2010 GMC Terrain Review

Preview

What We Know

Now that the full-size SUV is the scourge of American society, the 2010 GMC Terrain is shaping up as the most important new vehicle in GMC's lineup. This all-new compact crossover should combine decent mileage with a reasonable size for buyers who are downsizing from larger SUVs. From the looks of prototypes spotted in Death Valley, the 2010 GMC Terrain will use blocklike styling to make up for its smaller stature. The front end looks similar to GMC's Sierra pickups with thick crossbars in the grille and large, rectangular headlights. In profile, a steeply raked windshield keeps the Terrain from looking too boxy, while a small kink in the rear window line adds something unique to the Terrain compared to its larger siblings. Built on a modified version of the Theta platform that currently underpins the Chevrolet Equinox, the GMC Terrain might try to squeeze in three rows of seats. This would make it more competitive with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, although the Terrain's size means minimal space for anyone sitting in the third row. Like most vehicles in the compact SUV class, the Terrain will most likely offer both front- and all-wheel drive. Expect to see the official unveil of the 2010 GMC Terrain early next year along with the 2010 Cadillac SRX, which will share the same platform. Both vehicles are expected to go on sale by the fall of 2009 at the latest.

What Edmunds.com says

Getting into the compact SUV segment is a good move for GMC as its full-size models will continue to lose traction as fuel prices remain high.