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When I sampled a 2010 GMC Terrain for a couple of hours last summer in Detroit, I was impressed with its general level of refinement.

Now, after driving one for a week in Kansas City a few weeks ago, it’s clear that the Terrain is a serious challenger to the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V.

General Motors’ new products, including the Chevy Equinox, Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX, appear to be excellent vehicles that have eye-catching styling, upgraded interiors and powertrains that are smooth, quiet and efficient. These vehicles reinforce the notion that GM’s comeback will be product-led, as it should be.

There are four Terrain models. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Prices begin at $24,995 for the front-wheel-drive SLE1 and top out at $31,745 for an all-wheel-drive SLT-2. An SLT-2 with all options can exceed $36,000.

The test vehicle was a front-wheel-drive SLE-2, and it felt like a more expensive vehicle than its sticker price of $28,785 suggests.

Standard equipment includes a rearview camera that projects an image in the rearview mirror, OnStar, XM satellite radio and USB connectivity for MP3 players.

Options include a programmable power liftgate, navigation system, premium audio and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 8-inch LCD screens, one on the back of each front seat.

The Terrain shares platforms, powertrains and some interior components with the Chevy Equinox. It differs by having unique exterior panels and a higher level of standard equipment.

The well-designed cabin has an instrument panel highlighted with silver accents. The center stack contains flush-mounted buttons for the audio and climate-control system. Red ambient lighting highlights the console and cup holders.

The fit, finish and quality of materials appear to be the equal to that of any vehicle in the compact crossover class. Wind and road noise are minimal. The steering wheel controls for cruise and audio have rotary knobs that can be rolled with a thumb, and they’re simple and intuitive.

Rear-seat legroom is quite generous, thanks to the back seat that can be moved backward and forward 8 inches. Put it forward and it is easy for front-seat passengers to reach an infant in a child seat. Put it back and rear-seat passengers have more legroom.

Storage bins are numerous, including one atop the center stack and one under the center armrest that is large enough for a laptop computer. There are four power outlets.

One drawback is that the rear cargo area is a bit narrow, and the low roof means some large items, such as a bicycle, may not fit easily.

The 3.0-liter V-6 delivers 264 horsepower, and that gives it a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This engine, with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing, delivers its power from low rpm, and that makes it feel energetic. The engine is mounted in a separate subframe to keep vibration from being felt in the cabin.

Active noise cancellation uses an in-cabin microphone that detects unwanted sounds and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio speakers. It’s this kind of attention to minor details that makes the Terrain feel expensive.

The V-6 is rated at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway.

Folks interested in maximum highway fuel economy can choose the 2.4-liter four-cylinder that is rated at 32 mpg on the highway. The four-cylinder can tow 1,500 pounds.

Each engine has its own specific six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety features include six standard airbags, including side-curtain airbags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side airbags. Anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control and traction control are standard.

Price

The test vehicle was an SLE-2, and it had a base price of $25,850. Options included heated front seats, remote vehicle starter, the 3.0-liter V-6 engine and 18-inch machined wheels. The sticker price was $28,785.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2010 GMC Terrain SLE-2

Engine: 3.0-liter, 264-hp V-6

Transmission: Automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 112.5 inches

Curb weight: 3,770 lbs.

Base prices: $25,850

As driven: $28,785

MPG rating: 18 city, 25 hwy.

To reach Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.