What’s the Smallest GMC SUV?
The compact Terrain has a spacious and well-equipped cabin, but plenty of equally small competitors offer bigger value.
Written by Jasmine Kanter
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
At 182.3 inches long and 72.4 inches wide, the compact 2022 GMC Terrain stands tall in some categories—like seating, storage, and features—but falls short in others, like driving and interior design.
A car that’s refined enough to stroll city streets, yet rugged enough to tackle backroads sounds like the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, the SUV—America's favorite car—has a few drawbacks, one of which is that it's a gas-guzzler. Second, it's too big to make navigation in a place like New York City practical or stress-free.
That's why compact SUVs are a great choice for many buyers, and GMC knows it. Today, we’ll take a look at how the 2022 GMC Terrain compares to other members of its family and rival brands, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. The facts are all here, presented by
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What’s the smallest GMC SUV?
The
GMC Terrain
is the smallest GMC SUV in 2022, starting at $31,295. With a wheelbase of 107.3 inches and a height of 65.4 inches, it's just over ten inches longer than the average subcompact. Despite its small footprint, the Terrain is competitive in many categories.Inside, you'll find five seats, the usual wireless smartphone connections, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and forward-collision mitigation and lane-keeping technology. You can fit 29.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear bench and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Given the average numbers for the SUV class, 25/30/27 mpg (city/highway/combined) isn't bad.
Where the Terrain feels roughest is on the track. The 170-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine takes 8.9 seconds to get to 60 mph. Even when you get up to speed, there isn't much to do; its gummy steering saps the fun from most roads. Also, style-conscious buyers should stay away since the Terrain's interior is as dull as its powertrain.
Other small GMC SUVs
If you're thinking twice about downsizing, or you just don't like the Terrain's driving or looks, you could always opt for one of its bigger siblings. Here’s a look at the other cars in GMC’s lineup:
2022 GMC Terrain
Starting price: $31,295
Wheelbase: 107.3 inches
Seating capacity: Five
The Terrain aims to be a comfortable yet rugged people-pleaser, and for the most part, it succeeds; just prepare to be disappointed with the powertrain.
2022 GMC Acadia
Starting price: $36,145
Wheelbase: 112.5 inches
Seating capacity: Six
The
GMC Acadia
wants to be a reliable family crossover that's always ready for a stroll, whether to the beach, park, or grocery store. Unfortunately, it's mediocre in most categories. The 25 mpg combined fuel economy and cheap interior are two lowlights.2022 Yukon & Yukon XL
Starting price: $57,245
Wheelbase: 120.9 inches
Seating capacity: Eight
The
GMC Yukon
is a full-size SUV that makes a huge jump in size, power, and price. Because of its 76.5-inch height and 122.9-cubic feet cargo capacity, nothing less than a 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 will do. Predictably, the Yukon's biggest strengths are also its biggest weaknesses. If you want to avoid hitting anything, you'll have to keep your head on a swivel, and it gets 15/20/17 mpg (city/highway/combined).
2023 GMC Hummer EV
Starting price: TBA
Wheelbase: 126.7 inches
Seating capacity: Five
With an all-electric
Hummer
resurrected for 2023, big is the word of the day. Big as in 35-inch wheels, a 300-mile range, and an 830-horsepower powertrain. Neither the Hummer's ethos nor its six-figure price tag will win over anyone looking for a compact SUV, but it’s fun to check out the upper limit. RECOMMENDED
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The best alternatives to GMC’s smallest SUV
Looking for something else? There are plenty of options in the compact crossover category. From smallest to biggest, here are our top three:
2022 Mazda CX-5
Starting price: $27,475
Wheelbase: 106.2 inches
Seating capacity: Five
Despite its entry-level price, the 2022
Mazda CX-5
has a near-perfect rating from Car & Driver
. All the essentials are here: symphonic driving dynamics, impeccable styling, a premium interior, and a comfortable, feature-rich ride. In addition to its refined character, its 2.5-liter inline-four consumes fuel with greater restraint than most SUVs, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined. Unfortunately, the CX-5 is more show than tow, so you'll have to choose between a trailer that fits its 2000-lb towing capacity or the 29.1 cubic feet of storage behind the second row.
2022 Kia Sportage
Starting price: $27,285
Wheelbase: 108.5 inches
Seating capacity: Five
With its eye-catching design, the 2022
Kia Sportage
gets off to a strong start. The base LX (starting at $27,285) undercuts GMC's pricing and offers much of the same infotainment and driver assistance technology. There are also 12 trims to choose from, with features like heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof to show off Kia’s luxury chops.The whole range of Sportages, some with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines and some with 1.6L-liter gas/electric hybrid setups, also manage better fuel economy: 28 and 43 combined mpg, respectively. Kia’s crossover has a love-or-leave exterior design, but if you love it (like we do), you'll find it a near-perfect small SUV.
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Starting price: $27,785
Wheelbase: 109.9 inches
Seating capacity: Seven
The 2022
Volkswagen Tiguan
puts a smart and sensible spin on a vehicle typically known for excess. Unlike the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it has an optional third row of seats. A front-wheel drivetrain and 184-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine make it feel well-coordinated when driving, but it's not in a hurry to blow your hair back. And when it comes to the cabin, you won't spend much time admiring it, but you won't have to search very hard for the settings you want.Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8- or 10.3-inch touchscreen. VW's heated front bucket seats and manual climate control complete the package offerings. You might not like the Tiguan's relaxed acceleration, but you’ll love the feeling when you’re on a roll.
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