With the Acadia
and the Yukon, GMC has the mid- and full-size SUV market
covered, but the company has lacked something smaller. I
hesitate to say "entry level," because the
all-new 2010 GMC Terrain SLE starts at just under
$25,000, and at the top end, like the SLT test model,
can hit $35,000. But for SUV customers who only need
five seats, the Terrain is an attractive option.
Mechanically, it's a twin to the new
Chevrolet Equinox, but GMC designers have done a
startlingly good job of making the Terrain part of the
GMC family. Bold, angular body lines, the big GMC grille
and bigger-than-usual tires and wheels, even on the base
model, make the Terrain look like it means business.
And it does, sort of, but even the
all-wheel-drive model like our test vehicle —
front-wheel-drive is standard — can't really be
considered a dedicated off-roader. It looks more rugged
than it is, and there are some low-hanging body parts,
including a lip beneath the front spoiler, that would
lose any battle with a big rock or dirt embankment. That
said, for mild cow-trailing, the Terrain is certainly up
for the task, but there are better choices if you're
looking for a street-legal swamp buggy.
That optional all-wheel drive is
certainly useful in bad weather, and coupled with
standard stability control and antilock brakes, the
Terrain is as sure-footed as any SUV you can buy. Also
standard: Six airbags, and the OnStar communications
system.
The base engine in the Terrain is a
2.4-liter, 182-horsepower four-cylinder that should be
plenty for most. Optional, and included in the test
model, is a 3.0-liter, 264-horsepower V-6 that has
plenty of power.
I like this willing, eager little V-6,
but the six-speed automatic transmission, standard with
either engine, seemed busy and confused at times.
Mechanically, the transmission is fine, but GMC
engineers need to do some fine-tuning on shifting
points. As far as the Terrain's ride and handling — no
complaints there.
Options on our top-of-the-line SLT
included that V-6 engine ($1,500), 19-inch tires and
chrome wheels ($900) and a towing package ($350) that,
with the V-6, can handle a 3,500-pound trailer. The SLT
package already gets you leather upholstery, a powerful
Pioneer sound system and a sunroof. Total price of the
test Terrain: $34,740.
General Motors has identified GMC as
one of its four "core brands," along with
Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick. Beefing up the GMC
lineup, and pairing it with dealers who sell Buick,
Cadillac or both, is important for GM's future strategy.
The Terrain is a solid piece of that strategy,
delivering a package on par with any of its competition.
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2010 GMC Terrain SLT
Base price: $31,000.
Price as tested: $34,740.
EPA rating: 17 miles per gallon city
driving, 24 mpg highway.
Details: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
SUV with a 3.0-liter, 264-horsepower V-6 engine with a
six-speed automatic transmission.
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