2018 GMC Terrain Gets 3 Turbo Engine Choices, Including Diesel

Dan Ilika
by Dan Ilika

An overhauled 2018 GMC Terrain will get power from a trio of turbocharged engines — including a diesel option.

Unveiled on the eve of the Detroit auto show, the new version of the brand’s compact crossover ditches the boxy look of old for something much more in line with the new Acadia that launched last year. But the big news is the three turbocharged engines that will be offered under the hood, including a diesel to go along with a pair of gas options.

The standard powerplant will be a new turbocharged 1.5-liter gas engine that makes 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, which should be more than enough to motivate the smallest vehicle in GMC’s lineup. Also of the gas-powered variety is an available 2.0-liter turbo borrowed from the Buick Envision that makes 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

ALSO SEE: 2017 Buick Envision Review

Both four-cylinders, which power the same-sized Envision in China, feature direct injection and idle-stop technology, and come paired to GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission. The larger of the two engines allows for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lb (1,585 kg), matching what the current 3.6-liter V6 version is able to do.

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Joining the new gas engines is a turbocharged 1.6-liter diesel-powered four-cylinder that’s good for 136 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The turbodiesel engine also features idle-stop technology, and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Like in its current form, the 2018 GMC Terrain will come in the choice of front- or four-wheel drive layouts, with the latter featuring a fuel-saving mode that allows the system to be disconnected until four-wheel traction is needed.

ALSO SEE: 2017 GMC Acadia Review

On the design side, the second-gen Terrain signals a major departure from its predecessor’s look, and features a Nissan-esque “floating” roof look that compliments a similar design language introduced on the new GMC Acadia. Like its larger sibling, it will be available in three trims ranging from base to Denali.

The 2018 GMC Terrain is set to go on sale this summer. Check back with AutoGuide.com closer to launch for more details, including pricing and official fuel economy numbers.

Dan Ilika
Dan Ilika

Dan is AutoGuide.com's Road Test Editor, a long-suffering Buffalo Bills fan, and a car guy since childhood. He enjoys long walks on the beach and long drives just about anywhere the road, track or trail will take him. You'll see him driving around evaluating cars and in front of a camera talking about them. Dan is a member of the World Car of the Year jury.

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  • Griddle Jim Griddle Jim on Aug 30, 2017

    This thing looks like it was designed by ten different people who never consulted one another. My God, what a hideous vehicle.

  • Paul Paul on Oct 05, 2017

    What's the towing capacity with the 1.6L diesel?

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