Does the 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 Have the Off-Road Chops to Wear the Badge?
GMC shares several trims across its lineup of SUVs. Elevation, AT4, and Denali are all used for various models in the brand lineup. That doesn’t necessarily mean that all of them should be offered. The GMC Terrain is the smallest SUV offered. Considered a compact crossover with rugged features and GMC qualities, the question is whether or not the AT4 version has enough off-road stuff for the trails.
Specific features for the 2022 GMC Terrain AT4
The AT4 trim is the fastest-selling version of the Terrain. Consumers, especially in Canada, are flocking to this model to take home an SUV with AWD and some off-road qualities. AutoGuide.com tells us this trim comes with:
- Standard AWD
- Front steel skid plate
- All-terrain tires
- Black 17-inch wheels
- Unique grille
- Exterior accents and interior trim
- Traction Select system with off-road mode
- Hill descent control
Some vehicles come packaged differently for Canadians than Americans, but the Terrain AT4 SUV is identical for both markets.
What is the ground clearance for the AT4 Terrain SUV?
The GMC Terrain AT4 sits 7.9 inches above the ground. This is pretty good for a compact SUV but not what you’d call excellent. At nearly eight inches, this SUV has the room above the ground to handle moderate off-roading on light to medium trails. You don’t have as much clearance as a Jeep Wrangler, which starts at 9.7 inches of room, but you aren’t hugging the road either.
How much power does the GMC Terrain offer?
Regardless of the trim level, this SUV has the same powertrain. Kelly Blue Book tells us this powertrain includes a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain isn’t one of the best in the market, but it’s adequate for this SUV, offering 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. With standard AWD in the AT4 model, you’ll enjoy 25 city/28 hwy mpg.
Enjoy the cabin area of this premium SUV
The interior of the GMC Terrain AT4 isn’t much different from the rest of the lineup. You’ll find a few signature items, including special stitching in the headrests, but mostly, it’s the same as the Elevation model. There’s nothing wrong with this cabin being familiar across various trims. Here are some items you might find:
- Head-up display (optional)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 8-inch driver information display (optional)
- Premium materials
- Useful storage compartments
- 40-inches of legroom in the front seats
- 39.7-inches of rear legroom
- 29.6-cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats
- Heated, power front seats
- Dual-zone climate controls
- 8-inch infotainment screen
- Panoramic sunroof (optional)
- Surround-view camera system (optional)
- Safety alert seat
The cargo room behind the rear seats is a bit on the small side for the compact crossover SUV class. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson all have larger cargo areas.
Is the GMC Terrain AT4 worth it?
The price for this SUV starts at $29,095 and can reach $37,870 when you add several of the offered options. This price range puts the AT4 trim in the affordable range for an SUV. If you want an SUV that’s a bit upmarket from the base models and one that has some off-road qualities, this is a good option for you. If you’re looking for a rugged, hardcore off-road SUV, you’ll want to check out something made for rough terrain like the Jeep Wrangler.
