GMC has had a long history of small SUVs, going back to the Chevy S-10 Blazer. The Terrain is the smallest SUV in the current GMC lineup, but it’s different than the SUVs of the past. It’s not built on a truck frame like previous small GMC SUVs and it’s not designed for extreme off-road use. It’s a crossover SUV designed mostly for on-pavement driving in all weather conditions.
HISTORY of the GMC Terrain
GMC first introduced Terrain in 2010. They based it on the same platform as the Chevy Equinox and it shared much of the same equipment. Upon initial release, GMC offered the Terrain with either a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, or a 3.0L 6-cylinder routing power to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain had standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive available.
The first year Terrain was available in SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1 and SLT-2 trim levels. Standard equipment included heated side mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, power front seat height and lumbar adjustments, a sliding and reclining backseat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a back-up camera, OnStar and stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
In 2012, the Terrain got a standard touchscreen audio interface that can stream Internet-based services. In addition, lane departure warning and forward collision were also made available. For the 2016 model year, the GMC SUV has been refreshed with revised styling and LED Daytime Running Lights on some trim levels.
The old saying goes that practice makes perfect. This is true regarding the GMC SUV – GM had to spend many years building small SUVs to get one that is near perfection. But, it’s finally here and it’s wonderful.
