2023 GMC Terrain AT4: Better Than a Subaru Forester Wilderness?

Cory Fourniquet

Mar 6, 20232 min read

Small crossovers are very popular, as is the perception of off-road capability. It was only a matter of time before the two found their way together into some variation of off-road capable compact crossover. Meet the 2023 GMC Terrain AT4.

Building on the AT4 sub-brand within the rest of the GMC lineup, the Terrain AT4 upgrades the wheels and tires of the AWD Terrain as well as all-weather interior protection. The compact crossover doesn’t get as much capability as the big Sierra and Yukon AT4 models, but definitely exudes that attitude when you look at it.

Under the hood, the Terrain AT4 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and responsive shifting and delivers power to all four wheels thanks to the optional all-wheel drive of our tester, which allows for excellent traction and stability on the road.

On the inside, the AT4 greets you with a black and Kalahari color scheme that pairs nicely with the black exterior. The red accent stitching and Kalahari accents throughout the cabin do a great job of breaking up the otherwise large swaths of black in this cabin. Turn your gaze up and you will see one of the largest glass roofs in the segment and perhaps the largest opening sunroof we have seen in this class. The Terrain AT4 also comes with GMC’s latest in-vehicle technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.

Safety is also a top priority for the Terrain AT4, which comes with a host of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Terrain AT4 also comes standard with a rear-seat reminder, which alerts you to check the back seat for passengers or pets before you exit the vehicle.

Overall, the 2023 GMC Terrain AT4 is a versatile and rugged crossover SUV that perfectly blends rugged looks, technology, and style. Whether you're looking for a vehicle for your daily commute or weekend getaways, the Terrain AT4 will impress.