2010 GMC Terrain Review: Small in Size, Big on Brute Style

GMC's first-ever 2010 Terrain is small in size but big on brute style. We put the SLT AWD model to the test.

When the compact SUV first hit the market, manufacturers, collectively, felt this need to make them round, bubbly and delightful—probably a bit too feminine for the masses. Fortunately, in the past few years, they’ve realized ‘compact’ need not equate to ‘cute,’ introducing the more aggressive styling cues and key features of their larger SUV siblings.

The all-new 2010 GMC Terrain perhaps best exemplifies this—a hard-hitting, premium compact crossover SUV with the right look (finally) at the right price.

Terrain Available Trims from 2010

The Terrain is available in a several trims with various features, in either FWD or AWD versions: SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, and SLT-2 (as tested) models. Powered by a standard Ecotec 2.4-litre Direct Injected four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), the Terrain puts down 182-hp with impressive fuel efficiency via the driver-selected ECO-mode, surpassing even the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 (this applies to the FWD Terrain only). For the performance-minded, opt for the 3.0-litre V6 VVT with 264-hp.

2010 GMC Terrain rear view
2010 GMC Terrain. Photo: Amee Reehal
2010 GMC Terrain front grill
2010 GMC Terrain. Photo: Amee Reehal

Starting at $27,465 MSRP, the entry-level Terrain FWD with the standard 2.4-litre engine comes with a slew of key standard features including 6-speed auto transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Panic Brake Assist, StabiliTrak traction control system, 4-wheel independent suspension, 17-inch wheels, a rearview camera system, 6 airbags, heated exterior power/folding mirrors, and a 6-speaker 80-watt sound system with CD and MP3 Usb port, to name a few. For little more money, AWD is available while still coming in at under $30,000.

3.0L Engine Powers GMC’s First-Ever Compact Crossover

The 3.0-litre V6 AWD Terrain comes equipped at the higher end with various options, starting at $38,805 MSRP (before taxes/delivery charge). Significant upgrades here include 18-inch machined aluminum wheels wrapped in P235/55R all-season rubber, a trailer-towing package, and an upgraded premium Pioneer 8-speaker 250-watt audio system with the rear seat entertainment setup, Bluetooth capability, and XM Satellite radio.

2010 GMC Terrain. Photo: Amee Reehal
2010 GMC Terrain. Photo: Amee Reehal

Interestingly, the redesigned 2018 Terrain ditched the bigger 3.0L V6 in lieu of the 2.0L turbo DOHC DI VVT, still making a respectable 252-hp.

Based on our 2018 GMC Terrain review, The old Terrain’s normally aspirated 2.4 and 3.6L motors are no more, replaced by a modern, all-turbo line-up of two gasoline engines and a diesel. Not surprisingly, the latter is the fuel-miser of the three; a combined consumption figure of 7.4L/100km (32mpg) for the FWD SLE is outstanding in this segment. For the record the 1.5 gas engine gets 8.6L/100km (28mpg, also FWD) and the 2-liter 10.2L/100km (23mpg, AWD).

2010 GMC Terrain Interior

Inside, the Terrain is less rugged and more refined than you may expect; an overall contemporary design with a contoured feel. The centre control cluster is intuitive and logically setup with climate controls grouped below and audio buttons up top.

The instrument panel includes analog gauges with a digital Driver Information Centre. The standard rear camera is a nice inclusion: pop the Terrain in reverse and view the scene in the rear-view mirror (or navigation screen, if upgraded).

2010 GMC Terrain interior
2010 GMC Terrain. Photo: Amee Reehal
2010 GMC Terrain interior gear shifter
2010 GMC Terrain. Photo: Amee Reehal

4-way power driver’s seat comes standard, the top-line SLT-2 as tested finds 8-way power with optional perforated leather-appointed seating surfaces. Rear passengers enjoy the Multi-Flex second-row seat that adjusts backwards and forwards by nearly 8-inchs.

Some other exterior standard features on the SLT-2 trim include power sunroof; chrome roof rails and body colour fascia with chrome rear skid plates plus chrome accents to the headlamps, side windows, and liftgate; Solar-Ray tinted glass on windshield & front door windows, plus Solar-Ray deep tinted glass on the rear door, rear quarter, and rear window; power rear liftgate with fixed glass; front halogen fog lights; plus others.

Safety Features

All Terrain models offer the same standard safety features including dual-stage front, side-impact, and head curtain airbags; keyless entry with Panic feature; OnStar service with 1-year plan; anti-theft alarm; halogen, projector style headlamps; and the Ultrasonic rear view parking assist camera, to name a few.

The 2010 GMC Terrain is a great alternative to the larger SUV, offering ample cargo, aggressive styling, and powertrain options for both the fuel conscious and performance minded, blurring the line between compact and full-size but without the heavy price-point.

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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.