New V6 Drives 2013 GMC Terrain Denali

GM’s Professional Grade division has achieved steady success with its portfolio of up-level Denali-branded vehicles—sales for these products jumped 79 percent last year alone—so it was only a matter of time before the GMC Terrain joined the roster. And apparently, that time is now: The 2013 GMC Terrain Denali is on its way to the market, bringing a typically comprehensive range of style enhancements along with a brand-new V6 engine.

It’s a next-gen 3.6-liter V6 with technologies like direct injection and continuously variable valve timing, and even though it brings both added displacement and extra power as compared to the Terrain’s current V6, GMC is expecting it to return the same EPA ratings. Specifically, the new V6 will make 301 hp and 272 lb.-ft. of torque, increases of 37 hp and 50 lb.-ft. of torque, with projected fuel-economy marks of at least 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway in the Terrain Denali’s two-wheel-drive configuration. GM’s efficient 2.4-liter Ecotec I4 will be available as well, helping the Terrain Denali attain 22 mpg in the city and a best-in-class 32 mpg on the highway. Either way, drivers will enjoy exceptional ride and handling, thanks to a suspension that boasts new dual-flow dampers.

There’s plenty of advanced technology on display throughout the rest of the vehicle, too: For example, standard on the Terrain is GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, which provides a color touchscreen, Bluetooth smartphone capabilities, online music streaming via sources like Pandora and Stitcher, and full iPod integration with access to the Gracenote music database; and it’s all controllable through intuitive natural-voice commands. Key innovations in safety technology are also standard, including forward collision alert, a lane-departure warning system, and side blind-zone and rear cross-traffic alerts.

The package is then wrapped up by a well-thought-out appearance upgrade that brings a Denali chrome grille, sophisticated satin-chrome exterior accents, freshly redesigned front and rear light treatments, and body-color rocker panels and fascias. Elegant Jet Black leather highlights the cabin, where a soft-touch instrument panel, French stitching, embossed Denali logos, red accent lighting, smoked mahogany wood accents and illuminated front sill plates all add to the Terrain Denali’s premium ambiance.

The Terrain Denali will join Denalified versions of the GMC Sierra, Sierra HD, Acadia, Yukon, Yukon XL and Yukon hybrid in the third quarter of this year, at a price to be determined.