GMC Terrain Review

Corporate cousin to the Chevrolet Equinox, the GMC Terrain is a small crossover that GMC hopes will be just right for cost-conscious families. Replacing the discontinued Envoy, the Terrain features an expressive design with a prominent grille and squared-off wheel arches. Other talking points include fuel-efficient engines and a roomy and stylish cabin.

Those seeking shelter from the daily storm will enjoy unusually calm surroundings thanks to a slathering of acoustic insulation and noise-cancellation technology. Minor quibbles include a relatively compact cargo hold and numb steering. If you can live with that, the GMC Terrain is a fetching alternative to established crossover competitors.

Current GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is a midsize crossover SUV available in SLE and SLT trim levels. The base SLE-1 comes with alloy wheels, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, partial power front seats, a sliding and reclining rear seat, a back-up camera, OnStar and a six-speaker CD stereo with satellite radio. The accoutrements only accumulate as you go up through the trims; highlights include bigger wheels, automatic climate control, full power front seats, Bluetooth, Pioneer audio, leather upholstery, a power liftgate and rear parking sensors. A navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system are optional.

The GMC Terrain offers a choice of two powertrains. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder is rated at 182 horsepower and comes with a six-speed automatic, while the optional 3.0-liter V6 offers 264 hp and 222 pound-feet of torque, also routed through a six-speed auto. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional across the lineup. Fuel economy is a Terrain strong suit, with the FWD four-cylinder model rated at more than 30 mpg on the highway.

In reviews, we've noted that the Terrain's base four-cylinder is smooth and peppy, though it doesn't start making significant power till above 4,000 rpm. Still, it should satisfy shoppers who prioritize fuel economy over speed. The V6, on the other hand, is a bit of a disappointment, paling in comparison to the stout V6s in the Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4.

The GMC Terrain boasts a nice ride and handling combination, though the larger wheels will transmit more impact harshness to you and your passengers. Inside, the Terrain's cabin is impressively quiet and earns top style marks when compared to its more utilitarian rivals. The dashboard design is rather busy-looking, however, with many flush-mounted and tightly grouped buttons.

Notably, the Terrain features GM's Active Noise Cancellation system, which detects booming sounds and sends counteracting sound waves through the speakers. Backseat accommodations are extraordinarily generous by default, and downright limousine-like when you slide the standard adjustable seat back. One minor disappointment is the Terrain's 64-cubic-foot maximum cargo capacity, which trails the class leaders despite this crossover's considerable dimensions.

Used GMC Terrain Models
The GMC Terrain debuted for the 2010 model year and hasn't received any major changes since.