Compared to the related Chevy Equinox, the 2019 GMC Terrain is like the sibling that went into finance.

Even base versions are well-appointed, but lack standard active safety hardware that’s quickly becoming routine for the class. The Terrain is available in SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims.

In the end, we give the Terrain a point above average for a large touchscreen for infotainment and the latest smartphone compatibility but take it back for an all-wheel-drive selector knob straight from 1992. It earns a 5 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The base 2019 Terrain SL is equipped with 17-inch wheels, active noise cancellation, cloth upholstery, fold-flat rear seats, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, two USB charge ports, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. All-wheel drive is not available on base models.

From there, the SLE and SLT add increasing creature comforts, but the Denali remains top of the pile for the Terrain this year.

For roughly $40,000 to start, the Denali is equipped with 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, LED headlights, parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen for navigation. Even at top spec, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking is a spend-up option.

That’s tough to understand for a modern crossover that doubles as a family car, which means that we recommend the Terrain SLT trim. That trim level features luxury appointments such as leather seating, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, the 8.0-inch touchscreen, and heated front seats for nearly $6,000 less than the Denali version. The biggest chunk of that cost savings comes from a smaller turbo-4, which can be swapped in on SLT versions for $1,500.

GMC’s infotainment system is fairly easy to use and straightforward. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is a welcome supplement to the native infotainment layout, but both versions offer big icons with easy-to-read menus and icons. Turn-by-turn directions for smartphone navigation doesn’t display in the driver’s information cluster, however.

Like other GMC vehicles, the Terrain is equipped with OnStar telematics that can alert first-responders if the vehicle has been in a crash, offer directions or even make restaurant reservations, and turn the Terrain into a rolling wi-fi hotspot (with a separate data subscription).

Review continues below