I'm going to be blunt, mean even. If you thought that the recent past, including the tough times in the auto business, have purified the process of building a car, you'd only be partially right. Badge engineering is well and alive. “What's that?” you ask. Take identical platforms, powertrains, near-identical interior and exterior designs and call one Pineapple, and the other Papaya. General Motors has made an exact science of this exercise.
Think of all the previous brands that use to live under the General's umbrella and don't go thinking that all these cars were unique. Buicks were Chevys and Olds were Pontiacs and even Cadillacs were Chevrolets... Fast forward through bad cars and trucks, a bankruptcy and here we are, more badge engineering. But this time, with a major difference: At least this time it’s good.
All-new Terrain!
The GMC Terrain is all-new, but only thanks to the recently unleashed Chevrolet Equinox. I say unleashed 'cause Chevy can't make them fast enough. How's that for a problem? The Terrain is the Equinox's bullish twin brother and frankly, I by far prefer the GMC's big-ass grille over the Chevy's subdued and almost timid looks.
The “truck's” angular and generally flat body lines are what define its GMC-ness. The most striking aspect is the flared-out fenders that only properly serve the vehicle's demeanour when filled with the larger wheels, 18 inches in the case of our tester. Otherwise, the Terrain is the better-looking GM SUV/CUV this side of the Tahoe.
Continuing with the way the Terrain presents itself, the cabin immediately impresses with what seems to be a well thought-out layout. Unfortunately, it only looks that way. First inspired by the latest generation of the Cadillac CTS, the V-shaped centre console may scream innovation but it's when you try to reach the audio controls from your driving position that you discover the flaws; the dash angle slopes too far up and towards the windshield and so they can only be operated if you lean far forward.
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| The “truck's” angular and generally flat body lines are what define its GMC-ness. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Think of all the previous brands that use to live under the General's umbrella and don't go thinking that all these cars were unique. Buicks were Chevys and Olds were Pontiacs and even Cadillacs were Chevrolets... Fast forward through bad cars and trucks, a bankruptcy and here we are, more badge engineering. But this time, with a major difference: At least this time it’s good.
All-new Terrain!
The GMC Terrain is all-new, but only thanks to the recently unleashed Chevrolet Equinox. I say unleashed 'cause Chevy can't make them fast enough. How's that for a problem? The Terrain is the Equinox's bullish twin brother and frankly, I by far prefer the GMC's big-ass grille over the Chevy's subdued and almost timid looks.
The “truck's” angular and generally flat body lines are what define its GMC-ness. The most striking aspect is the flared-out fenders that only properly serve the vehicle's demeanour when filled with the larger wheels, 18 inches in the case of our tester. Otherwise, the Terrain is the better-looking GM SUV/CUV this side of the Tahoe.
Continuing with the way the Terrain presents itself, the cabin immediately impresses with what seems to be a well thought-out layout. Unfortunately, it only looks that way. First inspired by the latest generation of the Cadillac CTS, the V-shaped centre console may scream innovation but it's when you try to reach the audio controls from your driving position that you discover the flaws; the dash angle slopes too far up and towards the windshield and so they can only be operated if you lean far forward.
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| Fit and finish are OK and materials are generally good. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |