The Terrain has been a huge hit for GMC. The market was ready for a five passenger crossover with premium features. GMC has responded with a rugged looking compact, deceiving in size and with amazingly good performance and fuel economy. The Terrain is upscale in features, but not price. The Terrain appeals to those buyers that want their Utility Vehicles to look like a truck instead of looking like a car.
The 2012 GMC Terrain has a high base price, ($31,260) but buyers get a lot of bang for the buck. Including a standard rearview camera, XM Radio with OnStar and 7”color screen, keyless entry, remote start, rear parking assist, upscale materials throughout the interior, and plenty of useable passenger space. It is also a IIHS top safety pick.
The Terrain is perfect for families that want something other than a typical Truckster. The Chevy Equinox is the Terrain’s cousin, and deserves a look if the Terrain is out of your price range.
Style: Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV)
Engine: 182HP 2.4 Liter I-4 or 264HP 3.0 V6
Transmission: 6 Spd AT
Highest MPG City/MPG Highway: 17/24 for the V6
Trim Designations: SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1 and SLT-2.
Base Price: $22,370
What I Liked: Size and MPG
What I Would Change: How about a Diesel like next year’s Cruz?
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
