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T HE VA N C O U V E R C O U R I E R F R I D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 0 , 2 0 1 0
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Good fuel economy, top-notch safety rating make for great value
GMC’s new entry utility vehicle covers new terrain
davidchao The GMC Terrain is a new entry in the utility-vehicle market with the proportions of a big compact. The choices are many for buyers in this segment, but the Terrain stands out with distinctive styling, top-notch occupant safety and exceptionally good fuel economy. While closely related to the Chevy Equinox, the Terrain has a higher level of standard equipment, a more purposeful exterior design with larger, more practical rear doors and some extra cargo room behind its rear seats. It seats five in a roomy cabin that treats its rear passengers to seats that slide fore and aft to allow a generous amount of legroom
and seatbacks that recline. The base-level front-wheel versions of Terrain are priced low enough to be cross-shopped against popular but slightly smaller compact utility vehicles like the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4. Moving up to all-wheel-drive and more lavish trim levels, vehicles like the Ford Edge or even the Nissan Murano might also be competitors. Built on a car-like unibody chassis, the Terrain is offered with a choice of four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines and all models come with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain rides on an extra-long 2,857 mm (112.5-inch) wheelbase and has a four-wheel independent suspension system. GM’s first use of active noise cancellation technology is also used on 2.4-litre models. This system uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers to provide a quieter driving experience. The new direct-injection 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine delivers surprisingly good performance and its max output is rated at 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet
GMC Terrain stands out with distinctive styling, top-notch occupant safety and exceptionally good fuel economy of torque. Fuel economy is excellent and a highway rating of just 6.1 L/100km is outstanding. Fuel consumption can be further reduced by activating the “ECO” drive mode at the push of a button. It lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm and comes with models equipped with the 2.4L engine. The optional 3.0-litre V6 can provide 264 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. If you’re planning
to pull something with a Terrain, it’s definitely the better engine choice as it increases the Terrain’s towing capability from 680 kg (1500 lb.) to 1588 kg (3500 lb). Our test Terrain was a top-line SLT-2 all-wheel-drive version with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. Leather upholstery and a programmable power rear liftgate come with this trim level and the options also included were a rear seat entertainment system ($1,750), a cargo man-
agement package ($345) and a trailer tow package ($515). All of which brought its full price up to $38,790. Design—GMC is exclusively a truck, van and utility vehicle division of General Motors. The styling of its product line typically reflects its robust truck heritage and has a sturdy theme with extra chrome plus more prominent and bolder grille designs. From a front view, the Terrain has a wide stance and a solid, well-planted appearance with large well-defined fender flares. Its long wheelbase allows a larger passenger cabin and compared to the Equinox it has more traditional SUV styling with larger rear doors. Interior—A tall seating position and high beltline gives occupants a well-protected, safe and secure feeling. Yet the floor height is relatively low, compared to a truck-based SUV, which makes passenger entry and exit and cargo loading easier. The premium interior in the test Terrain came with attractive contrasting red stitching. It also came with the optional DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system. Continued on next page