2018 GMC Terrain Denali Review

Bespoke Autos with another in-depth auto review–2018 GMC Terrain Denali

By Isaac Bouchard

GMC has been massively successful with the Denali trim line; on some vehicles it comprises over one third of all sales. What you actually get in Denali varies vehicle to vehicle: Sometimes it is comprised of only cosmetic changes; in other instances it can include engines unavailable to lesser models. The Terrain—all new for 2018—gets a combination of features that really do stand it apart, but at a hefty price.

Not literally hefty, though; this new machine and it’s Chevrolet Equinox fraternal twin are over 300 pounds lighter than their portlier elder siblings, and all the better for it. Their computer-optimized chassis is strong and flex-free and allows the suspension’s subframes to be mounted straight to the floor plan without needing extra rubber bushings to filter out harshness and vibration. The Denali does indeed ride smoothly, with excellent control over its 19-inch wheels. Steering and braking are linear and predictable but in no way inspire a desire to tackle twisty sections of road. Additional sound deadening material aims to quell wind and road noise, but the GMC seems louder than the compact crossover class’ quietest entrant, the Mazda CX-5. Non-Denali Terrains are even less resistant to intrusion from the outside world.

While the Mazda is more fun to throw around and more refined, the GMC is certainly faster, at least when equipped with the optional 2-liter, 252hp/260lb-ft turbo. The standard 1.5-liter engine isn’t stout enough for such a vehicle. 0-60mph can be tackled in less than seven seconds, which makes the GMC a competent hill climber. Descents can be made easier once one fathoms the unique shifter button configuration for the 9-speed automatic (co-developed with Ford), whose “L” button allows you to lock out whatever higher gears (say, 6-9) you don’t want to use. This allows the Denali to engine-brake down steep grades. While it does the job, a more conventional arrangement might be even better. Same applies to the selectable 2- and AWD mode switch, which seems to be more about emphasizing GMC’s “tough truck” image than actually useful in real world scenarios.

These obtuse controls share a cockpit that is slightly smaller than the outgoing model’s, but considerably better proportioned. The biggest problem with the Denali—and all Terrains in point of fact—is that material quality seems subpar compared to the competition. Not a single passenger who rode in the test vehicle could believe its price tag—all thought it should retail for significantly less. In markets where the percentage of American-branded vehicles is really high, like Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, feelings may differ, but folks in blue or purple states like Colorado seem to have higher standards for how posh feeling a $45,000 vehicle should feel. No complaints can be leveled against the Denali’s infotainment system, which is fast, robust, intuitive and offers Apple and Android compatibility. However, the GMC semiautonomous driver aids are no match for the best in class, in terms of capacity nor their ability to smoothly steer, stop or accelerate the vehicle.

All in, the Denali strikes as a competent contender in this increasingly crowded class, but one whose top-shelf aspirations seem a bit hollow. Which is a shame, really, for it is uniquely styled, pleasing to drive and fits into a near-premium category that is neither plebeian nor pretentious.

EPA ratings: 0-60mph: 6.8sec (independent test)

Here is what GMC has to say.

★★★★☆

Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected]

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Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.