“The C Terrain is a great family vehicle, I bought it for my 2 young children and I also commute far for work daily and it's great on gas, the drive is smooth and you feel like you are gliding with traffic. The interior and features are great. I went with the basic and love it.”
2018 GMC Terrain: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 GMC Terrain is an all-new second-generation model, making this a major redesign year. It has a smaller, lighter body, a completely new turbocharged engine lineup, and a redesigned cabin with updated touchscreen technology.
About the 2018 GMC Terrain
2nd gen (2018-2024), first year
For 2018, GMC positions the Terrain as a compact SUV with a more upscale look and feel than many mainstream rivals. Its core appeal is everyday usefulness wrapped in sharper styling, a quieter cabin, and available premium touches that push it toward near-luxury territory. Versus a typical CR-V, RAV4, or Escape competitor, the Terrain leans more on design, comfort, and tech presentation while still serving as a practical five-passenger family SUV.
The SL is the straightforward entry model, while the SLE adds a more flexible everyday equipment mix and the SLT brings leather, heated front seats, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen. New SLE Diesel and SLT Diesel versions focus on fuel economy, while the luxury-focused Denali pairs a 2.0-liter turbo engine with navigation, Bose audio, LED headlights, and a hands-free power liftgate. Every trim has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, push-button start, and a front passenger seat that folds flat for longer cargo.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The previous engine range was replaced by three turbocharged four-cylinder engines: 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter gas engines plus a new 1.6-liter diesel. The gas engines use a 9-speed automatic, while the diesel uses a 6-speed automatic. SLE Diesel and SLT Diesel trims joined the lineup.
Styling
The Terrain received a completely new exterior and interior for its second generation. The SLE-1 name became SLE, SLE-2 was dropped, and Denali gained its own chrome-heavy trim and LED headlights. On the SLT, alloy wheels changed from standard equipment to optional equipment.
Safety
Lane departure warning changed from standard to optional on the Denali.
Tech
A new touchscreen system brought Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to every trim. GMC also introduced a push-button electronic gear selector, while upper trims gained features such as an 8-inch screen, navigation, and Bose audio.
Structural
A new compact-SUV platform and body made the Terrain smaller and lighter, with greater use of high-strength steel. A fold-flat front passenger seat also improved flexibility for carrying longer items.
2018 GMC Terrain specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 1.6L |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd w/OD | Auto, 9-Spd w/OD | Auto, 9-Spd w/OD | Automatic, 9-Spd w/Overdrive 9T50 | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Diesel |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 22–26 mpg | 22–26 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 28–30 mpg | 28–30 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170–252 hp | 170–252 hp | 252 hp | 137 hp | 137 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 203–260 lb-ft | 203–260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.3 cu-ft | 63.3 cu-ft | 63.3 cu-ft | 63.3 cu-ft | 63.3 cu-ft | 63.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.7 in | 39.7 in | 39.7 in | 39.7 in | 39.7 in | 39.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 GMC Terrain redesigned?
Yes. The 2018 GMC Terrain is the first year of the second generation, with an entirely new body, cabin, platform, engine lineup, and touchscreen system. It is also smaller and lighter than the 2017 model.
What engines does the 2018 GMC Terrain have?
The 2018 Terrain uses a new range of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The lineup includes 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter gas engines with a 9-speed automatic, plus a 1.6-liter diesel with a 6-speed automatic.
Does the 2018 GMC Terrain have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2018 GMC Terrain trim has a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL and SLE use a 7-inch screen, while the SLT and Denali have an 8-inch screen.
Did the 2018 GMC Terrain add diesel models?
Yes. The 2018 lineup added SLE Diesel and SLT Diesel trims, both powered by a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
How is the 2018 GMC Terrain different from the 2017 model?
The 2018 Terrain is a full redesign rather than a minor update. Compared with 2017, it has a smaller and lighter structure, three new turbocharged engines, new diesel trims, updated phone integration, a push-button gear selector, and a front passenger seat that folds flat.
2018 GMC Terrain Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 GMC Terrain.
4.0
2018 GMC Terrain
(515 reviews)
“If you're looking for an overall great car for an outdoor, active lifestyle - this is it.”
“Really gets 38 mpg. Lots of power. Rides nice. Room for my walker in back. Seats 5 adults if necessary. Seats 4 adults comfortably. Lane assist, blind spot assist, and front end collision assist work great. My new must have for new vehicles. I love the way it looks and drives. AWD and 2WD!”