Technobabble

2010 GMC Terrain & Chevy Equinox SUVs: Downsized or Rightsized?

Posted by on Dec 8, 2009 | 4 Comments

For many American families, giving up that treasured Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) would be like swearing off apple pie. But change is clearly afoot, with the popularity of the 2010 Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain marking a turning point. Although GM’s new fuel-efficient five-passenger twins might be marketed as Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs), many folks would simply refer to them as SUVs.

Fuel efficiency is key to the popularity of these two, with willing four-cylinder engines and slick aerodynamics that deliver highway gas mileage at the top of their class. For families trading out of a larger traditional SUV, the Equinox and Terrain can save a significant amount of money spent at the gas pump, without sacrificing interior space and comfort. (For families that have the need, a more powerful V6 engine is available.)

Like many GM vehicles in the past, the Equinox and Terrain share their underpinnings – engines, suspensions, and most mechanical bits – but present different faces to the world, with radical differences in exterior styling. The Terrain’s distinctive bulging fender and expansive chrome grille leave no question that it’s a GMC. The Equinox follows a more generic crossover design that fits in, rather than stands out from the crowd of current crossovers.

Inside the cabin, it’s difficult to tell the difference between the two … but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Both the Equinox and Terrain soak up the miles, with roomy, comfortable, and flexible interiors that are well suited to carrying large folks. A full range of entertainment is available with USB iPod integration and optional seat back LCDs.

Don’t stick a fork in the SUV just yet …

Resources:

2010 Chevy Equinox Review

2010 GMC Terrain Review

  • http://norcalexplorer.multiply.com Mike

    They look like they have enough room for the average family of 4 and if they get as good as gas mileage as stated then what will happen is that family will just travel more resulting in almost the same gas burned by a larger suv.
    I would like to see if the 4×4 model of these two is as capable as other suvs and what gas milage they get. Unless there is a all wheel drive or 4×4 model you will not see many up in Northern California or the Serra mountains.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/theoracle/ the oracle

    They do look nice. The SUV should be relegated to the past however. Unfortunately, the people who buy SUVs are as clueless about their behavior as they are about their necessity of vehicle choice.

    There would be no reason for SUVs if people had only 2 or fewer children. We no longer need the farmer mentality. So many of the world’s problems merely hide the underlying cause – too many people on the planet.

  • http://www.geekbooks.com/ Dan Gray

    @Mike – Get ready for the price of gas to crank up again. When it does, folks will cut back on their driving (again).

    @The Oracle – There are plenty of legitimate justifications for folks owning SUVs … and just as many that are not. What about extended families … those with just two kids, where a grandparent (or grandparents) are living in a multi-generational home? Can’t strap granny on the roof … or can we? ;)

  • Brai

    DON’T ASSUME SUV’s ARE ONLY GOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH KIDS.
    I don’t have any children, but I have plenty of nieces and nephews I spend time with. Plus, my two large dogs are my kids and I take them just about everywhere with me. Another plus, I prefer having a enclosed cabin versus a truck bed (covered or not). I do a lot of home repairs and take many trips to the local home store and get supplies that can’t be hauled in a car. I have a small car that is great on gas but way too small and I get nervous when the mac trucks fly towards me doing 70 on the highway. Also, I can’t get around in the winter in the car because it is too light and snow tires won’t do any good. I try to carpool but the car is not adequate for that either, it is too small and is 2-doors. I am looking at buying an AWD SUV that is a 4 cyl so it is good on gas and can give me everything else that I need and can’t get from a car. I miss my Rendezvous but not the cost to fill the tank so I am hoping these newer SUV’s will offer the best of both worlds.