Bolstered by its good fuel economy and new available features, the Terrain is a solid competitor in the small-SUV segment. The Terrain, which shares a platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, comes with a choice of two efficient but not exceptional direct-injected engines -- a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that gets 32 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive models and a 264-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 that can run on E85 fuel. The most notable change to the Terrain's lineup for the 2012 model year is the addition of IntelliLink, which could be compared to Ford's Sync system, in that it is a touch-screen interface for devices such as iPods and Bluetooth phones and enables them to be controlled via voice activation. Using a Bluetooth phone to connect to the internet, drivers can stream music from two audio services, Stitcher SmartRadio or Pandora. The Terrain's cabin is tastefully appointed and features plenty of cubbyholes for storage. It also has a second-row seat that slides fore and aft about eight inches so you can choose to have either maximum rear legroom or maximum storage in the cargo hold. Of course, it also folds flat. The Terrain is larger than many of its competitors, however, so storage shouldn't be an issue.
The Range
Drive: Front-wheel, 4-wheel
Trim Levels: SLE, SLT
Body Style: SUV/crossover, 5-passenger
Engines: 2.4L I-4, 182 hp, 172 lb-ft
3.0L V-6, 264 hp, 222 lb-ft (E85 capable)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Passenger volume: 127.2 cu ft
Capacities: Towing 1500-3500 lb; cargo (rear seats up/down) 31.6/63.9 cu ft
What's New
The standard audio system now has a seven-inch full-color touch-screen display and can be upgraded to GMC's new IntelliLink system, which integrates Bluetooth phones, USB devices, voice activation, and internet radio. The rearview camera's image is now displayed on the touchscreen rather than in the rearview mirror. Eighteen-inch chrome wheels are standard on SLT2 models.
Safety
Four-wheel ABS and a tire-pressure monitoring system are standard, as are stability and traction control, rollover mitigation, a rearview camera, and front, side, and side curtain air bags.
EPA Fuel Economy
All: 16-22 mpg city/23-32 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Good fuel economy
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Lots of cargo space
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Nice interior
You Won't Like
- Boxy look
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No third row
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Minimal towing with I-4
Sum Up
GMC's smallest SUV, but don't call it a "cute ute."
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Edge
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Hyundai Santa Fe
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Mazda CX-7
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Mitsubishi Outlander