2010 GMC Terrain Preview

Jeff Youngs | Dec 31, 2009

FAST FACTS

All-new, 5-passenger, compact crossover SUV
Choice of 4-cylinder or V-6 engine; 6-speed automatic transmission standard
Direct-injection engine technology
Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD)
Predicted segment-best highway fuel economy of 30 mpg with 4-cylinder engine
Comprehensive package of premium features, with an emphasis on vehicle safety and passenger comfort
Programmable power liftgate and standard rear-vision camera
OnStar and XM satellite radio standard
Produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario
On sale in late summer 2009

Introduction

The compact crossover SUV segment is one of the few vehicle classes currently experiencing growth in the U.S., and auto manufacturers are moving swiftly to develop and introduce new models. Making its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, the 2010 GMC Terrain is the latest crossover SUV from GM's "professional grade" truck division. The new Terrain is smaller than GMC's other crossover SUV, the midsize Acadia, which was introduced for the 2007 model year.

The new, 5-passenger Terrain is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD) and features a new, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with direct-injection technology that is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. The 2010 GMC Terrain will be on sale starting in late summer of 2009. Competitors will include the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Tucson.

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Design

According to General Motors, the new 2010 GMC Terrain "blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features." The exterior features a "balanced, athletic stance, characterized by bold, muscular fender flares" that reflect GMC's design language, while exterior surfaces are "angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges." Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

On the inside, the new Terrain features rich, premium materials that were influenced by industrial sculpture. A "floating" center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses the comfort and convenience controls. Storage options inside the new Terrain include an oversized glove box; closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors. The new Terrain also features a "MultiFlex" rear seat that slides nearly 8 inches in either direction to provide extra leg room for rear-seat passengers or make more space for hauling items in the cargo area. Also, the 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo. The rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet of storage and features an auxiliary power outlet.

Model Lineup

The new 2010 GMC Terrain will be available with either FWD or AWD, in SLE or SLT trim. While a complete list of standard and optional features hasn't been announced, the company has said the new Terrain will feature a standard rear-vision camera system, as well as OnStar wireless communications and XM satellite radio. Other standard or available features will include a programmable power rear liftgate; Bluetooth hands-free phone capability; remote vehicle start; USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback; 7-inch touch-screen navigation system with a 40-gigabyte hard drive; and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens.

2010 GMC Terrain

Hardware

All versions of the new 2010 GMC Terrain feature a choice between two new engines, each equipped with fuel-saving direct-injection and variable valve timing technology and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The smaller, 2.4-liter Ecotec direct-injected inline 4-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower delivers a manufacturer-estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway (best in segment, according to GM). Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an "ECO" mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel, the manufacturer says. If achieving maximum fuel economy is not a concern or maximizing towing capacity is, buyers can opt for the 3.0-liter, DOHC direct-injected V-6 engine that produces an estimated 264 horsepower and delivers an expected 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Both engines will offer a driving range of more than 500 miles, according to GM.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch wheelbase and features a 4-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks to enhance ride and handling. Seventeen-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels are available. The Terrain's rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on 4-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas, the manufacturer claims.

2010 GMC Terrain

Safety

One of the company's goals when designing the new 2010 GMC Terrain was to provide segment-leading occupant safety. In hopes of achieving that goal, standard safety equipment on the Terrain includes 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control and traction control, and six standard air bags: dual front, head curtain side, and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one free year of Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Technology

GMC Terrain models equipped with the 4-cylinder engine benefit from what GM calls Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system's speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds. The new 2010 Terrain represents the manufacturer's first use of the technology on a GMC-branded vehicle.

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2010 GMC Terrain Preview

Introduction

Design

Model Lineup

Hardware

Safety

Technology

For More Information

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