2010 GMC Terrain

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The all-new Terrain's claim to fame is its fuel economy, which is excellent for an SUV and bests nearly every vehicle in its class. Equally impressive is the Terrain's smooth ride and handling. It may not be the most fun vehicle to drive, but it's an ideal family hauler.

• "Like the Equinox, the Terrain is competent over all road surfaces and handles well on corners of all shapes and sizes. Understeer is moderate when you overcook a corner, but if you're so inclined you can induce oversteer by lightening up the rear end with the brakes." -- Jalopnik
• "It has a comfortable ride, and it handles reasonably well for its type." -- Kicking Tires
• "All of the available features and behind-the-wheel characteristics of the Terrain are identical to the Equinox, which means it drives and handles very well, if occasionally a bit stiff over broken pavement, and when outfitted with the V-6 engine and towing package, it's good for up to 3,500 pounds of pulling power." -- Motor Authority

Acceleration and Power

The Terrain's base 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine makes 182 horsepower, while an optional 3.0-liter V6 makes 264 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 (which costs an extra $1,500) offers slightly stronger acceleration, although its power is more apparent in its towing capabilities than its speed.  Reviewers also say the V6 may not be worth its worse fuel economy, compared to the four-cylinder engine. Four-cylinder models have the advantage of "Eco" mode, a button which alters the drivetrain to maximize fuel efficiency.

According to the EPA, four-cylinder models achieve 22/32 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and 20/29 with all-wheel drive. The 32 mpg highway rating is the best in its class, those the Terrain's 22 mpg city rating is bested by several competitors. For class-leading city fuel economy, consider the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid -- but note that they net one less mile per gallon the highway.

The Terrain's V6 models achieve much less impressive ratings of 17/25 and 17/24, respectively. These are on the low side for the affordable compact SUV class. With either engine option, the Terrain has respectable tow ratings for a compact SUV -- up to 1,500 pounds with the four-cylinder and 3,500 pounds with the V6.

• "Neither engine makes the Terrain terribly fast, but both are exceedingly smooth, and are paired with six-speed automatics that feature a thumb-shifting rocker switch on the console-mounted shift lever." -- Car and Driver

• +"The optional [V6] mill is a bit short on low-end torque relative to the RAV4's standard-setting V6, but otherwise it's one of the strongest engine choices you'll find in this segment." -- Edmunds

• "The Terrain's focus on fuel efficiency is most obvious from behind the wheel of the four-cylinder model, which reveals a mild-mannered personality and moderate acceleration." -- Popular Mechanics

• "Acceleration is the same [as the Equinox]; the 2.4 liter can squeal the tires off the line but loses pep through the mid range, though it's adequate for the vast majority of appliance drivers." -- Jalopnik

• "Coupled with all-wheel drive and hauling a few people, the four-cylinder was adequate, though it was clearly working harder. The V-6 obviously brings more power, but it's in a stealthy manner: The electronic throttle and transmission schedule are so conservative that the Terrain ambles off the line and upshifts promptly. The power's there when you kick it, but the acceleration is oddly similar between the two." -- Kicking Tires

• "The four-cylinder is the version we'd pick, as it gets the Terrain around through traffic and on the highway with ease, while delivering an impressive 32 mpg on the highway, and a rated 21 mpg in town, though it'll get a bit better than that if you leave it in the optional 'eco' mode..." -- Motor Authority

Handling and Braking

The Terrain doesn't offer the liveliest driving experience, but it offers a smooth, comfortable ride -- provided that you choose the right tires. The smallest 17-inch wheels come standard on the base model, while the SLT upgrades to 18-inch wheels. There are also optional 19-inch wheels for higher packages available on the base-model and SLT. Reviewers highly recommend the 17- and 18-inch wheels over the 19-inch variants, which they say can drastically reduce ride comfort. Another downside is the brake pedal, which feels spongy to some reviewers.

• +"This lightest model also encouraged us to try an aggressive run through a twisting two-lane segment of road more suited to compact sports cars than most crossovers. It handled surprisingly well -- so well, in fact, that we're not laughing anymore at the GMC ads that target the BMW X3." --Edmunds 

• "Noteworthy, however, is that V-6 models come with a hydraulic-based steering system versus the electric system of the four-cylinder models, the former offering much better feedback, not surprisingly. The most glaring dynamic shortcoming is a brake pedal that feels as precise as a hand mixer in a pot of mashed potatoes." -- Car and Driver

• "Ride quality was firm but manageable on one 18-inch-wheel-equipped model we drove, but a V6 with chromed 19-inch wheels jostled us more than we would have liked." -- Popular Mechanics

• "Of course there won't be a lot of soccer moms hitting the track with this car, but in daily use it's just a little stiffer over bumps with the big wheels than the Equinox." -- Jalopnik

• +"Overall, I found the backseat ride quality more than livable with 18-inch wheels on some rough roads." -- Kicking Tires