OK, first things first.
Before SUVs became trendy (sounds odd even saying that considering it wasn’t too long ago), a lot of the appeal stemmed from an option to the minivan when in need of vehicle to haul a lot of stuff or people.
In that regard, the new 2010 GMC Terrain has a few things to offer.
While it doesn’t quite live up to the claim that it seats five if you’re talkin’ average- size adults, the Terrain offers a lot when it comes to space for a vehicle in its segment.
PACK IT IN
The SUV, which replaces the Envoy in GMC’s lineup, features an oversized glove box, a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack, a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer, and two-tier storage in the doors.
The SUV is also equipped with a standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat that can be moved forward or back nearly eight inches to increase passenger comfort or for more rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo. And the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet of storage, as well as one of the Terrain’s four auxiliary power outlets.
This is, after all, what should be considering now when purchasing a SUV in this new era of “going green,” right?
The Terrain also features a comprehensive list of standard and available technology features including standard rear-vision camera, programmable power rear liftgate, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and remote vehicle start.
In addition, the SUV’s available with USB audio connectivity, MP3 playback, seven-inch touch screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive, and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens.
OnStar and XM Satellite Radio are also standard.
YOU’LL WANT TO STEP UP
Even though the Terrain boasts highway fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway in the all-wheel drive model tested (pretty good), GM’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine matted to the six-speed manual transmission feels a little sluggish in the SUV, especially on inclines when in lower gears. But I attribute a lot of that to the SUV’s weight considering that the four-cylinder engine is pretty impressive when tested in other GM vehicles like the Malibu.
Either way, you’ll likely want to opt for the V-6 engine, which delivers 264 horsepower. Sure, fuel efficiency is important, but so is power in a SUV. The V-6 has an estimated EPA of 25 mpg highway, 17 mpg city.
The six-speed automatic transmission, which is equipped with both engines, is designed to enhance fuel efficiency. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are offered in SLE and SLT trim levels.
Towing capacity is 1500 for the four-cylinder model. The towing capacity for the six-cylinder is 3500.
Safety features include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags, and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags.
Interior details include a “floating” center stack, highlighted by ambient lighting.
The Terrain also features GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology on the 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.
Wheel options include 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels.
WHAT IS IT AGAIN?
Structural elements such as the single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel gives the Terrain a solid feel on the road when it comes to ride handling.
The problem is the Terrain’s exterior styling doesn’t have enough appeal to sell you on the SUV if the idea of practicality isn’t enough. There are some elements of the exterior design that just seem out of place on the Terrain.
It sort of looks like the idea of trying to pull off a compact fuel-efficient SUV got lost in a design more fitting for a larger SUV. Take for example, how the grille seems to dominate the front of the vehicle and how the fender flares look too big for the wheel wells.
Repackage some of the Terrain’s exterior styling cues on a full-size SUV and the vehicle would likely have a lot more “wow” factor, although it’d be pushing into GM’s Yukon space.
Then again, these days with all the talk of conserving fuel, a SUV’s sense of practicality should outweigh the idea of purchasing the vehicle for its look. Well, shouldn’t it?
HIGHLIGHTS
Sticker: $34,170
MPG: 20 city/29 hwy
GM’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Optional DVD-rear entertainment center
Available 19-inch chrome-clad wheels