“The Terrain feels solid and I like the lane assist and power from the 2 liter turbo.”
2020 GMC Terrain: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2020 GMC Terrain change is that GMC Pro Safety became standard on every trim. This was a targeted safety and equipment update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2020 GMC Terrain
2nd generation (2018-2024), third model year; a safety-focused update with revised Denali suspension tuning.
GMC positioned the Terrain as a compact SUV with a bold, truck-inspired appearance, a quiet five-seat cabin and flexible cargo space. Its fold-flat front-passenger seat helps carry long items that do not fit easily in many compact SUVs, while touchscreen phone integration and a broad standard safety suite support everyday commuting and family travel. The model’s main distinction is a more premium GMC presentation than mainstream compact crossovers, especially in Denali form.
The SL and SLE are the practical versions, with a 1.5-liter turbo engine, a fold-flat front-passenger seat and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT adds heated leather-appointed front seats and a larger touchscreen, while the Denali stands out with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, navigation, Bose audio and upgraded suspension tuning.
What changed, by category
Safety
GMC Pro Safety became standard on every trim. It includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assistance, a following-distance display and automatic high beams. Front and rear parking sensors also became standard on Denali.
Powertrain
The diesel-powered SLE Diesel and SLT Diesel variants were dropped from the lineup.
Structural
Denali received revised premium suspension tuning with enhanced shock control, intended to reduce noise and improve control on rough roads.
Styling
Alloy wheels changed from optional to standard equipment on SLT.
2020 GMC Terrain specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd w/Overdrive 9T45 | Automatic, 9-Spd w/Overdrive 9T45 | Automatic, 9-Spd w/Overdrive 9T45 / Automatic, 9-Spd w/Overdrive 9T50 | Automatic, 9-Spd w/Overdrive 9T50 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 22–26 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 28–30 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170–252 hp | 252 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft | 203–260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 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 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2020 GMC Terrain?
The biggest change is that GMC Pro Safety became standard on every 2020 Terrain trim. The suite includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assistance, a following-distance display and automatic high beams.
Was the 2020 GMC Terrain fully redesigned?
No, the 2020 GMC Terrain was not fully redesigned. It remained part of the second generation introduced for 2018 and received a focused safety and equipment update.
Did the 2020 GMC Terrain still have a diesel version?
No, the diesel-powered SLE Diesel and SLT Diesel variants were dropped for 2020. The 2020 lineup used turbocharged gasoline engines paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
What changed on the 2020 GMC Terrain Denali?
The 2020 Terrain Denali gained the standard GMC Pro Safety suite, revised premium suspension tuning with enhanced shock control, and standard front and rear parking sensors.
Is the 2020 GMC Terrain a meaningful upgrade over the 2019 model?
Yes, if standard driver-assistance features matter to you. Every 2020 trim has GMC Pro Safety, while the Denali also benefits from revised suspension tuning and standard front and rear parking sensors; otherwise, the Terrain’s basic design carries over.
2020 GMC Terrain Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 GMC Terrain.
4.0
2020 GMC Terrain
(381 reviews)
“I am very happy with my purchase of a 2020 GMC Terrain. I feel comfortable and safe while driving and I like the car's aesthetic. I wish I had gotten the automatic lift gate. Did not realize that I hadn't gotten the front license plate holder until later.”
“Good transportation. It could have better ideas for safety on devices like three little screens on the front panel instead of a little light on the exterior mirror, also one of them for the rearview.”