GMC Terrain

The Terrain is a corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Equinox, but a few critical differences compromise it, even though it is positioned as a more premium offering. We found it to be loud and stiff riding, with severely hampered visibility. The base engine is a lackluster 170-hp 1.5-liter, and the uplevel choice is a significantly stronger 252-hp 2.0-liter. The 2.0-liter turbo is mated to a nine-speed automatic that's not the swiftest or the smoothest. Unfortunately, the Terrain's gear selector is controlled by unintuitive-to-operate dash-mounted push buttons. The infotainment system is one of the easier ones to use and comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning are available.

The redesigned Terrain and its twin, the Chevrolet Equinox, bring tidier dimensions, in line with the small SUV segment. The new Terrain packs the latest infotainment and safety technology, and two four-cylinder turbocharged engines. The base engine is a 170-hp 1.5-liter, and the uplevel choice is a 252-hp 2.0-liter. Both are mated to a nine-speed automatic. A diesel engine, paired to a six-speed automatic, is also be available. GMC's IntelliLink infotainment system will be offered in 7- and 8-inch forms, each with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. For active safety, forward-collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning are optional.

The Terrain is GMC's entry in the small to midsized SUV segment. While a decent enough offering, the model's competition is significantly better. The five-passenger mid-size SUV consumes fuel more like seven-passenger full-size models. That said; if you're considering getting one, look for at least an SLE-2, which comes with the power driver's seat. A rearview camera is standard regardless of trim. While the standard four-cylinder engine manages to get the job done, the optional V6 is a more enjoyable choice. Terrain's 2013 freshening brought a more powerful 3.6-liter V6, as well as a revised interior with new infotainment technology. For 2015, changes include a standard built-in WiFi hotspot. Advanced optional safety features, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, joined forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems for 2016.