2010 GMC Terrain at 2009 New York Auto Show
- Competes with: Ford Edge, Dodge Journey, Chevy Equinox
- Looks like: GMC’s smallest SUV has truck envy
- Drivetrain: 182-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 264-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 both with six-speed automatic; front or all-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: Late summer 2009
For years car fans have lamented a practice called “rebadging.” A large automaker like GM would take a car from one brand, change a few minor details and sell it with a different name under another brand. Thus, replacing the badge or emblem.
GM has sworn to stop rebadging, yet here is the Terrain, GMC’s version of the recently announced 2010 Chevy Equinox SUV. We wouldn’t call this just a rebadging; it seems GM has changed every piece of sheet metal on the Terrain to make it stand out. And stand out it does.
Most noticeably, the boxy fender flares announce to the world that this is a truck-buyer’s SUV, with 30 mpg on the highway. In case you didn’t notice, it also has a manly grille with lots of chrome.
While we admire the company for changing so much, we’d actually have preferred an identical SUV to the Equinox with a “GMC” logo instead of the Chevy Bowtie.
Both carry the same engine choices, a base four-cylinder and a more powerful V-6.
However, the Terrain does increase cargo volume by 0.2 cubic feet and passenger volume by 0.1 cubic feet. Standard on the Terrain is a rearview camera, 17-inch wheels and an eco-driving mode for the four-cylinder engine to return better mileage.
We’ll find out more about the Terrain and get an up close look at the New York auto show later this week. For now, check out a few more pictures below.
