At first glance, the numbers game may not add up particularly well for the 2018 GMC Terrain: It's about $1,000 more than last year's model to start, it's down 12 horsepower, and it's about five inches shorter from head-to-toe.
But don't let those figures get you down. This sophisticated all-new model replaces a 2017 that was well past its sell-by date. At $25,970, including a $975, the entry-level Terrain SL will pair a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 170 hp and 203 pound-feet of torque to a high-tech 9-speed automatic gearbox. The Terrain SL is basically a bargain-basement model and is only offered with front-wheel drive and is aimed more at fleet buyers than retail consumers.
MORE: Read our 2018 GMC Terrain preview
Most buyers will find the SLE, SLT, and Denali models. The SLE and SLT come standard with the 1.5-liter engine but they offer a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine that could deliver as much as 40 mpg on the highway (that's the figure parent company General Motors has suggested for the nearly identical Chevrolet Equinox). A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder rated at 252 hp is standard on the Denali and optional on the SLE and SLT, too.
Opt for the Terrain SLE and you'll have the option of all-wheel drive and/or a turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine. The base Terrain SLE front-wheel drive runs $28,975, while the all-wheel drive variant stickers for $30,545. The turbodiesel engine adds $3,770 on top of that, although it includes a few additional bits and pieces.
The Terrain SLT builds on the SLE with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen (in place of a 7.0-inch unit), heated (front) and leather-upholstered seats, and remote start. It runs $32,295 with the 1.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive all the way up to $36,890 for a diesel-fueled, all-wheel drive model.
If the SLT isn't enough, the Terrain Denali adds 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free, power tailgate, and Bose audio Denali front-wheel drive models are $39,495, while the all-wheel drive model is $40,245.
Curiously, low-speed automatic emergency braking is optional only on the SLT and Denali—a feature that's rapidly becoming standard on rivals.
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