Topic: 2010 GMC Terrain SLT; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

This week, James drives the not-so-compact GMC Terrain compact SUV. Based on the Chevrolet Equinox, the Terrain features more truck-like styling but, surprisingly, can be had with a four-cylinder engine.
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[gpx]

Not sure I like the look. The wheels look small for the vehicle.

[carsncars]

I think GM's done a fine job of the Equinox/Terrain. Both are quite compelling choices in their segment, and while the fuel economy is not quite what the EPA says it is (is it ever?) it's still relatively good.

That said, the Terrain looks ridiculous with those wannabe square wheel arches. The Equinox looks much better.

[Winterpeg]

This is a COMPACT suv?.........hmmm....dunno about that but I agree with gpx.....go for the bigger wheels and be happy that you did.     

[dutch]

$38805 as tested..... OUCH!

[Dan]

These are supposed to be compact SUV/CUV at nearly $40,000??? Come on at that price point we are talking about getting into the luxury market what are these manufacturers thinking...At least Hyundai seems to still be making their vehicles look great, load them up with safety stuff and you get great value for a reasonable price.

[rob]

I continue to be surprised by GM's decisions on pricing. Although they're claiming their vehicles are as well made as the top import brands they have a substantial back log of customers with bad experiences to over come. Despite that limitation, GM seems to be pricing its vehicles at virtually the same price as the imports which are a known quantity.

Toyota's current issues aside, it's a simple fact that the Japanese brands have established themselves as a better choice in the market place. Resale value alone makes a GM model a difficult choice.

This Terrain is $38K - for $41K I could have an Acura RDX. I would more than save the $3K on resale assuming the two vehicles were equal which they're not.

GM needs to rethink their pricing.

[Leviathan]

For those complaining about $38K - don't buy the top-of-the-line model 

Will golf clubs fit width wise in the back?

[sailor723]

Pretty amazing to note that the HP and Torque numbers for last weeks car were almost the same as the Terrain.....

I bet the Mini was waaaay more fun.

[Winklovic]

I'll be amazed if James can match the Terrain's city rating of 9.2L/100km for the week.

The Terrain is hideous looking, imho.

[Blueprint]

The BMW X3 starts at 39,995$, or just about.  As usual, base models show more value, and a white one always parked near work looks good.

InsideLine has bought one as a long-termer, also with the four, and the track-addict scribes can't seem to stop complaining about its lack of oomph.  California spoils you, guys.  They enjoy using "compact-only" parking spaces with it...  Only a month in the test, one the rear hatch struts blew a seal, oil and all, and the hatch won't stay up...

[Schmengie]

If nothing else, this thing proves that GM can build ugly as well (badly?? ) as anyone.

I saw a Terrain in traffic today and compact it's not. Anywhere else in the world it would be considered huge, which is exactly what it is.

[SJP]

Ditch this ugly duckling, the Equinox is much nicer looking and pretty much the same vehicle. Use the money saved in producing a redressed clone, and pass the savings on to consumers. Price the Equinox right, and it will sell well.

[sailor723]

GM just can't seem to break the re-badging habit. Isn't the new Cadillac SRX a sibling to these with different engine options?

[Spec5]

RAV 4 Limited w/AWD and smoke-show V6 is $34,600 or something like that. I don't know about you guys but does a decision really need to be made here?

[swishguy]

Also venza awd V-6 is cheaper. No-Brainer here!

[carcrazy]

This thing looks expensive, but did anyone try to compare feature for feature with the competition? You can also get a RAV4 close to $40K; same for CRV.

[Spec5]

This thing looks expensive, but did anyone try to compare feature for feature with the competition? You can also get a RAV4 close to $40K; same for CRV.

Well, as far as the RAV 4 thats the highest trimline you can spec - and I went back and added the optional JBL sound system, Blue Tooth and leather package - so as decked out as you can make a RAV4 V6 AWD Limited - $37,615. Even better for the CRV - fully loaded EX-L Navi two way remote start system, trailer package and "CR-V Protection Package" (read: floors mats basically) and that one tops out at $37,192.

All this being said I'm willing to bet that the dealer would cut a few grand off a loaded Terrain to make the sale. That being said without having even driven the Terrain I know where I'd spend my money.

I'm sorry GM fans - I want this company to do well just as much as the next guy. And really lets face it GM has come a LONG way. I think I prefer the interior of the new GMs to any Toyota or Honda that I"ve been in recently but just because they've been able to do that doesn't mean they can charge as much as the class leaders that have been #1 or #2 on the block for the last 8-10 years while GM was busy paying their execs huge salaries instead of making better cars. Improve the product at a price that's COMPETITIVE (meaning not charging what Toyota and Honda are charging just because its what they're asking) - people will start to buy them just because they're cheaper and AS WELL MADE (gotte get there first though). THEN you can start increasing the prices when you DESERVE it! Just ask Hyundai it seems to be working for them.

[sailor723]

Exactly Spec5

I think GM has to earn their way back onto people's shopping lists the way Hyundai did.

[Leviathan]

Are you guys nuts? GM is selling these and the Equinox as fast as they can make them.