch infotainment system with features like reconfigurable home screen; intuitive voice commands; Bluetooth smartphone integration; and downloadable apps.