GMC’s Terrain is the twin to the Chevrolet Equinox. The five-seat crossover comes in front- or all-wheel drive with a four-cylinder or V-6 engine. Competitors include the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Trim levels include the base SLE and uplevel SLT. Characteristic of a crossover, the Terrain has a four-wheel-independent suspension and car-based frame — a design that emphasizes ride comfort and fuel efficiency over off-road capabilities and towing.
New for 2012 E85 ethanol capability is now available for the 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine. A touch-screen CD stereo is standard on all models, and GMC IntelliLink enables smartphone integration and the ability to stream music from Pandora and other music services. The standard backup camera’s image now appears on the stereo’s screen, and a lane departure and forward-collision warning system is optional.
Exterior GM says it sought to provide a “confident and strong stance” with the Terrain’s styling. To that end, the crossover has oversized fenders and liberal bumper cladding, both of which set the Terrain apart from its Equinox sibling. GM says that beyond the windshield, the two don’t share any major body panels. The fog lights sit within vertical housings, and the large grille wears plenty of chrome. Exterior features include:
17-inch alloy wheels standard
18- and 19-inch wheels available
Standard backup camera
Standard fog lamps
Optional power liftgate
Interior The cabin bears far more resemblance to the Equinox than does the exterior, with an upward-tilted panel housing the air-conditioning and stereo controls. The dashboard features angular styling and two-tone plastics. Like the Equinox, the Terrain’s second-row seat adjusts fore and aft. There’s a plastic floor panel behind the seat that can be folded down to create a gap-free cargo floor. Interior features include:
Optional eight-way power driver’s seat and heated leather upholstery
Optional moonroof
Optional navigation system
Standard keyless entry, power height adjustment for the driver’s seat and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port for MP3 players
Under the Hood Both the four-cylinder and V-6 engines use direct-injection technology. An Eco mode, which is activated by a dashboard button, alters drivetrain calibrations in the four-cylinder to maximize fuel efficiency. Other mechanical features include:
Four-cylinder displaces 2.4 liters and makes 182 horsepower
V-6 displaces 3.0 liters and makes 264 hp
Standard six-speed automatic transmission
Both engines use regular gas
Safety Standard safety features include:
Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows
