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GMC Terrain - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 GMC Terrain ranks 2 out of 21 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 initial test drivers with its value, excellent fuel economy and quiet, attractive interior. Though its mechanical elements are nearly identical to its Chevrolet Equinox platform-mate, the Terrain distinguishes itself with a bolder exterior and snazzier interior styling.

The Terrain is unique for its bold styling and excellent highway fuel economy, 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. However, the Terrain makes up for the nearly $2,000 price premium by providing standard features that are only optional on the Chevy, including a rearview camera. Its five-seat cabin boasts plenty of room and a useful sliding rear seat, which you won't find on some competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid.

After driving the Terrain along with the redesigned 2010 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."

Still, 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.

The Terrain is available in two trims, the base SLE and SLT, in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

• "The Terrain gives GMC a much-needed entry in the competitive small-to-midsized, crossover market, slotting beneath the larger, three-row GMC Acadia." -- Consumer Reports
• "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
• "Based on the second-gen Chevrolet Equinox on sale soon, the Terrain has distinct sheetmetal and a slightly upgraded interior featuring lots of red ambient lighting, including along the center-stack-control outline, the CD player opening, and in the door handle openings." -- Truck Trend
• "If this product came out first, we'd be shouting its merits as we did with the Equinox, but while it has everything which makes that product so good, it's only claim to fame is styling and a softer dash. The value proposition is still there, but the necessity is hard to argue. It's a great compact SUV, no question there. It's just not any greater than the Equinox." -- Jalopnik
• "Given the Terrain's low $24,995 starting price, there's a lot to be said for this bolder-looking cousin of the Equinox. ... Even the range-topping SLT2, which adds 18-inch wheels, heated leather seats, rear park assist, a sunroof and a (very powerful) rear liftgate starts at just $29,995. So value could persuade you." -- Motor Authority
• "If the handsome and cohesive design is any indicator, this could be GMC's best small SUV ever." -- Car and Driver

Terrain Performance - 8.0 (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 - 7.2 (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.  Read More

Terrain Interior - 9.0 (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."   Read More

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 unique on affordable SUVs, including thorax side-impact airbags, head curtain side-impact airbags and a rearview camera standard on all models.  Read More

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.  Read More