2010 GMC Terrain AWD SLT-2

Text and Images by Michael A. Marrs

The first view of the 2010 Terrain was several months back, and published elsewhere on the Texas Automotive News Network – see  2010 Terrain Review.  For for this review, the test vehicle is a 2010 Terrain AWD SLT-2 model that we were able to put several hundred miles on from the drivers’ seat.  As noted in the first view, the 2010 GMC Terrain is part of the new GM designs to create a bold new smaller SUV, and we often use the term masculine as a common description of several vehicles from the GM stable that share this similar overall look. The front view has a very square jaw line that suits a three-element grille that is surrounded by chrome, which provides a distinctly broad chin look that uses the unique rectangular lights to follow the same design lines. The fender flares promote the SUV look of being rugged without sacrificing the new style from the GM team. And part of this style includes the interior designs, which is yet another signal of the changes that the General is making. The GMC Terrain comes in two trim levels that are designated as the SLE and the SLT, both of which are available in front wheel drive, as well as all wheel drive.  

As to the test vehicle, a top of the line 2010 Terrain AWD SLT-2 model which comes nicely packaged from the factory with standard features that are built from the combined efforts of the SLE1, the SLE2, and even the SLT1 models. This includes the safety designs carried over from the 2009 Top Safety Pick Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. There is a rear-vision camera built into the rear view mirror, as well as Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist to go along with the Stabilitrak-Stability control system that is actually tied into the Traction controls. There are enough airbags to almost be considered surround-sound. There are dual-stage front and side-impact bags for the driver and passenger, as well as head curtain side-impact for the front and rear outboard seating to go along with OnStar Safe and Sound service.

 For the GMC industrialized interior, there is a combination of premium material with contrasting stitching to bring off a rugged, yet luxurious feeling interior. Center view of the driver, there is a Driver Information Center that monitors some 26 systems of the Terrain as part of the gauge package. There are the standard operational features like PS, PB, and even express front windows to go along with the deep tinted glass that supports the Climate Control System. For the driver, there is a leather wrapped steering wheel that contains the Cruise Control, as well as the remote audio controls for the Premium Pioneer sound system that includes 8-speakers in the SLT. To make a vehicle this size really work, there has to be plenty of storage to go along with the passenger space. The dash relies on an oversized glove box, with a popup storage location in the dash above the center stack for those smaller items such as a pair of cheap sunglasses. The center console, or center arm rest as the brochure says, has storage large enough to cover a laptop, and includes power outlets along with the USB connectivity. The USB hook-up is great for portable music devices, and can actually be controlled from the 7-inch touch screen that is mounted in the dash as part of the AM/FM/CD/Navigational system, which would also be a great place for the rear-view camera instead of the smaller mirror location. These controls also include access the built in 40-gig hard drive, meaning that extra carryon iPod may not be needed long, as it is possible to create a fully mobile music library. The sliding rear seat is a 60/40 split that takes direction from other GM products by moving almost 8-inchs back to allow for more rear leg room, or move forward to expand the rear cargo area. In fact, with the seat folder down flat, the cargo area is almost 64 cubic feet. There is also a sliding sun roof that contributes to the spacious feeling of the interior on the SLT, not to mention midnight drives under a Prairie Moon. Other features include the power lift gate that is programmable, which will help prevent those nasty full-lift door dings in the garage. In addition, the SLT comes with fog lamps, and a chrome package that features chrome – not bright metal, but chrome. There are chrome door handles, chrome outside mirrors, roof racks with chrome inserts, chrome accents on the grille, and even a chrome rear skid plate.

The SLT AWD SLT-2 test vehicle hits the factory scales at 3798, and came with the optional 3.0L V6 that carries a factory rating of 264 horsepower, along with 222 lb.-ft. torque. Tied to the only transmission available, a 6-speed automatic, this combo gives the AWD SLT a towing capacity of 3500 lbs.  While the AWD will provide an additonal safety factor, combined with the additional power from the V6, expect a little cost at the pump, with the test vehicle receiving an EPA rating of 17/24, as compared to the 22/32 for the four banger.  And while the SLT-2 comes with a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels as part of the standard package, the test vehicle rolls on the optional chrome-clad 19s very nicely. And roll it does, with a view from the drivers’ seat that is open, there is power under foot, along with tunes coming in from across the universe on the Satellite radio. The base price of the AWD test ride is $31,300.00 – add in the engine upgrade, some cool wheels, and the trailering equipment, our rolling MSRP came up to a solid $35, 040.00.