First Drive: 2010 GMC Terrain

[BigThreeForever]

I'd been pretty lukewarm over the look of the GMC Terrain - although very appreciative of the effort to finally differentiate GMC from Chevolet.

That photograph, though, shows the Terrain in a new light, for me at least. It looks bold, confident and attractive.

"Real world" photography tends to flatter bvehicles, whilst studio shots do not. It is weird, but it is true.

[2Lambdas]

Why do so many auto review sites post interior pics with the vehicle not running or at least with the accessories on so we can see the backlit instrument cluster lit up? One of the pics shows the nav screen on, but they must have had the instrument cluster lighting turned all the way down because certainly this vehicle has backlit gauges?

Also, I could have sworn that I read here on GMI early on shortly after GM introduced they would be building this vehicle that it would differentiate itself from the Equinox by offering a 3rd row. Can any of our insiders confirm why that never came to fruition. I might have seriously considered it as a replacement for my Acadia if gas prices were to rise again, but without a 3rd row (even an "afterthought" one) it won't work for my family of 6.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by 2Lambdas

Also, I could have sworn that I read here on GMI early on shortly after GM introduced they would be building this vehicle that it would differentiate itself from the Equinox by offering a 3rd row. Can any of our insiders confirm why that never came to fruition. I might have seriously considered it as a replacement for my Acadia if gas prices were to rise again, but without a 3rd row (even an "afterthought" one) it won't work for my family of 6.

Just a rumor. Never came to fruition.

[Slideways]

Originally Posted by 2Lambdas

Why do so many auto review sites post pics with the vehicle not running or at least with the accessories on so we can see the backlit instrument cluster lit up? One of the pics shows the nav screen on, but they must have had the instrument cluster lighting turned all the way down because certainly this vehicle has backlit gauges?

Long Answer: It's usually much easier to get an evenly lit photo if you leave the interior lights off. Interior photos are usually a longer exposure, so if the engine is running there could be some vibration, resulting in a soft photo. That's not really an issue with newer cars, but an older car with a loping cam will definitely mess things up. Of course it's possible to expose for the majority of the interior on one shot and then expose for the gauge lighting (with the keys turned to accessory like you mentioned) on another shot and create a composite image, but that takes time post-processing. Also, if you're trying to get a clean shot, you really don't want a key sticking out of the ignition. Again, not a big deal if you plan to create a composite image.
Short Answer: The photographer was lazy or just forgot to get a photo of the gauges.

[mjd1001]

If there is going to be a Terrain Denali, I sure hope that means there will be an Equinox sport also.

[poncho1982]

Lipstick on a pig, is still a pig.

Sorry, not for me, ever.

I would seriously take an Aztec first. At least it had a tent.

[smithb]

I am interested in a Terrain and very interested in a Terrain Denali. However, I don't want to be forced to buy the 3.0 turd of an engine or the 2.8T turd (which I highly doubt they would offer). I would rather have the 2.4 than either of those. If they offered the 3.6 SIDI (like in the CTS/Camaro and not Acadia) I would be interested. If it was only the version in the Acadia I would need some convincing in drastically increased performance and very good mpg. In driving a compact SUV, there is no point in big motors. If you need something fast or that can tow a lot, you are better off buying a sports car or bigger truck used.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by smithb

I am interested in a Terrain and very interested in a Terrain Denali. However, I don't want to be forced to buy the 3.0 turd of an engine or the 2.8T turd (which I highly doubt they would offer). I would rather have the 2.4 than either of those. If they offered the 3.6 SIDI (like in the CTS/Camaro and not Acadia) I would be interested. If it was only the version in the Acadia I would need some convincing in drastically increased performance and very good mpg. In driving a compact SUV, there is no point in big motors. If you need something fast or that can tow a lot, you are better off buying a sports car or bigger truck used.

The Acadia does have the 3.6L SIDI in it.

[smithb]

Also, I don't really care about them, but the Jalopnik people get stuff wrong in every review I've read. They state that the 2 vehicles are mechanically the same and even "There's no equipment you can get on the Terrain that you can't get on the Equinox", which is wrong. You cannot get the towing package with the 2.4 on the nox. This is actually important to some of us who like to haul a trailer full of mulch, drywall, 2x4's, or whatever on the occasional weekend.

[GMusa]

I like the rugged look .. i just wish i was acutally rugged enough to take off-raod.

[smithb]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

The Acadia does have the 3.6L SIDI in it.

It's a detuned version of it. I want the CTS/Camaro version, not Acadia version.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by smithb

It's a detuned version of it. I want the CTS/Camaro version, not Acadia version.

It's probably tuned for fuel efficiency whereas the CTS/Camaro's is tuned for performance.

[Rocket 88]

Professional grade Chrome, Wheels and Interior dash padding? Of course how do you make a Professional grade small suv anyway?

I've got nothing against GMC... Just wish it actually stood for something to distinguish it. It bad brand management, and it isn't good for GMC in the long run.

Why are there "GM - Mark of Excellence" chiclets on the Terrain in the pictures? I though GM got rid of these.

[Slideways]

Originally Posted by Rocket 88

Professional grade Chrome, Wheels and Interior dash padding? Of course how do you make a Professional grade small suv anyway?

I've got nothing against GMC... Just wish it actually stood for something to distinguish it. It bad brand management, and it isn't good for GMC in the long run.

I know what you're saying, but what do you expect? Do you want them to only offer BOF SUVs and be the next Hummer? At least it's totally unique, sheetmetal-wise, from an Equinox.

[Rocket 88]

Originally Posted by smithb

Also, I don't really care about them, but the Jalopnik people get stuff wrong in every review I've read. They state that the 2 vehicles are mechanically the same and even "There's no equipment you can get on the Terrain that you can't get on the Equinox", which is wrong. You cannot get the towing package with the 2.4 on the nox. This is actually important to some of us who like to haul a trailer full of mulch, drywall, 2x4's, or whatever on the occasional weekend.

According the Chevy website there is a towing package available on the 1LT Equinox with the 2.4. You can't get it on the base LS, but you can't get it on the base Terrain either.