General Motors added the Terrain crossover utility vehicle to its GMC brand's lineup for the 2010 model year onward. Positioned below the full-size Acadia, the Terrain shares its Theta architecture with the new Chevrolet Equinox. The model replaced the Pontiac Torrent and GMC Envoy.

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Two engines are available for customers to consider. A new, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection delivers highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Peak fuel economy is achieved in part with an "ECO" mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the motor.

Also available is a 3.0-liter DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Terrain's rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

"The new Terrain brings GMC's history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today's buyer," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. "The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency."

"GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we're adapting to changing market conditions," said Docherty. "As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect."

The Terrain is offered with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive in SLE and SLT trim levels. A list of standard and available features includes: standard rear vision camera, programmable power rear liftgate, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, MultiFlex sliding rear seat, remote vehicle start, USB audio connectivity, MP3 playback, a seven-inch touch-screen navigation system, a 40GB hard drive, a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens, and standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that promise to offer comfort and solid handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

GMC Terrain is produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario with pricing starting in the low $20,000 range.