Can the 2018 GMC Terrain Denali Take on the World’s Toughest Towing Test? (Video)

2018 gmc terrain denali awd
2018 GMC Terrain Denali

We usually take on the Ike Gauntlet™ in trucks and full-size SUVs. The 2018 GMC Terrain is the first compact crossover to tackle the world’s toughest towing test at near maximum load.

This Terrain Denali AWD is fully-loaded model with a 2.0L turbocharged I4 that is rated at 252 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain has a 3,500 lbs towing rating, a towing mode, a 2-inch hitch receiver, a 7-pin trailer wiring connector, and relatively large side mirrors. It does not have an integrated brake controller, but it’s not something that is expected in this class of vehicle and weight rating.

This time we are towing a CM Trailers 14-foot Stocker trailer that is weighted to just over 2,700 lbs. The trailer is pushing on the Terrain with about 300 lbs of tongue weight. When you combine this with Nathan and Andre and the camera gear, we are pushing close to 923 lbs maximum payload rating of this Terrain.

The Ike Gauntlet is an 8-mile run of I-70 up and down a 7% grade to a maximum elevation of 11,158 feet above sea level. This is a very difficult test for any vehicle. If the Terrain can shine on this test, it will tow your small trailer with confidence.

Our test trailer has electrically actuated brakes, and we use an Intelli-Hitch that uses a surge-motion to activate the trailer brakes. When the tow vehicles slows down, the shaft inside the hitch moves and sends the signal to actuate the trailer brakes.

How did the Terrain do on the Ike Gauntlet™? How did it perform on the way down? What time and fuel economy did it show on the way up? Check out the video for all of the details.