The 2024 GMC Terrain SLT: The Best Minivan Alternative For Day-to-Day Family Use

January 29th, 2024 by

You have a family and you have places to go, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for the expected minivan so you can cart those kids and groceries and pets around town or even on longer trips. The modern family vehicle has evolved into what we call a crossover, a mix of a hearty SUV and a comfy minivan, equating to the perfect day-to-day family driver. And at the top of the family vehicle list is the venerated GMC Terrain SLT, a king among crossovers and minivans alike.

GMC Minivan

The vehicle market is flooded with varying types of trucks and sedans and SUVs, but when it comes to family drivers, the minivan has always been the most practical. Until now, that is. Today, we are seeing a move from those big, ugly capsules we call minivans, to tough luxury drivers that can handle a rugged mountain drive and a smooth venture about town both in the same day. The modern family has pushed for more comfort and better aesthetics and GMC has answered. Enter the 2024 GMC Terrain SLT: the new and improved minivan (that’s not a minivan).

It’s a crossover, but it’s still tough. The Terrain SLT comes with all-wheel-drive, which is an important move for GMC because it defines this particular crossover as something a step above. AWD offers more power than front-wheel-drive, but it doesn’t guzzle as much gas as four-wheel-drive, so it keeps you on the road longer. Customers are already finding the 2024 Terrain to be a great in-between that still gives enough power for off-roading capabilities and the capability to handle rough weather situations.

Those at GMC have spent a lot of time thinking about and creating the new Terrain, and we have some pretty cool upgrades because of it. It also comes with the standard, expected features–

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay along with Android Auto
  • Head-up Display
  • New renderings of the front and rear fascias
  • A new rendering of the entire interior styling

But there is so much more to this crossover. Let’s take a closer look at why the 2024 GMC Terrain SLT is a better option for your family than a minivan.

A Luxury Driver

What makes luxury crossovers enticing as a minivan alternative is the fact that they usually come with energy-efficient engines and body designs drawn for maneuverability and roominess. In fact, the biggest issue with crossovers/SUVs of today is deciding which one fits your lifestyle/family size best. And by “one” we mean which trim level of Terrain, because there are tons of options to choose from.

The exterior of the Terrain SLT has been made to look tougher than ever with sharp, bold features in shape—squared front and rear ends, C-shaped corners, and optional LED running lights in the front bumper. Once inside the Terrain, it’s difficult not to feel cozy and comfortable. The center dash is compressed to house the audio and climate controls. Everything is easily accessible due to plenty of shelves and cubbies for holding cell phones and snacks. And with the tasteful chrome trim, you can’t help but feel as though you are riding in a high-class luxury vehicle, rather than something cheap and plastic, like most minivans made today.

GMC has always been reaching for luxury with the Terrain. It has always fit the crossover bill, but there is more to it than your typical crossover. Sure there are the basics, such as air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, locks, and mirrors, fog lamps, a rearview camera, ambient lighting, and plenty of other standard, modern features, but there’s more. Depending on the level of trim chosen, Terrain drivers can include automatic climate control, a premium pioneer sound system, heated front seats, a sunroof, and leather upholstery, and these are only a handful of the luxurious updates you can add to your new Terrain.

What to Look for in a Family Vehicle

What should you look for in a family vehicle? Sure, it needs to be safe and roomy and quiet, etc. But, more specifically, what aspects should check the box?

The first thing you want to look for is a strong engine. No matter the reason for the purchase of such a vehicle (large family, hauling equipment, etc.) it is important you are not driving something that is powered by an inadequate source. This is why the new GMC Terrain SLT comes with a 4-cylinder Turbo, 1.5-liter engine. This particular engine is able to push 175 horsepower, as well as 203 feet of torque, which is more than enough power to ensure a longer lifespan for the vehicle and for it to pack enough punch to get the job done.

Next, you need to make sure your family driver has a quiet and comfortable ride. This is true with the purchase of any vehicle, but bigger cars tend to come a bit loud and with a stiff ride. Luckily, the Terrain SLT has already been proven to counter these big-car issues. Start up any 2024 Terrain and you will notice something wonderful: it’s quiet. The 2024 model has been engineered specifically for silence. Additionally, with its tight construction and smooth suspension the ride is as nice as you will find in any costly minivan or luxury car on the road today.

Lastly, you want a vehicle with a good warranty. By choosing the new Terrain SLT you are driving a high-quality machine, but it’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst-case scenario. This is, yet another, area where the Terrain SLT shines. With GMC’s Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty, you are covered for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s not all though. There is also the impressive Powertrain Warranty that extends to five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), so you are able to provide yourself with an extra ounce of security and peace of mind.

There are tons of reasons to place yourself inside the GMC Terrain, but its capability to operate as a better minivan is the 2024 Terrain SLT’s biggest selling point amongst those with families.

What GMC does extremely well, besides making the toughest trucks, crossovers, and SUVs around, is provide customers with a multitude of options–and people love options. It is a great feeling to have some say in what you buy, especially when the purchase is as large and important as that of a new family vehicle. Come test drive the 2024 Terrain SLT today (and bring the fam!).