Picked up a loaded 2012 GMC Terrain AWD V-6 (SFAR, almost every single option [except rear DVD entertainment system and navigation]; stickers for $35-7K, shocking) at DCA a few weeks ago; I noticed they have quite a few of these loaded Terrains and Equinoxes running around. The loaded models are now one of my favorite mid-sized SUVs to rent, the leather, sunroof, and upgraded stereo + MyLink are quite nice.

The Pioneer audio unit on the Terrain/Equinox sounds significantly better than the Bose units used on the GMC Acadia/Traverse, not sure why the Pioneer isn't used on all their models.

SLT-2 Trim + AWD + V6 (includes leather seats + upgraded Pioneer audio system with subwoofer and harddrive, + rear power liftgate + sunroof + extra chrome + 19" chrome clad wheels)


I had a big complaint about the 2010 Terrain when I last rented it, and at the time, I thought the large C-pillars obscured rearward visibility and made driving dangerous. They still do, but the 2012 models (at least the higher SLT-2 and LTZ trims on GMC and Chevy respectively) seem to carry both driver and passenger side spotter mirrors, which significantly mitigate the dangers of the C-pillar. So do yourself a favor next time and a) check to see if it's a 2012 model, and b) check for spotter mirrors. I espied a 2011 4-cyl model the other day, and it did NOT have spotter mirrors. So beware.




The 2012 GMC Terrain looks better in an urban environment. Here, the "chrome appearance package" is evident. Chromed grille, wheels, sideview mirrors, and roof rack.

Sufficiently distinguished from its cheaper Chevy Equinox brethren. Doesn't look too bad from this angle.



You can tell it's the V6 model from the dual chrome exhausts. The rear looks rather bland and generic, almost mini-van like.



2012 GMC Terrain SLT-2 "Trim" AWD V6 interior. Contrasting colored seats and dashboard look nice.

When I first drove the 2010 GMC Terrain a few years ago, I hated it. No doubt compounded by the sudden electrical problems I experienced as well. However, I took a chance with the 2012 model. I'm happy to say that they've made a few important changes which have given me a more favorable impression; also, this is a high trim level, and it's pretty nice.

I think the spotter mirrors have been added for the 2012 MY only?

PROS:

- GM MyLink system works well. Offers Pandora streaming capabilities.
- Dashboard feels solid and high quality.
- 8 speaker Pioneer sound system with subwoofer sounds great! Don't know why they use the awful Bose system on the GMC Acadia. Could feel the speakers pumping out the beats and blowing air onto my leg.
- V6 provides competent acceleration.
- 7" color touchscreen is very clear and easy to use. Rearview camera display has been relocated to the touchscreen, instead of being mounted in the rearview mirror (2012 MY change only).
- Much better visibility, thanks to simple addition of driver's and passenger's side blind spotter mirrors.
- HVAC blows quickly and powerfully. HVAC vents have a Cadillac CTS-like shape to them.
- New GM corporate steering wheel is comfortable to handle.
- Comfortable leather seats with French stitching.
- Big 19" alloy wheels.
- Standard USB port.
- Cabin is quiet and dampened.
- Visually striking and more unique than its Chevy Equinox cousin...
- The front exterior isn't as grotesque as I once thought. Might even be attractive in some angles and environments...

CONS:

- I still find the rear to be bland and ugly.
- Still big blindspots caused by large A, C, and D pillars, but they've been mitigated by addition of spotter mirrors.
- Brakes a bit mushy.
- Seat headrests felt insufficiently padded and hard.
- Feels like a heavy vehicle, noticeable body lean in turns.
- Options can quickly push the vehicle price tag high; the particular trim and model I'm driving costs $37K MSRP!!!
- Engine is low on torque.
- Poor fuel economy for AWD V-6 version; 16/19!!
- No steering wheel controls for advancing through songs? Seemed odd that I had to reach for the controller knob on the stack to do so.

CONCLUSION:

It's been significantly improved since I first drove (also helps that I'm driving a higher trim model with V-6). The interior is a great place to spend time. If they improved the driving dynamics and exterior design, I'd strongly recommend it.

A quick word about MyLink.



The 2012 GMC Terrain comes equipped with GM's new "MyLink" Entertainment Connectivity system. Oddly, the CD-slot is mounted in the storage cubby, just above the "no smoking" sticker.

The Terrain has a 7" color touchscreen unit probably the same as on the Chevy Equinox, and features snappy response times. It's easy to navigate, offers legible wording and high resolution, though doesn't quite offer all the voice controls of Ford's Sync system. On the other hand, it's not as complicated and laggy as Sync. Comparatively easier to navigate song folders with Ford's steering wheel mounted finger controls though. MyLink also offers Pandora streaming, but I didn't get a chance to test that feature (not a big Pandora user).

All in all, it works well for its intended purpose. Also, the display has an effective hood to prevent washing out in sunlight.

A quick comparison with the 2012 Chevy Equinox LTZ AWD V6 (equipped almost identically to the Terrain, but with less chrome and slightly cheaper looking interior bits).



Pretty much the same options as the 2LT GMC Terrain (leather, heated seats, infotainment system, moonroof, power lift gate). Stickers for about $35,675 MSRP.



Same mechanicals and interior as Terrain, but with different exterior styling.

Now that I think about it, the Terrain's "in-your-face" styling is more distinctive than the Equinox's "blah" styling. As with the Terrain, dual chrome exhausts in the back mean V6 power!



Interior of the 2012 Equinox is largely the same as the 2012 GMC Terrain, with the exception of having cheaper looking plastic, and less chrome. Doesn't have the two-tone colored interior that my last Terrain had, and as a result, doesn't feel quite as airy nor as rich as the Terrain.

The 7" LCD display with Pioneer audio system and GM's MyLink infotainment system is the same. Also has the driver/passenger side spotter mirrors.

After a weekend with the Equinox, I have to say that I like the Equinox better. The exterior styling is nicer, and the interior is pretty much identical to that in the Terrain. The differences between the two are so negligible. It's a great mid-sized SUV.

My biggest complaints are that the cushioning in the seats feels rather sparse, and a bit difficult to see over the front hood. Otherwise, the V6 version is fun to drive.