GMC Terrain gets some updates, new off-road AT4 model for 2022
GMC’S five-passenger Terrain compact crossover came to market for its second generation with a roomier interior and lots of new technology.
For 2022, the Terrain gets some updates, as well as a new model -- the first-ever Terrain AT4 (base price $34,000 plus $1,195 freight) -- designed for customers who want more off-road capability.
The Terrain AT4 comes with standard all-wheel drive, unique off-road trim that includes a front steel skid plate, and an At4-only premium exterior color, Desert Sand Metallic ($495 extra), which was included on our test vehicle for this report.
Also new for this model year is a refreshed and modernized Denali luxury model.
With the addition of the Terrain AT4, GMC now offers this special trail-ready trim level on all of its vehicles, after introducing it first on the 2019 Sierra full-size pickup. It was added to the Yukon full-size SUV and Acadia midsize crossover for 2021, and for 2022, it also debuts on the Canyon midsize pickup
Terrain trim levels for the 2022, in order from lowest to highest price, are the SLE ($27,900, front drive; $29,500, AWD); SLT ($31,900, FWD; $33,500, AWD; AT4 ($34,000, AWD only); and Denali ($36,600, AWD only). The entry-level SE trim level has been dropped.
All models come with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with 170 horsepower and 203 foot-pounds of torque. (Terrain no longer offers the diesel or 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine options.)
This engine is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
EPA fuel-economy ratings are 26 city/30 highway with front drive, and 25/28/26 with all-wheel drive..
To shift the transmission, the Terrain has push/pull buttons in the lower center of the dash for “Park,” “Drive,” “Reverse,” and “Neutral.” GMC calls it Electronic Precision Shift, and says this arrangement was intended to provide more storage room in
the center console by replacing the conventional transmission shifter with these electronically controlled “intuitive pushbuttons and pull triggers.”
The buttons are easy to operate, though, and for safety’s sake, you do have to pull out on them to put the vehicle into gear. That prevents accidentally bumping the Terrain into “Drive” or “Reverse” while fooling with gadgets and such in the center console.
The Terrain also comes with GMC’S driver-controllable Traction Select system, with settings for varied driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive models, like our AT4 tester, include a front-wheel-drive mode to minimize drag and boost fuel economy when all-wheel drive
isn’t needed.
The Terrain has room for up to five passengers. No thirdrow seat is offered to expand passenger capacity.
Standard features even at the base level include the Traction Select system; LED daytime running lights and taillights; leather-wrapped steering wheel; flat-folding front passenger seat; 17-inch wheels; and keyless open with pushbutton start.
The next-level SLT trim brings perforated leather seats, heated steering wheel and heated/ ventilated front seats, 18-inch machined-aluminum wheels with gray painted pockets, a chrome grille, fog lights, roof rails, LED turn signals in the outside mirrors, and premium chrome accents.