2
0
Midsize SUV; Built in Canada
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $10,600 – $34,100*


2010 GMC Terrain front


2010 GMC Terrain rear


2010 GMC Terrain interior


2010 GMC Terrain

Pros:
  • Fuel economy
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Acceleration (V6)
  • Low-speed maneuverability

GMC’s smallest SUV earns our Recommended (20010-12) nod for passenger accommodations and overall refinement. Compared with the similar Chevrolet Equinox, Terrain offers unique styling, additional standard equipment, and available cloth seating that’s notably better than its sibling. Both Terrain and Equinox merit serious consideration from midsize-crossover shoppers.

Overview

Launched for 2010, GMC’s Terrain was this General Motors division’s first five-passenger crossover SUV. GMC’s smallest vehicle, Terrain shared its basic design with the Chevrolet Equinox. Like Equinox, Terrain came with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine and either two-wheel or all-wheel drive. Trim levels included SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, and SLT-2. All had a 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Optional on all but the SLE-1 was a 264-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. The sole transmission was a six-speed automatic. Standard safety features included antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Terrain marked the first application of GM’s active noise cancellation system, which was designed to quell mechanical noise. This feature was offered on four-cylinder models. A rearview camera was standard on all Terrain models. So was GM’s MultiFlex rear seat, which slid up to 8 inches fore and aft to benefit passenger or cargo room. Remote engine start, a navigation system with 10-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files, and DVD entertainment were available. Midsize crossover SUV rivals included the Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, and Toyota Highlander.

Yearly Updates

2011 Terrain
New for 2011, the V6 was capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Otherwise, little changed on the Terrain following its introduction for the 2010 model year.
2012 Terrain
The 2012 GMC Terrain added forward-collision and lane-departure warning as an option for the top-line SLT-2 fitted with the optional V6 engine.
2013 Terrain
The big news for the 2013 Terrain was the launch of a top-line Denali trim level. GM also introduced a new V6 engine with more power.
2014 Terrain
Except for new exterior colors and some minor wheel changes, the 2014 GMC Terrain carried over intact from 2013.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

The standard Terrain engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, rated at 182 horsepower. Optional on all except the SLE-2 model was a 3.0-liter V6 that developed 264 horsepower. The 3.0-liter was replaced by a 301-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 for 2013. All Terrains have a six-speed automatic transmission and either front-drive or all-wheel drive.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/145
Engine HP 182
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 172-174
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 20/29

 24.2
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/182
Engine HP 264
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 222
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 17/24

 23.6
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.6/217
Engine HP 301
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 272
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 17/24

Road Test

With all-wheel drive, the four-cylinder engine provides adequate power from a stop, but it struggles a bit in highway merging and passing. The 2010-12 V6 is stronger, but it still doesn’t feel as powerful as its 264-horsepower rating would suggest. The new V6 engine introduced for 2013 is a vast improvement over the old one. The extra horsepower and torque are welcome in any driving situation. Throttle response is quicker, and power delivery is smooth and linear. GM says V6 Terrains will do 0-60 mph in less than 7 seconds. We’re not inclined to disagree, but it doesn’t feel that fast based on our seat-of-the-pants impression. GMC’s transmission is smooth and responsive with the four-cylinder, but it sometimes downshifts slowly with the 2010-12 V6. Downshifts occur promptly with the newer V6.

In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD four-cylinder averaged 24.2 mpg and an AWD V6 averaged 23.6 mpg. Both results are impressive. Terrain uses regular-grade gas.

Ride quality is a bonus. Terrain maintains its composure over most pavement imperfections. This is true across all models, regardless of tire size.

Terrain is hampered by a wide turning circle that complicates parking-lot maneuvers. Otherwise, this crossover is competent and car-like in handling. Like the Chevrolet Equinox upon which it is based, the four-cylinder Terrain has electric power steering that is designed to improve fuel economy, but it lacks road feel. V6 models include traditional hydraulic steering, but they don’t fare much better.

The cabin is well isolated, though a little bit of engine noise filters through during brisk acceleration. Terrain’s low-rolling-resistance tires kick up a fuss on some coarse surfaces.

Major gauges are large and easy to read. The standard audio- and climate-control system is mounted high on the center console, with most functions within easy reach. Some road-testers have complained of an abundance of look-alike buttons that require more familiarization than should be necessary. Interior materials differ little from those of the Equinox. The cabin presents well, despite a few instances of lower-grade trim. Note that SLE-2 models have upgraded cloth seating that is a noteworthy step up from the standard upholstery.

Front-seat occupants enjoy ample headroom and legroom. Supportive seats are a boon on longer trips. Visibility is generally good, but tall, rear headrests partially obscure the view.

As in front, the back seat is long-haul comfortable. The MultiFlex bench means legroom ranges from adequate to vast, depending on its position.

Cargo space is generous, aided by the MultiFlex rear bench. Terrain lacks under-floor storage, which is disappointing in this class. A number of in-cabin cubbies and bins helps compensate.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 GMC Terrain AWD SLE-2 4-cyl.

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 65

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
112.5 185.3 72.8 66.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
63.9 18.8 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.9 39.2 41.2 39.9
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Terrain 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Oil leak
Description: Oil may leak from the front cover or oil filter adapter. (2013)
Steering problems
Description: Vehicles with 2.4-liter engine may lose power steering assist. (2014)
Steering problems
Description: Steering wheel may be difficult to move out of straight ahead position after driving a long distance on a straight road. (2011-14)
Suspension noise
Description: Noises (pops, squawks, rattles, etc.) may come from the front suspension requiring silicone grease applied to the suspension strut shaft(s) periodically, (2010-11)
Vehicle noise
Description: Clicking sound may come from front or rear axle when shifting between reverse and drive (or under hard acceleration) unless a shim is installed on the end of the axle shaft. (2010-11)
Headlights
Description: One or both low beam headlights (except HID lights) may quit working requiring replacement of the bulb connectors. (2010-11)
Brake lights
Description: The brake lights may remain on after the vehicle has been turned off and drain the battery. (2014)
Liftgate
Description: The power lift gate may not work from the key fob, switch or touch pad because the module loses communication with the system and must be reprogrammed. (2010)

Recall History

2010
Description: Software in central instrument panel may cause heating, air conditioning, defrost, and radio controls, as well as panel illumination, to become inoperative.
2010-12
Description: The bolt that secures the front seat height adjuster may fall out resulting the seat unexpectedly dropping.
2011
Description: Driver and/or front-passenger seatbelt buckle anchor may fracture and separate in a vehicle crash and may not properly restrain the occupant(s).
2012
Description: Tire pressure monitoring system is designed to alert drivers when tire pressure is 25% below recommended cold tire pressure, but the warning light doesn’t come on until tire pressure is more than 25% below.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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