2013 GMC Terrain Denali - Crossover Powers Up

Though not a bad engine, the 3.0-liter V-6 offered in the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox isn't much to write home about either. The Terrain was also the last consumer-oriented GMC standing without a Denali model. With the 2013 GMC Terrain Denali, both are going to change.

Under the hood of the Terrain Denali sits GM's familiar 3.6-liter V-6 instead instead of the aforementioned 3.0. It makes 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque, a considerable improvement over the 3.0's 264 hp and 222 lb-ft. Despite the extra power and displacement, GMC says that fuel economy will be unaffected, meaning that the Terrain Denali should get the same 16/23 mpg city/highway rating from the EPA as the 2012 V-6 powered Terrain. GMC will also offer the Terrain Denali with the base I-4 engine.

Cosmetically, the Terrain Denali stands out from the rest of the range by virtue of its honeycomb-style grille, satin chrome accents, chrome exhaust tips, and slightly revised headlights and taillights. Four-cylinder models are fitted with 18-inch wheels, six-cylinder models receive 19-inchers. Inside, there's a leather-wrapped steering wheel, mahogany wood accents, power front seats, and a soft-touch instrument panel.

Pricing will be announced closer to its scheduled arrival in the third quarter of this year. For reference, a 2012 GMC Terrain AWD SLT-2 with the V-6 already runs $35,335 including destination while a base-model 2012 Cadillac SRX is $36,360.

2013 GMC Terrain Denali - 2012 New York Auto Show - Motor Trend