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2010 GMC Terrain

Some vehicles shamelessly flaunt what they’ve got, be it their size, styling, technology or comfort and convenience features. And they usually turn heads in the process.

By comparison, the GMC Terrain FWD SLE-1 might appear to underwhelm. It’s an average-looking SUV that alongside some of the big boys may appear to be outclassed. On closer inspection, however, and with a week to fully put this vehicle through its paces, this five-passenger crossover showed me that it provides the right combination of features with a price tag that isn’t likely to shock.

I test drove the 2010 Terrain over a weekend that involved a 600-mile ride to St. Simons Island and back. It was ideal for a long road trip. Gas mileage was great. I and my companion were able to get from Stone Mountain to St. Simons on one tank. We had more than enough space for our luggage and computer bags along with all the other grab bags that two women simply have to have. And we relied on the Terrain’s OnStar system to navigate from my subdivision to the front door of the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort without any “Is this the right way” drama.

Being on the highway for much of the trip proved that the Terrain has what it takes for going the distance. Bumpiness, road noise, seat comfort and climate control were not issues. In fact, I plugged my mp3 player into the USB port located in the deep well console between the front seats, and we rocked our way to the Georgia coast. And the remainder of my time with the vehicle demonstrated that it was nimble and easy to manuever in the city and the suburbs.

I was impressed that bearing a $24,995 price tag the Terrain comes equipped with a rearview camera, driver seat with height and lumbar adjustment, tinted glass and tire pressure monitoring system.

With a 2.4-liter, four-cyclinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, the Terrain also has antilock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and driver seat with power height and lumbar adjustment.

The 2010 Terrain was also a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has received the highest rating of five stars in frontal crash, side crash and four stars in rollover from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to EPA estimates, the terrain gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

While the Terrain doesn’t flaunt what it’s got, make no mistake this crossover has quite a lot going for it.

Stats: Oil life monitoring system, dual/front/side impact airbags, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, power windows and AM/FM stereo with CD/auxillary input and USB port.