2014 GMC Terrain Denali Review: Comfort Meets Power

2014 GMC Terrain Denali Review

The 2014 GMC Terrain Denali is one of the few SUVs that combines the power of an SUV with enough comfort for families. While it has some areas for improvement, overall, we enjoyed this vehicle that accommodates five passengers, not only on highways but also on rugged terrains.

Elegance

I loved the design of the vehicle. Although it lacks some contours and lines, it is still a beautiful SUV. The front grille is luxurious, and the car has a bold appearance, especially in black, which gives it a striking look. The 19-inch chrome wheels look great, although the Ford Edge features 22-inch wheels in its fully equipped version. The 19-inch wheels seem a bit small for this vehicle, and I would suggest larger wheels for the next generation. The roof rails, dual exhaust, and rear spoiler all enhance the vehicle's aesthetics.

Materials and Interior Quality

Honestly, I expected more. The seats are stylish, comfortable, and sporty, covered in leather with the Denali badge. There are soft materials on the doors and dashboard, along with some durable plastics similar to those found in the Ford Edge we tested. The steering wheel has some wood accents, and the cabin feels cozy. The seats are definitely nicer than those in the Ford Edge.

Space and Cabin Clarity

The Denali is not only comfortable for five people but also offers excellent clarity. There is ample space in the front, with definitely more legroom than the Ford Edge and decent foot space as well. The trunk has a capacity of approximately 895 liters, comparable to the Ford Edge. (Check out the comparison).

Interior Features and Technology

Good. The interior is smart, especially the entertainment system. It has comfort features not found in other SUVs. For example, there is an automatic child lock on the console, which is a great convenience compared to manually locking each door. Additionally, there are controls for the rear trunk with options to open it halfway or fully. The only downside I encountered was the loud sound of the air conditioning. It was so loud that I had to turn on the radio to drown it out. However, the AC works well in the hot Dubai weather. There are no rear AC vents, which is essential in SUVs! There is seat heating, but no cooling, so I would suggest replacing heating with cooling in the next generation.

Safety Features

This vehicle is one of the safest SUVs available. It includes lane change alerts, a rearview camera, collision warnings, parking sensors, locking brakes, a child seat anchor, and airbags, making it a family-friendly car. However, it's strange that adaptive cruise control is not included. I particularly wanted this feature for highway driving. The Dodge Durango 3.6 has some additional features, but the Terrain is not far behind.

Power and Acceleration

The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h took about 9 seconds during our test, but for an SUV, it was powerful on the highways. You don't feel the engine strain during acceleration, and it has good torque at 369 Nm with direct injection technology. Overall, I was very satisfied with the driving experience.

Off-Road Capabilities

We took it out to test its off-road capabilities. It is not a rugged off-road vehicle and lacks a low gear. However, the AWD six-speed transmission works well, and small dunes and gravel areas were easy to navigate. You can take your family for some fun. The suspension is good and comfortable for both off-road and highway driving.

Summary

Priced at AED 146,000 (approximately $39,800), the GMC Terrain Denali combines family comfort with good driving dynamics. Its price competes with the Ford Edge, and it rivals the slightly more expensive Dodge Durango 3.6 Express, which can accommodate seven passengers and offers better safety features.

View prices and specifications for the 2014 GMC Terrain

Compare GMC Terrain Denali with Ford Edge and Dodge Durango 3.6 Express