The 2010 GMC Terrain ranks 2 out of 24 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 19 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Terrain, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 GMC Terrain, a brand new compact crossover SUV, impresses test drivers with its value, excellent fuel economy and attractive interior.
The Terrain is unique for its bold styling and excellent 32 mpg base highway fuel economy rating, which is the highest in its class (along with the Chevy Equinox). As far as price, its $24,000 MSRP is a bit more than its Equinox platform-mate, and is high for the Terrain’s class. However, the Terrain makes up for the price premium by providing standard features that are only optional on most competitors, including a rearview camera, a USB iPod interface and satellite radio. Its five-seat cabin also comes with a useful sliding rear seat, which you won't find on some competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Because of its great fuel economy, the Terrain is actually a great alternative to a hybrid like the Escape. It is rated at 1 mile per gallon more on the highway, though its 22 mpg city rating can’t match the Escape Hybrid’s 34 mpg. Still, if you do a lot of highway driving, you’ll save almost $5,000 by opting for the Terrain.
After driving the Terrain along with the redesigned 2010 Chevy Equinox and the pricier Cadillac SRX -- the latter two being very well-received new vehicles -- About.com's reviewer is most impressed with the Terrain. "Of the three new SUVs, the GMC is the most successful," the reviewer writes. "It has a distinctive look, and an ambiance that really fits GMC."Other SUVs to Consider
Because the Terrain's mechanical elements are almost identical to the Equinox's, some reviewers say the market doesn't need another rebadged GM vehicle. Several reviewers also see the Terrain's distinctive exterior as a drawback and criticize its chrome-laden grille. Consider the Equinox if you want a more traditional exterior. You’ll get the same great fuel economy for about $2,000 less, but you won’t get standard features like a rearview camera.
You can also save about $3,000 by choosing the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Again, you won’t get the standard frills or the best-in-class highway fuel economy – they have base ratings of 22/28 and 21/28, respectively. However, what you will get is an extra 10 cubic feet of cargo space as compared to the Terrain.
Details: GMC Terrain
The Terrain is available in two trims, the base SLE and SLT, in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and with a four-cylinder or V6 engine. Note that opting for all-wheel drive and/or the V6 engine decreases its great estimated fuel economy.
"Stalwarts like Cadillac and Corvette may hold the key to a company's history, but if new models continue to be executed with the same thought and attention to detail as the GMC Terrain, GM should be able to forge ahead and recapture the respect it has fought so hard to earn in recent years." -- Popular Mechanics
"If the handsome and cohesive design is any indicator, this could be GMC's best small SUV ever." -- Car and Driver
Terrain Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2010 GMC Terrain handles well, packs more-than-adequate power with its two engine options, and sips gasoline. "On the move, the new Terrain is impressively quiet, and the ride is comfortable," says Edmunds. However, reviewers caution that the Terrain's optional 19-inch wheels can have negative impacts on ride comfort -- but note that the standard wheels keep things smooth. Read More
Terrain Exterior - 7.4 (Good)
The Terrain's controversial styling divides reviewers. Its truck-like exterior looks nothing like the curvy Chevy Equinox -- the platform-mate on which it is based. "Where the Chevy is sort of soft-looking and inoffensive, the Terrain is a louder, more look-at-me vehicle," writes Jalopnik. "It can be had with more chrome than any GM vehicle in recent memory, and decked out in a suit of black, it looks pretty dang sharp." While some reviewers appreciate the Terrain's distinctiveness, others criticize its squared-off wheel wells and large grille.
Terrain Interior - 9.3 (Excellent)
The 2010 GMC Terrain's quiet, comfortable and well-equipped cabin is a strong suit. "Inside, the Terrain boasts a snazzy center stack and attractive control layout that make its rivals' cabins seem dull and unimaginative by comparison," says Edmunds. "An abundance of acoustic insulation and an innovative noise-canceling system also make the Terrain one of the quietest compact crossovers around." However, the Terrain doesn’t provide quote as much cargo space as some competitors.
Terrain Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The new GMC Terrain does very well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests. In addition, its boasts safety features that are impressive for affordable SUVs, including a standard rearview camera.
Terrain Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 GMC Terrain reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). GMC offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty
