So we got a 2011 GMC Terrain

So we got a 2011 GMC Terrain


Yet another crossover SUV. The market is flooded with crossover SUVs. Here is the latest one from General Motors, the all-new 2011 GMC Terrain. It joins the Traverse, Acadia, Captiva and Cadillac SRX in the General’s civil war against the Ford Flex, Escape, Edge, Explorer and MKX, not to mention other brands. Cayenne, M-Class, CR-V, RAV4, Pilot, RX350, X-Trail, Veracruz, Tucson, Sportage…the list is endless. So what makes the Terrain any different in a sea of wannabe 4x4s?

For one, the GMC Terrain looks pretty butch for a crossover. Sure, it is based on the boring Chevy Captiva, but it evokes more of a response from bystanders, either “wow”, or more often, “eww”.

But honestly speaking, we actually like the design at some level, particularly because it is butch. You won’t see any women driving this crossover, unless they’re hiding something.

The cabin is typical GM, which is to say hard plastics and padded armrests. However, this GMC seems to have received special treatment, with a partial hard-rubber dashboard section and leather door inserts. That’s more than what the pricier Traverse or even the Tahoe gets.

Space up front is good. There are lots of pockets and storage areas. Very practical.

Space in the back is very good too. Our top-spec tester even had flip-up DVD screens mounted behind each front seat. No rear a/c vents though, unfortunately.

Cargo room under that powered tailgate is reasonable, even better with rear seats that fold down, but not quite flat. A cargo net would’ve been appreciated in our tester, as the boxed fire extinguisher, tool kit package and boxed DVD headphones all rolled around back there.

The GMC Terrain is a good effort, no doubt about it. Seemingly minor omissions like rear vents and cargo nets may be a deal-breaker for some in this overcrowded segment. But there is more to it than just practicality. More in the full review.

What do you think?

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Comments

  1. Technical Specs? Plz??

  2. Terrain’s exterior became boring. Old models looked better. Though I see improvements in the interior.

  3. Except that front and heavily bulged wheel arches, it makes me think of a smaller Acadia..seems Mash has pocket full of cars this week (two each in shirt, pant fronts, rear and a jazz inside mobile pouch) 🙂 busy man

  4. price and specs please …. oh the rear vents .This often happens when its base on a car.When will they learn?

  5. y do i get the feeling that those fenders make it look like a boat? 😛

  6. Question to the reviewer:

    If you are a family man with 3 kids, a baby sitter and often one relative at least, and you are not into offroading becuase it is not suitable for your kids who are all under 3, what’s wrong with buying a crossover that can work for simple tasks like beach visits?

    Do I have to buy a minivan in order to avoid being a called 4×4 wannabe?

  7. I like it,when it will be available in Saudi Arabia Jeddah,it seems that dealers aroung have no ideas,could someone let me know.

  8. Pls do a test drive on the 2011 GMC Terrain.

  9. Hi Mash,

    Your buyer’s guide says that price is AED 100-120k one of my friend’s called the showroom seems to be in the range of 120-140 k which is high for this segment.

    • Author

      Thanks for the prices. I had put up estimates. I’m not even sure if its on the showroom floor yet or not, since I deal with the HQ, who don’t give out info on the dealer.

    • Author

      Looking at the specs again, there is no way the base price is 120k for a 2.4L. That must be the V6 price.

  10. waht about parts? Are there replacement part stores for GMC vehicle in KSA, especially Jeddah?

  11. GMC will shoot itself in the foot if they price at 120k.
    The Ford Edge 2011 starts at 100k , and if the Terrain is 120k it wont eb a wonder Ford is doing better than GM in recent years

  12. Bullsh*t..if it had an “H” or a “T” on the front of it you guys would be claiming it came from Jesus…same old American car haters..we know your Daddy drove a Toyota and told you too. look at the numbers….whiners

    • I tested the 6 cylinder one. Although I like the interior and exterior designs but I was not impressed by the acceleration of the 280 HP engine, I think something wrong in the gear ratio that makes it slow at some speed range. Another thing that I did not like was the braking. I am not sure if it is me that lacks flexibility, but I found it rather not comfortable getting inside. Interiors rock. exterior something different than the other SUVs in the streets

  13. hi,
    I want to know if I buy the 4 cyl one, and with the absence of the rear A/C. Do u think it’s a good idea in such a hot weather? did u test drive the A/C in the back?

  14. its nice car…i like so much n i wanna got in my future definitely…
    rockey rocks…/vishal sharma

  15. So after so much research, I really have to decide. I am left with 2 options. Gmc terrain 2012 slt2 or the Chevy captiva 2012 Ltz. Any advice would be good. Thanks 🙂

  16. Captiva or Gmc terrain?

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