2010 GMC Terrain SLT Review

 After the Equinox and Terrain were retired from their first term of duty, the decision was made to target the top of the highly-competitive compact crossover market with the replacements. By benchmarking the segment’s best, GM engineers are confident their efforts will give machinery like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 a run for their money.

A compact crossover from GMC 2010 sees the Pontiac Torrent axed-- but a new model from GMC has taken its place. It's called the Terrain, and to say that GM has stepped it up a notch is an understatement. GM says that the bar is set high here and that the Terrain and Equinox are out for blood. 

The goals of GMC’s first small crossover were numerous-- and included offering top-notch value, quality, economy and quietness. Terrain has a to-do list a half-mile long, and it’s built to excel at all tasks on it. Talk about ambitious.
Stand-out style
The Terrain SLT tester ticked most of the boxes as a proper upscale crossover. Styling nods to the sophisticated ruggedness found on other GMC models, complete with chrome, complicated sculpting and numerous interlaced accents. You may be asked, somewhat frequently, if your new GMC Terrain is the new GMC Envoy.

A high-style, high-utility interior
The premium treatment carries on inside. Contrasting colours and textures liven things up, and gorgeous red lighting sets the mood after dark. Most will appreciate the contrasting colours, exposed stitching, fresh trim materials and overall upscale atmosphere throughout.
Passengers visiting the tester for the first time made impressed-sounding noises and used words like ‘wow’ and ‘nice’ after an initial look around within. When it comes to exciting looks in the cockpit department, few of Terrain's competitors even come close.
Large storage compartments abound, and the driver has no less than 4 cubbies, 2 cupholders and an arm-swallowing centre console at his disposal at all times. In back, a motorized tailgate opens onto a fairly generous cargo hold that’s surrounded by folding seats, storage bins and a power outlet.

Exploring new Terrain

No issues presented themselves with entry, exit or spaciousness. Visibility is decent all around, and the tester got a backup camera with warning beepers-- though most drivers shouldn’t need them. 

Complaints of the interior were mainly minor. Central controls are complicated and busy, and some practice is required before their use becomes second nature. Reaching the touch-screen may require some drivers to lean out of their seat, too. Finally, the red accent lighting can't be fully disabled by those who find it yucky-looking.

Albeit a few squeaks in extreme cold, the cabin felt solid and well put together, even if it did miss an opportunity to step ahead in terms of materials selection. Though soft vinyl inserts lend a high-end touch to the console and arm-rests, the dash and doors are mainly covered in the rigid plastic that's become so common in this price range.

Firm, smooth, quiet

The Terrain rides solidly and with a touch of springy sportiness while keeping offending wind and road nicely outside of the vehicle until higher speeds. Notably, both rear-seat noise and tire-roar through the cargo floor are dialed down to lower levels than one will find in key competitors. If this writer’s ears were working properly, even the BMW X5 let in more wind noise at higher speeds.

Ultimately, shoppers on a test-drive should find the Terrain offers car-like handling and stability, paired with an overall nimble and eager driving character.

2.4L, VVT, DI

The test Terrain was powered by GM’s new 2.4 litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower. Promising great power and mileage, the engine was bolted to a six-speed automatic with a driver-selectable gas-saving ‘eco’ mode. Front wheel-drive was fitted, though AWD is available. So is a V6.

The little engine gets things moving nicely, likes to rev, and generally has a warm and pleasant sound when pushed. It’ll haul the Terrain along nicely from low RPM’s, and passes confidently as required. It’s no neck-snapper in the performance department, but it moves nicely as four-cylinder crossovers go.

On my watch, mileage failed to impress as the tester averaged real-world consumption of around 12.3L /100km. Given the cold weather test conditions and low mileage on the odometer, owners can expect that figure to drop. 
A must-drive
After a week of driving, I was left with only minor complaints-- and the sense that the Terrain should impress most shoppers with its upscale styling, advanced drivetrain and quiet, car-like ride. 
If you’re in the shopping process for a new small crossover, the Terrain is a must-drive. Pricing starts under $27,500.