2011 GMC Terrain

The 2011 GMC Terrain is unchanged other than improved voice recognition technology for OnStar. Compact crossovers have quickly become the go-to choice for a family-friendly sport-utility that’s cheaper, more fuel-efficient and better suited to tighter urban confines than bigger SUVs. At the same time, these crossovers have also tended to be a little noisier, less refined and not as appealing for long-distance family road trips.

Like the Chevy Equinox with which it shares everything except exterior styling, the GMC Terrain finds the middle ground between compact and midsize crossover SUVs. We’ve discovered the Terrain is not quite as fuel-efficient with this engine as its segment-leading EPA estimates would indicate, but compared to the Ford Explorer and GMC Yukon, the four-cylinder Terrain is bound to save you some money. The Terrain’s grown-up feel isn’t just literal, however. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are more agile and offer better cargo capacity, plus the small sport-utes afford better visibility from the driver seat than the somewhat claustrophobic Terrain. The Kia Sorento can’t match the Terrain’s roomy backseat, but it does offer better value and a sportier drive.

The 2011 GMC Terrain is a midsize crossover SUV available in SLE 1, SLE 2, SLT 1 and SLT 2 trim levels.

Standard equipment on the SLE 1 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, tinted windows, heated mirrors, cruise control, a backseat with sliding and reclining features, six-way adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rearview camera, OnStar and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB interface and satellite radio.

The SLE 2 adds roof rails, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded cloth upholstery, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker Pioneer sound system. The SLT 1 adds the Convenience package items plus 18-inch wheels and leather upholstery. Depending on trim, you can also select 19-inch chrome-clad wheels, a voice-controlled navigation system (with digital music storage) and a dual-screen rear entertainment system.

Every GMC Terrain comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The Terrain also comes standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. In performance testing, a front-drive, four-cylinder Terrain went from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds — on the slow end for the class. Estimated fuel economy stands at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 20/29/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/25mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 17/24/20 with all-wheel drive.

Every 2011 GMC Terrain comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a rearview camera and OnStar. Rear parking sensors are optional. Four-cylinder Terrain came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet. In government crash tests, the Terrain’s Chevy Equinox twin received a perfect five stars in all front and side crash categories.

The GMC Terrain’s cabin is remarkably stylish, particularly by the standards of this typically utilitarian segment.

The Terrain’s base four-cylinder engine should provide enough acceleration for most buyers, as compact SUVs are hardly known for thrilling performance. On the move, the 2011 GMC Terrain is impressively quiet and boasts a comfortable ride indicative of a much bigger, more expensive SUV.