Pricing: 2010 GMC Terrain SUV

With the demise of the Pontiac Torrent, the GMC Terrain picks up the baton. The all-new GMC Terrain crossover will start at $24,995 for the front-wheel-drive model and $26,745 for all-wheel-drive, including $745 destination charge. The related, redesigned Chevrolet Equinox is priced from $23,185. Positioned slightly upmarket, the well-equipped GMC will begin a couple thousand or more than direct competitors such as Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

The Terrain and Equinox share a platform that was developed in Korea for the Saturn Vue and has evolved since. Our first impressions of the Equinox indicate that its ride and handling are sound, the four-cylinder engine is reasonably refined, and the roomy interior's quality is a major upgrade over the previous Equinox.

The base SLE1 model comes with a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. Paired with a six-speed automatic, the direct-injection engine delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway fuel economy rating for the Terrain FWD. The AWD version is rated at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. However, to achieve those numbers, the powertrain has to be in an "eco" mode, and drivers would have to do the same to see similar results.

A 3.0-liter V6 with 264 horsepower will be offered, rated for 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway in FWD configuration. GM expects the AWD version to produce a similar 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.

Standard features include rearview camera, a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD stereo with USB connectivity, six airbags, stability control, and OnStar. The top SLT2 line features the V6 engine with leather seating, power liftgate, and moonroof. Optional features include an integrated navigation system and rear-seat DVD system.

The five-passenger Terrain will reach dealerships in September.

--Liza Barth