GMC is doing another redesign for its 2023 GMC Terrain Denali. This is really quick, considering the previous update was in 2022. We can expect a lot of changes and better amenities this time around. That might be the main reason that GMC decided to push the update quickly. Also, competition is getting fiercer. There are more and more SUVs on the market. GMC can’t afford to lose a step and miss the chance to come out on top. This is a big SUV, and it is not competing with compact crossovers such as the EcoSport or Escape.
We can’t expect anything too big or too drastic from this refresh. It will be a carryover model with just a few tweaks that improve quality of life. So, expect the interior to be more stylish and better designed. Some better technology will probably be introduced. On the outside, we don’t expect any changes. Only minor design tweaks spring to mind. Under the hood is a different story. More and more manufacturers are racing to electrify their fleets. So it would make sense for GMC to throw in a battery pack or two and forgo the gasoline engines. Let us read in more detail about the upcoming refresh.
What Is the Difference Between a GMC Terrain and a Terrain Denali?
First of all, the 2023 GMC Terrain Denali looks more aggressive compared to the regular one. It almost resembles an off-roader in some regards. It has a huge front fascia with a big mesh and a lot of air intake. This lets air under the hood and keeps the engine department cool. That way, you don’t have to worry about overheating issues.
The hood is a bit sporty with more curves than usual. Rims are 19-inch lightweight alloys to help with saving weight. Headlights are a classic GMC design. They are C-shaped and are quite big. We have four separate lights inside every headlight. The overall body design gives it good aerodynamics, and the SUV handles well on and off the road. Different trims include SL, SLT, Denali, and AT4. It remains to be seen how much the choice of trim changes the overall look of the SUV.
Interior Upgrades
The 2023 GMC Terrain Denali looks quite stylish. It can give Cherokee cabins a run for their money. The designers did an amazing job of placing everything in its rightful place. This is an SUV that can seat five people with ease. Plenty of legroom and headroom. Cargo space can be increased by a lot by folding the back row. Of course, inspiration for the interior came from GMC trucks, which is not a bad thing. Their pickups have great-looking interiors that are practical and functional.
The seating is comfortable enough, perhaps a bit more cushioning would be better, but we aren’t complaining. As long as there are heated and ventilated seats, we are happy. This allows even the harshest weather and off-road driving to be enjoyable. Leather is the main material used for upholstery. Contrast stitching with multiple colors is available.
There is a central infotainment system on the instrument panel. It is a 10-inch touchscreen that can control everything connected to a battery. Connectivity is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dashboard is digital, which is a nice step toward the future. Also, you can customize it to track everything you want to know. Hands-free driving isn’t confirmed. But we suspect it will be present. It remains to be seen how much of the pre-mapped roads we get and if GMC invests in their own or borrows software.
Powertrain Options
We have official information that the 2023 GMC Terrain Denali will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This produces around 252 horsepower. Compared to smaller crossovers, the Terrain Denali is much more powerful. You can expect around 190 horsepower as standard. It has a front-wheel drive, but you can opt for an all-wheel drive if that is your preference. There is a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine. GMC didn’t confirm it, but they didn’t deny it either. This engine is reliable and long-lasting. That is why it is difficult to find a suitable replacement for it.
Even though it doesn’t have the strongest output, the new model only offers 170 horsepower and 30 mpg on the open road. It is strange that we don’t see GMC running to put a battery pack inside the Terrain Denali. Or at least an electric motor for a hybrid system. All other manufacturers are falling head over toe in order to push their hybrids and electric SUVs onto the market. We have the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and others. All of these have better miles per gallon ratings. It is at least 40. So, our best guess is that GMC hasn’t found a perfect solution for electrification.
Perhaps next year will be the time to introduce the electric Terrain Denali. Hopefully, it happens and we get a fully electric GMC SUV. This would have to be a battery pack of at least 150 kWh. The range should surpass the 300 mile mark. If Ford can do it with a big pickup, we see no reason for GMC to not be able to pull it off with a compact SUV. Consider that it won’t be a working horse either, but an everyday agenda vehicle. Fast charging and peer-to-peer charging are very popular and standard today. There should be some other features included, but first, let’s see if it happens.
Price and Release Date
We expect to see the refreshed 2023 GMC Terrain Denali on the road by 2022. Problems with the pandemic and supply chain issues might push the date further down the line. Worst case scenario, we get to see the compact SUV in early 2023, the first quarter to be exact.
The starting price should be around $27,000. This is in the price range for most compact SUVs. The Denali trim is estimated at $40,000. There is an AT4 trim that will cost around $35,000.