2022 GMC Terrain Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The 2022 GMC Terrain is a compact SUV with plenty of room for up to five people. The Terrain also provides plenty of cargo space within its small frame. There's a possible 63.3 cubic-feet of storage room when the last row of seats is folded down. It's a practical vehicle that also provides excellent handling and a comfortable ride.

The Terrain has a suitable name since it also offers impressive off-road capabilities. All-wheel drive (AWD)is available for every single trim level. This is a capable SUV with plenty of power and torque from its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The safety features and modern technology are impressive here as well.

GMC's 2022 Terrain will be available in four different trim levels. There should be a model here to please just about anyone. There's also a special edition for the first two trim levels which GMC has dubbed the Elevation Edition. This special model offers a number of cosmetic features such as blacked-out accents, badging and side roof rails. There's also a darkened front grille and 19-inch glossy black aluminum wheels.

There's a lot to be aware of before deciding on a specific model. Here is a brief look at each of the four different trim levels. This comparison will make it more clear what the actual differences are between each trim.

 

Compare the SLE vs SLT Trims. What Is the Difference?

The base trim level for the 2022 GMC Terrain is called the SLE model. The next level up is called the SLT. Both come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), though AWD is available for both models at a slight price increase. As previously stated, both models can seat up to five people. There's a total of 103.2 cubic-feet of passenger space in every single trim level. That's not too bad for being a compact SUV.

All models have 29.6 cubic-feet of storage space behind the last row of seats. This can be expanded to the aforementioned 63.3 cubic feet when extra room is needed for cargo. The Terrain has an overall length of 182.3 inches and a wheelbase of 107.3 inches. Its overall height stands at 65.4 inches.

Every trim level comes equipped with a four cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. This power plant produces 170 horsepower with 203 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed transmission provides silky sooth automatic shifting. This automatic transmission system is electronically controlled and also features overdrive.

The Terrain has a MacPherson front suspension and a single-outlet exhaust system. Both AWD and FWD models can tow up to 1,500 pounds. GMC provides a spare tire, spare wheel and jack for every version of the Terrain. The SLE and SLT trim levels come stock with a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels with a silver paint job. LED headlights and signature taillights are standard.

The SLE and SLT also come equipped with a set of fog lamps. A programmable liftgate can easily be operated hands-free. There are body-colored door handles and mirror caps at these trim levels. The outside mirrors also come with a heating feature for easy defrosting. All trims get mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Roof-mounted side rails give owners even more storage options for their cargo. This adds a lot of value for those who like to take road trips or for those who need to carry extra equipment for camping and fishing adventures. The rear windows have deep-tinted glass for both privacy and an extra level of protection against UV rays.

On the inside of the SLE and SLT trims, there are the usual power locks and power windows. On the inside is where some of the first major differences will be noticed. The SLT has upgraded seats with available leather upholstery. The interior is overall nicer in the SLT in general. Both models have dual-zone automatic climate control.

GMC gives some nice perks at the base trim level. There are features here, like heated front seats and ambient interior lighting, that are not normally present on base models. Both models get an HD rear-vision camera and remote start. Both are WiFi hotspot capable. The infotainment system for 2022 is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

These two trim levels have a six-speaker audio system. There's a 4.2-inch driver-information display and an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Bluetooth Technology allows for easy streaming of music from smartphones and other devices. There are plenty of USB ports on board too, for both charging and for connecting purposes.

The safety features are mostly the same when comparing the SLE and SLT models. There's a tire-pressure monitor to make sure those tires aren't too low or over inflated. All GMC vehicles get their Teen Driver safety package now. This is a suite of features designed to keep younger, secondary drivers safe. Vehicle settings can be customized and attached to a key FOB in order to promote safer driving habits.

The Teen Driver tech also provides the owner with readouts like a report card, so they can monitor their teen's driving behaviors. Another high-tech feature that can be found on every model of the Terrain is GMC's StabiliTrack. This is an electronic stability control system with traction control. This makes for a safer drive and increases the Terrain's off-road capabilities too.

All Terrain trim levels have an advanced airbag system. The SLE and SLT models have Front Collision Alert and Front Pedestrian Braking. A Lane-Keep Assist with Lane-Departure Warning is present on all models. Automatic Emergency Braking kicks in when needed, and there's also a Following-Distance Indicator to make sure drivers keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of them.

Compare the SLT vs AT4 Trims. What is the difference?

The next trim level of the 2022 GMC Terrain after the SLT model is called the AT4. There are some more noticeable differences between the AT4 and the SLT trim, but not many. One of the main things here is the addition of skid plates and front sill plates. These additions are to give the model more protection when driving over rough terrain.

The AT4 was designed for those who want to go off-roading in their SUV more often than the average driver. It has the same engine and transmission systems as before. This means its horsepower, torque, towing capabilities and other performance specs remain the same. The price difference between these trims is very small.

The AT4 weighs more due to that extra plating that protects the undercarriage. An SLT weighs in at 3,487 pounds while the AT4 comes in at 3,659 pounds. This difference isn't really noticeable while driving. Both models have the same steering dynamics and feel. The AT4 may see slightly lower fuel-economy numbers due to the extra weight, but the differences here should remain small.

On the inside, owners will find most of the same features here. The upholstery for the AT4 is now perforated leather with an AT4 logo. All of the safety features and the driver-assist technology is identical between these two trim levels. The infotainment systems are the same as well. There is an option for the AT4 to upgrade the audio to a seven-speaker setup by Bose.

Another difference here is in the stock wheels. The 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 comes equipped with a set of 17-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels. These are matched with a set of all-season blackwall tires. It's also worth noting here that the AT4 automatically comes with AWD. There is no option for FWD, nor is there an added cost for AWD. It's simply built into the trim-level's price increase.

The AT4 has the option for some premium all-weather floor liners. This is a nice addition for a vehicle that should see some off-road action. It makes cleanups easy after those messier off-road excursions. These off-road-minded upgrades are really the major difference here between the SLT and the AT4.

Compare the AT4 vs Denali Trims. What Is the Difference?

The Denali is the top-tier trim level for the 2022 GMC Terrain. It again has the same engine and performance stats as before. The extra underbody plating is dropped for this model. It instead adds on a ton of comfort and convenience features, as well as some additional safety features and driver-assist tech.

The Denali comes with the GMC Pro Safety Plus package. This adds on Lane-Change Alert with Side Blind-Zone Alert. It also gets the buyer Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. On the mechanical side of things, the Denali offers an upgraded, premium suspension system. This significantly improves the overall ride quality for this vehicle.

The Denali is simply the luxury model of the GMC Terrain. The audio system is automatically upgraded to the premium Bose setup, complete with its seven upgraded speakers. It also comes with a navigation system and a free trial to GMC Connected Navigation. A heads-up display projects important information right onto the windshield within the driver's field of view.

Another high-tech feature for the Denali is the GMC Safety Alert Seat. This system works together with a number of the other driver-assist features and their various sensors. Tactile warnings and vibrations in the seat lets the driver know about potential dangers and even gives the driver immediate knowledge of which direction that possible danger lies in.

The Denali gets fine-leather upholstery, this time with the Denali logo. In addition to all of the new features and upgrades, the Denali trim level also gives buyers access to more add-on packages. In addition to the aforementioned Pro Safety Plus Package, consumers can also add on the Comfort Package and the Denali Premium Package.

The Comfort Package adds ventilation to the front seats. These already have a heating feature to keep occupants warm in the winter, just like the previous trim level has. They now can also keep occupants a little cooler during warm weather. This upgrade also comes with heated rear outboard seats. Now everyone can stay a bit more comfortable during cold temperatures.

The Denali Premium Package has all of the features of the Comfort Package. It then adds on an HD Surround-Vision Camera. This displays images in amazing clarity in order to give drivers a better view of their surroundings. There's no more guessing what that object behind you in the driveway is. This camera provides stunning HD detail.

 

Final Thoughts

Most buyers who are in the market for a compact SUV will be satisfied with the SLT trim level. It's a noticeable upgrade over the SLE base model, especially on the inside with extras like leather upholstery. The price increase is small in comparison to all of the extras that the SLT provides. An AWD model is recommended for better handling and safer driving in inclement weather. It's also a must for anyone who plans to do some light off-road excursions in their GMC Terrain.

For those who wish to do more serious off-roading, the AT4 would be a good choice. The Elevation Edition can be added to an SLT model for those who really like the blacked-out look. Every model has the same powertrain, so the horsepower, torque and general performance specs are the same at every trim level. Which model is best largely depends on which features and amenities the buyer prioritizes.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 GMC Terrain Trime Levels