Pontiac's Torrent was not exactly the best fit to share the platform of the Chevrolet Equinox SUV. So for the new Equinox, the SUV-friendly GMC get the variation with the Terrain. Prices for the 2010 Terrain range from $24,995 for the SLE1 model and go up to $29,995 for the SLT2 model.

Just like it's Equinox twin, the GMC Terrain will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 hp (estimated 30 mpg) and a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine with 264 hp. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmissions, and will be available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

While on paper this may seem like a purely badge-engineered version of the Equinox, there is more to the Terrain. Although mechanically similar, the Equinox still goes for the look of a Lexus RX 350->ke1835, the Terrain is going after a tougher truck-like market.

Video and press release after the jump.

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Specifications
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  • Model: gmc-terrain

2010 GMC Terrain

Specifications
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Press release

GMC’s all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an “ECO” mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

Also available will be a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmissions and offer a refined, confident driving experience.

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The 2010 Terrain goes on sale in late summer, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. A comprehensive list of standard and available features includes purposeful technologies such as:

  • Standard rear vision camera
  • Programmable power rear liftgate
  • Bluetooth hands-free phone capability
  • MultiFlex sliding rear seat that increases passenger comfort or provides optimal cargo space
  • Remote vehicle start
  • USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback
  • Seven-inch touch-screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive
  • DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens
  • Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio


Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Bold styling


Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC’s aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

“We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance,” said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design, Global Crossover Vehicles. “Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship.”

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

Interior details and flexibility


The Terrain’s rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A “floating” center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

Terrain’s seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain’s four auxiliary power outlets.

Confident and agile driving experience


Two new engines are offered on all Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

  • New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).
  • New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
  • Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups


The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

Terrain’s rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GMC Terrain will be produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

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Prices

SLE1 Model

  • FWD:    $24,995 (note:  all prices include $745 destination and freight charge)
  • AWD:  $26,745
    • Standard equipment includes 2.4L four-cylinder SIDI engine with six-speed automatic transmission, cloth seats, full safety suite (six airbags, ABS, StabiliTrak, tire pressure monitoring system, OnStar), extended range RKE, manual single-zone air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/XM/USB radio with six speakers, rear-vision camera, red ambient lighting, cruise control, fog lamps, power windows/locks, floor mats, acoustical package, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels
    • No additional options available on SLE1


SLE2 Model

  • FWD:    $26,595
  • AWD:    $28,345
    • ADDS premium cloth seats, 8-way power driver seat, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth, automatic single–zone air conditioning, roof rails, 8-speaker Pioneer sound system
    • Major SLE2-specific options include 18-inch machined aluminum wheels ($250), convenience package with remote start and heated seats ($440)


SLT1 Model

  • FWD:  $28,195
  • AWD:    $29,945
    • ADDS heated leather seats, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, remote start
    • Major SLT1-specific options include power liftgate ($495)


SLT2 Model

  • FWD:  $29,995
  • AWD:    $31,745
    • ADDS enhanced ambient lighting package, power liftgate, rear park assist, sunroof, chrome accent package


Major Options available on all trims levels expect SLE1

  • 3.0L V6 SIDI Engine with dual exhaust ($1,500)
  • Trailering package ($350)
  • Sunroof ($795) (NOTE:  standard on SLE2)
  • 19-inch chrome-cladded wheels (requires 3.0L V6 engine) ($900)
  • Rear-seat DVD (requires convenience package on SLE2 model) ($1,295)
  • Navigation radio ($2,145)
  • Cargo package (cargo net, cargo cover, roof rail crossbars) ($235)