The 2010 GMC Terrain is a five seat crossover that’s a twin to the Chevrolet Equinox. Available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive, it features either a 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder engine. Surprisingly though, GMC is estimating EPA ratings of up to 30 mpg on the highway. But will that be enough to distinguish the Terrain from the other vehicles in its class and bring buyers back to GM?
Both of the engines offered are direct injection engines. The 4 cylinder is a 2.4 liter with 182 horsepower, and the V6 is a 3.0 liter with 264 horsepower. The 4 cylinder has an option called Eco mode, which is designed to get the best possible fuel efficiency by altering the calibration of the drive train. This is also the first GMC SUV or crossover to feature a four cylinder engine since the 1980s. On the four cylinder engine, the standard wheels are 17 inch alloy, with 18 inch alloy standard on the V6, and 19 inch wheels optional. The turning radius of the Terrain is larger than other cars in its class by at least two feet, although mechanically, the Terrain is similar to the Equinox.
Like most crossovers, the Terrain features a car based frame and four wheel independent suspension. This makes for a more fuel efficient and comfortable ride, although towing capacity is lower and off road capabilities are minimal at best. The 4 cylinder engine can tow 1,500 pounds, while the V6 can handle more than twice that at 3,500 pounds – definitely a consideration you should make if you need to haul boats or trailers regularly.
In addition, the exterior of the terrain features over-size fenders, and fog lights in a vertical housing. The bumpers are liberally clad and there’s plenty of chrome on the grille. From the rear, the Terrain looks similar to a number of different vehicles, including the Toyota Sienna and the Buick Rendezvous.
When you’re inside the Terrain, you’ll notice a lot of resemblance to the Equinox. Two-tone plastics and angular styling are featured on the dashboard. Keyless entry is standard, along with a driver’s seat with power height adjustment. A USB port will allow you to use your MP3 player through the six speaker stereo system, and other options include heated leather upholstery, a moon roof, a power driver’s seat that adjusts 8 ways and a navigation system. With the rear seat folded down, the Terrain has less than 64 cubic feet of cargo space, which isn’t particularly impressive but may suit you needs. Still, the MultiFlex rear seat is popular, as it can either slide forward to maximize cargo space or slide back to provide rear seat occupants with additional leg room.
In terms of safety features, the Terrain features a standard backup camera – a feature that’s increasingly important in light of the number of back-over injuries and fatalities that occur each year. Electronic stability control, traction control and four wheel antilock disc brakes are all standard, and there are six standard airbags, including side curtain airbags for all passengers and side impact air bags for the front seats. Crash test ratings aren’t available at this writing, but GMC expects high scores that will appeal to family buyers.
