Rental Review: 2024 GMC Terrain SLT

[HoosierJeeper]

Thought I'd do another rental review - got a 2024 GMC Terrain SLT AWD for a rental this week. I also had a 2024 Equinox LT a couple months ago for a rental, and since they're the same basic vehicle, I can compare them a bit, as well as comparing both to the Mazda CX5 I had last week. Didn't have as much time to poke around the engine bay or put it up on ramps, but drove it a good 600 miles.
Some pics first:

Things I liked about it: Comfortable seats (much better than the Mazda), easy to use infotainment and controls (other than the push button shifter - easy to use but just weird, but looks like the new 25MY will not have it). Great AC. I like the look of the interior and seating position/view of the hood - feels more SUV and truck like, compared to most other CUVs (even the Equinox). Great ergonomics in general - the Mazda had some weirdness to it. Roomy too for its size. I wouldn't call it fast, but it certainly had more pep than the Mazda. Both this and the Equinox could chirp the tires, but I think that's more of a function of aggressive throttle tip-in than actual power. The AWD system had an "off road" mode that the Equinox didn't have. Decent range too, about 450 miles on a tank.

Things I didn't like about it: The CarPlay had an odd 1 second delay to every input. The ride and handling. It just felt underdeveloped. The ride was busy, but yet it handled mushy. It did not handle nearly as well as any vehicles in my signature (the Jeeps are both lifted - the Liberty with Old Man Emu/Bilstein and the Wrangler with Dynatrac springs/Fox shocks). It didn't like to take any curves at speed. I don't remember the Equinox being as bad, but the Mazda was much better ride wise and handling wise. It was also very road noisy - I measured about 84dB at 70MPH. My Wrangler is 70dB at 70MPH. Not sure what is up with that.

Overall, I liked it. For the money, ($33k MSRP), it's a good value. Maybe with better tires and a suspension upgrade it'd be a nicer driving vehicle.

 

[JoelB]

I love the idea of push button automatic shifter. So archaic having a big stick you grab and move around. Taking up prime real-estate on the center counsel.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I love the idea of push button automatic shifter. So archaic having a big stick you grab and move around. Taking up prime real-estate on the center counsel.

I think it's just in a weird spot - I'd prefer a column shifter or even a knob. It's hard when you have go drive to reverse quick like straightening out in a parking spot. I think it's harder on the vehicle too because you're not stopping in neutral to let it roll. Plus the manual shift buttons are down there too, should at least have paddle shifters. It's interesting because the equinox had a normal shifter.

 

[JavierH19]

I love the idea of push button automatic shifter. So archaic having a big stick you grab and move around. Taking up prime real-estate on the center counsel.

I agree. I don't want a fake shifter that doesn't have any real linkage to the transmission that attempts to feel as if it does, it's a waste of space and i worry about a drink spill going into the center shifter causing it to damage it. I would happily take keyboard style buttons in row on the dash or even the a pillar instead of the gross fake shifter in my escalade and all new vehicles with them, less space, less cost. more convenience, and a lot more reliable.

 

[JoelB]

I think it's just in a weird spot - I'd prefer a column shifter or even a knob. It's hard when you have go drive to reverse quick like straightening out in a parking spot. I think it's harder on the vehicle too because you're not stopping in neutral to let it roll. Plus the manual shift buttons are down there too, should at least have paddle shifters. It's interesting because the equinox had a normal shifter.

Column shifter is definitely another more traditional option I like for automatic shifters. Just get the thing out of my way.

 

[loneryder]

What engine?

 

[drtyler]

I love the idea of push button automatic shifter. So archaic having a big stick you grab and move around. Taking up prime real-estate on the center counsel.

 

[JustinH]

What engine?

They are all turbo 4.

 

[dishdude]

This style shifter makes the most sense to me, looks like GM is going to it on a lot of redesigned 2025 models including the Terrain and full size SUVs.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

They are all turbo 4.

What engine?

1.5L turbo, think it's the only option on these.

 

[tcp71]

This style shifter makes the most sense to me, looks like GM is going to it on a lot of redesigned 2025 models including the Terrain and full size SUVs.

View attachment 241048

God, no! I'll throw it into reverse every time it rains. Make it a knob or dial on the dash.

 

[Dr_Dr3i]

This style shifter makes the most sense to me, looks like GM is going to it on a lot of redesigned 2025 models including the Terrain and full size SUVs.

View attachment 241048

Very similar and maybe even based on MB's design that came out around 2012ish.

 

[dishdude]

Very similar and maybe even based on MB's design that came out around 2012ish.

Yep. I had a 2012 E350 with that shifter and thought it was intuitive.

 

[Oillover]

1.5L turbo, think it's the only option on these.

With options like that, a Yukon would be the only option I'd consider.

 

[KrisZ]

God, no! I'll throw it into reverse every time it rains. Make it a knob or dial on the dash.

It’s electronic, you can press it all you want, nothing will happen when you’re moving.

Once you get used it, it is actually great from function and ergonomic POV. Just flick it with your fingers up or down, makes going from R to D super easy and intuitive without taking your hand off the steering wheel or even looking at the drive indicators.

I prefer this style over dials or buttons 100%. With the buttons and dials you need look to make sure you’re putting the transmission in the correct drive.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

It’s electronic, you can press it all you want, nothing will happen when you’re moving.

Once you get used it, it is actually great from function and ergonomic POV. Just flick it with your fingers up or down, makes going from R to D super easy and intuitive without taking your hand off the steering wheel or even looking at the drive indicators.

I prefer this style over dials or buttons 100%. With the buttons and dials you need look to make sure you’re putting the transmission in the correct drive.

That new GM stalk design should be a little bigger than a normal wiper stalk. IDK.

I agree with you that it's better than buttons or dials - I think my big issue with the terrain wasn't the buttons, but just a bad location. At least till you're used to it, I always had to look down. Where they put them in the Tahoes/Suburbans/Yukons would've been much better IMO.

 

[hemioiler]

The dial is the way to go. I don't find the stalk intuitive at all, its a combination of up, down, in, out, upside down etc.

The dial: turn all the way to the right to hit drive. turn all the way to the left to hit park. After a few times you just feel it as it goes through the clicks and you don't ever have to look at it: one click to the right from park and you're in reverse. Pretty simple system, doesn't take up any real estate, doesn't get in your way.

 

[KrisZ]

That new GM stalk design should be a little bigger than a normal wiper stalk. IDK.

I agree with you that it's better than buttons or dials - I think my big issue with the terrain wasn't the buttons, but just a bad location. At least till you're used to it, I always had to look down. Where they put them in the Tahoes/Suburbans/Yukons would've been much better IMO.

Yes, location matters a lot. I’ve had rentals where they are right by the cup holders. I wonder how they react to coffee/drink spills. I would imagine not good.

 

[Oillover]

Yes, location matters a lot. I’ve had rentals where they are right by the cup holders. I wonder how they react to coffee/drink spills. I would imagine not good.

Touchscreens are also notorious for spillage issues.

 

[FaronJ]

We bought a new '24 GMC Terrain AWD Denali, the end of May 2024. Black-Metallic, Black Leather, & the dark-gray 19" "Black-Diamond Edition" wheels. All options....sticker @ $44,200 after transport. I'm pleasantly shocked at how peppy the little LSD 175hp 1.5L Engine is!

Yes, I wish it had the 6.2L !!! I'm 63 now, & it's easier getting in & out of! 5,100 miles now on 1-1-25. 1st o/c was at 4,500 mi. Like my 2025 Impala LTZ, it's only seen Certified Top-Tier NO Ethanol Premium from SHELL or Holiday stations. ONLY Full-Syn oil. AND......I'm a regular user of Seafoam in the gas & oil. A month before its 1st o/c, I put a 1/2-cup of SF in the Terrain's oil.

Happy 2025 BITOG Family!!!