2026 gmc terrain denali 3 pros and 2 consFollowing a recent refresh, the GMC Terrain lineup introduces the luxury-based Denali trim for the 2026 model year. Aiming to bridge the gap between mainstream and premium SUVs, this model brings exclusive aesthetic upgrades, an array of standard features, and a highly competitive price point to the compact SUV segment.Managing Editor Mike Schlee recently spent a week with a 2026 GMC Terrain Denali and found there is a lot to like about it, and a few things he'd change. Here is a breakdown of the three main pros and two main cons of the vehicle based on his evaluation.PRO: Easy-to-Use Technology2026 gmc terrain denali 3 pros and 2 consThe infotainment and driver display systems are among the best on the market. The vehicle features a 15-inch vertical center touchscreen paired with an 11-inch digital driver information center. Mike stated that configuring the screen exactly how they wanted it was incredibly easy. The system offers excellent flexibility; for example, the center screen can be subdivided to show Apple CarPlay on top while displaying customizable information windows below.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdditionally, if Apple CarPlay is connected, drivers can uniquely choose whether to display the standard navigation map or a phone-based map like Waze on the digital driver information center.CON: Powertrain and Fuel Economy2026 gmc terrain denali 3 pros and 2 consAll Terrain models, including the Denali, are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While responsive around town, the lower power figures become noticeable at highway speeds. Mike stated that up at the price point where the Denali plays, it is under-equipped compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited or Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring, which offer more power. Furthermore, Mike stated that the 1.5-liter engine is not exactly a fuel sipper, carrying official ratings of just 24 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.PRO: Comfortable and Spacious Cabin2026 gmc terrain denali 3 pros and 2 consThe interior offers the high level of comfort expected from the Denali badge. The power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats are wrapped in perforated leather, and Mike stated that they had no issues spending hours behind the wheel. The rear seat area is also notably spacious, offering nearly as much passenger headroom and legroom as the front, alongside heated outside rear seats and a generous cargo capacity that expands to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.CON: Glitchy Hands-Free Liftgate2026 gmc terrain denali 3 pros and 2 consThe vehicle's technology experiences a few notable user-experience drawbacks. The autosense hands-free programmable liftgate proved to be highly unreliable. Mike stated that they had to completely turn it off because it would randomly open the tailgate when they were simply near the vehicle, yet it would fail to open when they purposefully stood at the back to use it. Additionally, the user interface suffers from some inconvenient touchscreen dependencies, such as requiring the center screen to operate the exterior lights.PRO: Balanced Ride Comfort and Handling2026 gmc terrain denali 3 pros and 2 consAdvertisementAdvertisementEquipped with Smart Frequency Damper Technology, the suspension adapts pressure on the fly based on ground frequencies from each wheel. Mike stated that this system works quite well, blending ride comfort with response. The SUV maintains a solid feel that does not get out of sorts during moderate driving, effectively smoothing out most bumps and remaining semi-flat when cornering. This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
