Under the hood
The GMC Terrain may be the king of machismo in terms of style, it’s not quite so full of itself when it comes to power generation. Its 4-cylinder mill certainly won’t overwhelm anyone. Which doesn’t mean that it’s not up to the task, mind you. It controls its 182 ponies well, and the cavalry eagerly comes to the rescue at the slightest request – though it would be nice to have a little more grunt at our disposal.
In fact, although the size of the Terrain can be impressive, its engine is incapable of ensuring any thrilling driving dynamics. You’ll also have to be ready to compromise, as the little mill tends to protest noisily the minute you push it too far. GMC chose to go for a well-known and reliable engine renowned for its fuel efficiency, eschewing the power needed to easily propel a utility vehicle this size. Though it’s not the end of the world, it is a little disappointing. Thankfully, there is an available V6 engine.
While not as fuel efficient, it makes for a much more interesting drive.
GMC makes up for the small engine with a comfortable, spacious, confident and well-laid out cabin. A cabin that, in fact, made my whole family happy, including my sometimes demanding pre-teen son. It’s spacious and easy to get in and out of, and its cargo capacity, while not outstanding, is more than adequate for family use and is easily accessible.
All aboard!
Despite its Sport Utility aspirations, the GMC Terrain isn’t as off-roady at its all-wheel drive would have you believe. It copes easily with most normal surfaces, but that’s about it. And unfortunately, GM’s all-wheel drive seems to react a little slowly, which takes some of the excitement out of more extreme manoeuvres.
Be that as it may, the GMC Terrain is still the king of the everyday drive. Its well-adjusted and comfortable suspension and its sometimes ponderous but mostly impeccable steering system make for easy manoeuvring. On the down side, however, the brakes are as precise as a bowl of marshmallows and take some getting used to.
Conclusion
In the end, the GMC Terrain is first and foremost about style. It definitely stands up to its utility vehicle competitors – though the Equinox does come out slightly ahead, I have to admit. But it’s got a face you can’t forget. That’s a point for the Terrain, in my book.
The GMC Terrain may be the king of machismo in terms of style, it’s not quite so full of itself when it comes to power generation. Its 4-cylinder mill certainly won’t overwhelm anyone. Which doesn’t mean that it’s not up to the task, mind you. It controls its 182 ponies well, and the cavalry eagerly comes to the rescue at the slightest request – though it would be nice to have a little more grunt at our disposal.
In fact, although the size of the Terrain can be impressive, its engine is incapable of ensuring any thrilling driving dynamics. You’ll also have to be ready to compromise, as the little mill tends to protest noisily the minute you push it too far. GMC chose to go for a well-known and reliable engine renowned for its fuel efficiency, eschewing the power needed to easily propel a utility vehicle this size. Though it’s not the end of the world, it is a little disappointing. Thankfully, there is an available V6 engine.
 |
| It’s spacious and easy to get in and out of, and its cargo capacity is more than adequate for family use. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
While not as fuel efficient, it makes for a much more interesting drive.
GMC makes up for the small engine with a comfortable, spacious, confident and well-laid out cabin. A cabin that, in fact, made my whole family happy, including my sometimes demanding pre-teen son. It’s spacious and easy to get in and out of, and its cargo capacity, while not outstanding, is more than adequate for family use and is easily accessible.
All aboard!
Despite its Sport Utility aspirations, the GMC Terrain isn’t as off-roady at its all-wheel drive would have you believe. It copes easily with most normal surfaces, but that’s about it. And unfortunately, GM’s all-wheel drive seems to react a little slowly, which takes some of the excitement out of more extreme manoeuvres.
Be that as it may, the GMC Terrain is still the king of the everyday drive. Its well-adjusted and comfortable suspension and its sometimes ponderous but mostly impeccable steering system make for easy manoeuvring. On the down side, however, the brakes are as precise as a bowl of marshmallows and take some getting used to.
Conclusion
In the end, the GMC Terrain is first and foremost about style. It definitely stands up to its utility vehicle competitors – though the Equinox does come out slightly ahead, I have to admit. But it’s got a face you can’t forget. That’s a point for the Terrain, in my book.
Article Gallery