2015 GMC Terrain Denali Preview

Introduction

Trucks--and truck brands--have undergone a well-documented transformation over the past several years. As more shoppers seek ever-greater levels of luxury and creature comforts, the popularity of GMC's lineup of Denali trucks and SUVs continues to grow. Among them is the 2015 Terrain Denali, a richly appointed 5-passenger crossover available with FWD or AWD capability and updated with Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

Exterior Features

To distinguish the Denali from other 2015 Terrain trim levels (SLE and SLT), GMC has fitted its smallest luxury 'ute with a unique grille, chrome trim, and 19-in. alloy wheels. These visual enhancements are combined with a list of high-end standard amenities that includes a power moonroof, power liftgate, and heated power-adjustable mirrors.

Interior Features

Inside, the 2015 GMC Terrain Denali receives more special touches, as evidenced by its illuminated doorsill plates, heated front seats with 8-way power adjustment and memory, 7-in. touch-screen infotainment display and Pioneer audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and accents, Bluetooth connectivity, and remote start. Also included with the Denali package are automatic climate control and a universal garage door opener.

Optional Features

In addition to the goods offered as standard equipment on the 2015 GMC Terrain Denali, the automaker provides a number of optional upgrades such as a touch-screen navigation system, rear-seat dual-screen entertainment system, and a tow package.

Under the Hood

There are two powertrain options available for the 2015 GMC Terrain Denali, both of which include a 6-speed automatic transmission and can be selected with FWD and AWD variants. The engine choices are a direct-injection, 16-valve, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that delivers 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, or a direct-injection, 24-valve, 3.6-liter V-6 boasting 301 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel Economy

Terrain buyers on the hunt for the greatest possible fuel efficiency will want to direct their attention to the FWD Denali model equipped with the 4-cylinder engine, a combination that earns EPA estimates of 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg overall. Opting for AWD drops those figures to 20/29/23 mpg, respectively. In exchange for its extra power and performance, the available V-6 offers slightly less fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined (FWD; AWD cuts off one more mpg across the board).

Safety

GMC equips the 2015 Terrain Denali with standard 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, 6 air bags, rearview camera, OnStar with emergency response services, and a Safety package consisting of forward-collision and lane-departure warning, rear park-assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a blind-spot monitoring system.

In government crash tests, the 2015 GMC Terrain received an overall rating of 4 (out of 5) stars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Terrain received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--in all categories; the Terrain also received a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Institute.