At face value, it would be fairly easy to dismiss GMC's new Terrain sport-ute as a Chevy Equinox with the full bling treatment. Under the skin, the two are identical – same architecture, same powertrain and drivetrain and essentially the same dimensions.
Give credit where it's due, however. GMC has mitigated much of the Terrain's sameness through completely different sheet metal, resulting in a bolder, more chiselled and angular visage for the SUV highlighted by its bulging fender flares. Compared with the softer lines of the family-friendly Equinox, the Terrain has a pugnacious, macho look that invites more polarizing opinions.
Some think it ugly; others believe it to be distinctive, a necessary commodity in order to stand out in the crowded compact SUV/crossover segment. From my standpoint, the in-yer-face three-element grille accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps is the Terrain's nicest touch, reminding me of the upscale Denali treatment GMC applies to its full- sized rigs. But the squared-off overall look is too reminiscent of the boxy affliction that is the Jeep lineup.
The Denali allusion is noteworthy. Although GMC doesn't make any mention of Denali in its marketing materials for the Terrain, there's little doubt its mission is to crack the premium subset of the compact/mid-sized SUV segment.
This can be viewed as either bold or foolish: bold because it shows confidence the built-in-Ontario Terrain is worthy of consideration when stacked up against established players; foolish because GMC doesn't carry the same cachet as, say, Land Rover or BMW.
A base Terrain SLE-1 starts at $27,465 – $1,565 more than a base Equinox – with a topline, loaded-to-the-rafters, all-wheel-drive, V6-powered SLT-2 model pushing the price to more than $44,000. Somewhere in between is my tester, a comprehensively equipped, front-wheel-drive SLT-2 ($34,400 base, $38,190 as tested).
Fortunately, as with the Equinox, the Terrain is a fundamentally sound vehicle. Like the Chevy, the GMC's base engine is a 2.4-litre, direct-injection four-cylinder. At 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, it's a strong engine. It has to be, hauling 1,761 kilograms worth of SUV. Acceleration to 100 kilometres an hour is 10 seconds and 80 to 120 takes 7.3 seconds; neither time is exactly hot rod-worthy.But the engine is remarkably smooth, even under full power, and seems faster than what its times deliver. If more oomph is needed or desired, there is an available 264-hp 3.0L V6. Fuel economy for the tester was a reasonable 10.4 litres per 100 km in a fairly even mix of highway and suburban commuting.
All models have a six-speed automatic transmission, and there's an "eco" mode for the four-cylinder versions that alters shift points to improve fuel economy. (When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm.) The six-speed box does make the most out of the four-cylinder's power; however, the manual mode – a button on the side of the shift lever switches gears – is awkward to use and not at all conducive to any sort of sporty behaviour. My only other gripe concerning the Terrain's dynamics is the brakes. While its stopping distance of 42.2 metres from 100 km/h is about par within the compact SUV segment, the pedal felt a little spongy in use.
Again, like the Equinox, the Terrain delivers a quiet, comfortable ride. The quiet is thanks to noise-absorbing elements built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior. Plus, four-cylinder models come with Active Noise Cancellation technology, which uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the SUV and send counteracting sound waves through the audio system's speakers, facilitating a calm driving experience. The comfortable comes from a 2,857- millimetre wheelbase and four-wheel independent suspension system.
The tester's cabin backs up the SUV's premium intent with a two-tone interior highlighted by contrasting stitching, quality materials, ambient lighting and ergonomically correct buttons and controls. There are copious storage spaces and compartments, including an oversized glove box and a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the centre stack. Along with the usual power items, all Terrains come standard with ultrasonic rear parking assist and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with backup camera.Headroom and legroom are bountiful both front and back. The standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly 200 mm, providing increased comfort for back-seat occupants or greater rear cargo capacity. The rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up, doubling the capacity when they are folded. A power liftgate is standard on SLT- 2 models.
Unlike the badge-engineered days of yore, General Motors seems to have made a concerted effort to differentiate the GMC Terrain from its Chevy sibling.
I will admit to better liking the Equinox's styling, but I am impressed with the Terrain's interior amenities and long list of standard features.
source: kelowna
