Pros
- Fuel economy
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Acceleration (V6)
- Low-speed maneuverability
Acceleration
4/10
With AWD, the 4-cylinder engine provides adequate power from a stop. It struggles a bit in highway merging and passing. The V6 is stronger, but it still doesn't feel as powerful as its 264-hp rating would suggest. The transmission is smooth and responsive with the 4-cylinder, but it sometimes downshifts slowly with the V6.
Fuel Economy
6/10
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD 4-cylinder averaged 24.2 mpg. An AWD V6 averaged 23.6 mpg. Both results are impressive. Terrain uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
6/10
Terrain maintains its composure over most pavement imperfections. This is true across all models, regardless of tire size.
Steering/Handling/Braking
5/10
Terrain is hampered by a wide turning circle that complicates parking-lot maneuvers. Otherwise, this crossover is competent and car-like. Like the Chevy Equinox upon which it is based, the 4-cylinder Terrain has electric power steering that is designed to improve fuel economy, but lacks road feel. V6 models include traditional hydraulic steering, but it doesn't fare much better.
Quietness
7/10
The cabin is well isolated. A little bit of engine noise filters through during brisk acceleration. Terrain's low-rolling resistance tires kick up a fuss on some coarse surfaces.
Controls
7/10
The major gauges are large and easy to read. The standard audio- and climate-control system is mounted high on the center console, with most functions within easy reach. Some testers complain of an abundance of look-alike buttons that require more familiarization than should be necessary.
Details
6/10
Interior materials differ little from those of the Equinox. The cabin presents well, despite a few incidents of low-buck trim. Note that SLE-2 models have upgraded cloth seating that is a noteworthy step up from the standard upholstery.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
8/10
Occupants enjoy ample headroom and legroom. Supportive seats are a boon on longer trips. Visibility is generally good, but tall, rear headrests partially obscure the view.
Room/Comfort (Rear)
7/10
As in front, the seat is long-haul comfortable. The MultiFlex bench means legroom ranges from adequate to vast, depending on its position.
Cargo Room
8/10
Space is generous, aided by the MultiFlex rear bench. Terrain lacks under-floor storage, which is disappointing in this class. A number of in-cabin cubbies and bins helps compensate.
Value Within Class
8/10
GMC's smallest SUV earns our Recommended nod for passenger accommodations and overall refinement. Compared with the similar Chevrolet Equinox, Terrain offers unique styling, additional standard equipment, and available cloth seating that is notably upmarket of its sibling. Both Terrain and Equinox merit serious consideration from midsize-crossover shoppers.
Highlights
The 2010 GMC Terrain is this General Motors division's first five-passenger crossover SUV. Terrain is GMC's smallest vehicle and shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Equinox. Like Equinox, Terrain offers 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Trim levels include SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, and SLT-2. All have a 182-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Optional on all but the SLE-1 is a 264-hp 3.0-liter V6. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Terrain marks the first application of GM's Active-Noise-Cancellation system, which is designed to quell mechanical noise. This feature is slated to appear on 4-cylinder Terrains later in the 2010 model year. A rearview camera is standard on all Terrain models, as is GM's MultiFlex rear seat that slides up to 8 inches fore and aft to benefit passenger or cargo room. Remote engine start, a navigation system with 40-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files, and DVD entertainment are available.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, and Mazda CX-9. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, GMC Terrain, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota 4Runner.