Review: The 2013 GMC Terrain

On first impression, the GMC Terrain is an attractive crossover SUV. Not as big - or intimidating - as its cousin the Equinox, think Hummer H2 of the past, but large enough to still feel confident on the roads regardless of the conditions in your way. I recently had the car for a week to test out and take for a ride north on highway 400 to Collingwood, ON to really put it through its Canadian paces (we love our winters!)

The result? Read on.

First Impressions:

It’s all in the detail. When you first sit in the Terrain, you realize that GMC spared no expense to make the interior both subtle, comfortable and of course, enjoyable. However, I wish GMC had made more of an effort to increase the cabin space - I expected more from something claiming to be a crossover SUV. Four people, with bags and other miscellaneous household items together, couldn't sit comfortably. Don't even get me started on the trunk.

The Bluetooth connection was quick, easy and precise. I found that A2DP, regardless of device or OS used maintained a solid connection even as calls came in. Compared to other cars that I’ve driven – which struggled – the Terrain was very impressive.

I don’t even feel that my photos of the screen in action do it proper justice. The display is so crisp, regardless of the lighting contrast, I never found myself adjusting the brightness or squinting to see it. Not to mention how responsive the touchscreen was for controls and Bluetooth programming; simply put: thus far, the Terrain has the best screen of any SUV I’ve had the chance to drive, this includes the 2012 Cadillac Escalade.

Performance:

Powered by a 3.6-liter, 301 horsepower V-6 engine, the Terrain roars on initial ignition and purrs as you slow down for a more conservative drive. Due to the direct injection engine I was impressed at achieving more than32mpg, although it’s rated at only 29; that is to say that I was also doing most of my driving on the highway.

Overall:

At about $25K, the Terrain is a fairly impressive truck that lacks in areas that it should excel in i.e. interior space. However, it is a great automobile for a starter family that needs something versatile and is willing to forgoe trunk/cabin space to achieve it.

Learn more about the 2013 GMC Terrain via GMC Canada here