Topic: Test Drive: 2010 GMC Terrain SLT-2 AWD

[Autos_Editor]

Equipped with a four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, our roomy and well-equipped GMC Terrain test vehicle weighed in at a rather porky 1,837 kg (4,049 lbs), affecting both performance and fuel economy, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

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[John MacDonald]

This vehicle is a good step in the right direction for GM and a big improvement over the previous model.  But it is not as good as the competition.  There are so many other vehicles I would buy over this one, Rav4, CRV, Edge, Santa Fe, Tucson, Sorento, New Sportage (which will be getting a 274 HP 2.0L Turbo engine!), and Outlander.  Again GM tries it's best to improve their products but always falls short of becoming relavent.

[Shnak]

One thing that hits me every single time I see one of those Terrains on the road is how high/tiny the windows are compared to the Equinox. I would think that a kid wouldn't see out of the backseat until he/she hits like 10 years old. I think it throws off the proportions of the vehicle... the doors look absolutely huge, but that's only because of the small size of the windows. Odd, really odd.

I much prefer the look of the Equinox. That's odd to say as I usually prefer the more rugged look of GMC's as opposed to Chevy's, but that's really not the case here!

[Roy]

The 4-cylinder has such poor fuel consumption with the weight of this vehicle I wonder why anyone would opt for it rather than the V6 that is not much more?

[Jackmac]

I generally like the Equinox/Terrain, particularly the 4 cyl./6 speed auto combination, but what discounts it from consideration for me is the lack of underfloor storage in the cargo area.  This was a big oversight by GM.

[chrischasescars]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/04/06/test-drive-2010-gmc-terrain-slt-2-awd.htm

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Sorry about the busted link. Here's the good one: http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/04/07/test-drive-2010-gmc-terrain-slt-2-awd.htm

[ipolski]

1,837 kg, all-wheel drive and 6.9L/100km?  Who are they kidding?  I'm amazed that false advertising (i.e. lying) is still legal in car business.

[Spec5]

1,837 kg, all-wheel drive and 6.9L/100km?  Who are they kidding?  I'm amazed that false advertising (i.e. lying) is still legal in car business.

I find it amazing that they can run all these TV ads saying how its the class leader in fuel economy - "even beats the Ford Escape Hybrid!" - somehow I just doubt that.

As for the windows being so small - it probalby helps boost the crash/safety ratings. I too find them a bit small for my liking.

[Officer Typo]

Based on the same platform and mechanicals as the Chevrolet Equinox, the Terrain is essentially a replacement for the Pontiac Terrain, a twin to the last-generation Equinox that disappeared when GM’s “excitement” division was dropped last year.

Methinks you meant the Pontiac Torrent.

[Trainman]

....

As for the windows being so small - it probalby helps boost the crash/safety ratings. I too find them a bit small for my liking.

The Forester has huge windows in comparison and that does not seem to matter as far as its safety ratings go.

I really dislike this styling trend to small, almost gun-slit windows.  Give me light and visibility all around!

That 11.0 l/100 kms that Mr. Chase achieved is rather disappointing in this category.  These real world numbers will do nothing to help GM (or any other manufacture for that matter) that use the government numbers aggressively in their advertising.  Even the Forester is getting a bad rap for its poor fuel economy by new owners who seem to be expecting the "official" numbers.  Manufactures need to be careful with this as it may come back to bite them.

[aknutson]

...
I really dislike this styling trend to small, almost gun-slit windows.  Give me light and visibility all around!
...

+1 on all your points, but I'd have to strongly agree with the gun-slit windows. I've ridden in a new Chrysler 300, and even as a passenger noticed how little visibility there were on the rear quarters and sides of the car. On an SUV with even taller doors, this is just asking for a lane-crossing sideswipe. Speaking of the new Forester, I think that is a great looking SUV, and while it may not break as much 'new ground' as the gruff-looking Terrain, it also looks more honest, not trying to be something it isn't. I like honest cars.

[Shnak]

Glad I'm not the only one that hates small windows, especially on tall vehicles. It just looks silly.

[Calvin]

I was thinking the whole thing was hideous...but I must be in the minority - apparently they can't make enuogh of 'em.  I don't mind Chevy's version, but this one leaves me feeling all icky inside.  Oddly enough, my wife likes it.  No accounting for taste. 

[Winterpeg]

Those square wheel arches are hideous - what were they thinking??   

Ummm.......they weren't.   

[Winterpeg]

I must agree with the majority of comments....tiny windows, porky pig size & weight, overworked 4cyl and to top it off.....shoddy built quality.
The exposed wire harness is just unacceptable. Someone or "something" isn't doing their jobs.   

[ArticSteve]

The 4-cylinder has such poor fuel consumption with the weight of this vehicle I wonder why anyone would opt for it rather than the V6 that is not much more?

Because the average Terrain buyer doesn't know jack about cars and believes all the BS ads they see on TV including the outrageous mileage claims.  If the TV says it long enough, it must be true.

GM, being a second tier manufacturer, only manufactures one 4 banger; the 2.4.  GM has always done the one size fits all thingy, regardless of application (famous GM parts bin).  It would be like Toyota putting their Camry/Rave 2.5 into a Venza. 

The positive about this vehicle is it's assembled in Ontario.

[Minou]

I must agree with the majority of comments....tiny windows, porky pig size & weight, overworked 4cyl and to top it off.....shoddy built quality.
The exposed wire harness is just unacceptable. Someone or "something" isn't doing their jobs.   

You could add the queenmary-esque turning radius.

[sacrat]

Oddly enough, my wife likes it.  No accounting for taste. 

Um, I assume you mean your wife's taste in cars, not your taste in wives ? Just seemed a little unclear 

[Shnak]

Oddly enough, my wife likes it.  No accounting for taste. 

Um, I assume you mean your wife's taste in cars, not your taste in wives ? Just seemed a little unclear 

I think he meant his wife's taste in general... referring to cars and himself? 

[SJP]

Why does this exist? Surely it can't be worth it for them to dress up the Equinox in a different suit and try to sell is a different vehicle? The Equinox is pretty nice for it's class, and if it proves reliable, they will have a success, but why is GM stuck on this idea of competing with itself.