2010 GMC Terrain

Big truck features in a compact package

2010 GMC Terrain

The 2010 GMC Terrain shares chassis components with the compact Chevrolet Equinox. Designer John Cafaro Jr. gave the Terrain a more aggressive front end than its Chevrolet sibling, featuring a three-bar chrome grille and large headlamps. Although they share a 112.5-inch wheelbase, the Terrain is slightly longer than the Equinox, translating to a larger cargo bay.

The second-row seat slides fore and aft up to eight inches, making it easier for parents to install a rear-facing infant seat, or to extend the cargo floor. The 60/40 split rear seats also fold flat to make the Terrain bicycle friendly.

Buyers have a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or more powerful V6. Both come with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, and both are available with either front or all-wheel drive. In eco mode, the four-cylinder engine averages 32 miles-per-gallon on the highway. The mode switches the transmission from a liquid to friction coupling at lower speeds to save gas.

The 264-horsepower V6 appeals to buyers who need to tow trailers, meeting our ALV 3500-pound towing capacity. All models come with a fully-independent suspension, front and rear disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking. The base model rides on 17-inch wheels: buyers can upgrade to 18 or 19-inch rims.

Inside, the Terrain offers many features normally limited to larger sport-utility vehicles, including an available two-screen rear entertainment system. All models come with standard USB and Bluetooth interface, XM satellite radio, remote vehicle start, and an available navigation system with 10-gigabyte downloadable hard drive.

A programmable power liftgate allows the driver to adjust the height of the door, making it easier to open and close. A standard rear backup camera eliminates blind spots to the back of the vehicle.

Standard safety features include front, side and side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a year of complimentary OnStar Safe and Sound Service.

Pricing for the Terrains starts at $24,995 for the front-wheel drive four-cylinder model. The upscale SLT2 model with standard 18-inch wheels, heated leather seats, a sunroof and power liftgate starts at $29,995. All prices include the $745 destination charge.

GMC builds the Terrain at General Motors’ Ingersoll, Ontario assembly plant.