Representing the flagship of the 2012 GMC Terrain fleet is the well-equipped Terrain SLT2 AWD. As its moniker implies, this 5-place midsize crossover flaunts standard all-wheel drive (AWD), which allows cruising in efficient front-wheel drive (FWD) under normal conditions and automatically and instantly transfers torque to all 4 wheels when surfaces become slippery. Of course, this top-shelf trim offers 69.1 cubic feet of total cargo space, abetted by the thoughtful reclining-and-sliding split-folding second-row seat.
Further amenities endowing this classy crossover include 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, a roof rack, skid plates, a power sunroof and heated power-adjustable mirrors outside, and leather upholstery, heated front seats and a height-adjustable power driver’s seat with memory functions. Full power accessories, naturally, come standard, as do such convenience touches as cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, Bluetooth-interfaced OnStar Directions and Connections technology, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. A leather and simulated alloy steering wheel is complemented by similar cabin trim, and all of this is embraced by automatic climate control boasting Sun Sensor functionality.
Lastly, a premium Pioneer audio entertainment system sports a single-CD player, 8 speakers, satellite radio, a USB port and a new-for-2012 7-inch color touchscreen display. This setup can be additionally enhanced with available IntelliLink Internet capabilities for such added services as Stitcher and Pandora radio.
Further optional equipment includes a trailer hitch and wiring and rear-seat DVD entertainment in standalone form, as well as carpeted floor mats and cargo mats, cargo netting, added exterior chrome and extra exterior protection coatings that are available either in packaged or standalone form. Additionally, the optional Chrome and Technology Package offers the V6 engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, new forward collision warning and lane-departure alerts, and an enhanced color-touch navigation suite, available with rear-seat DVD entertainment, to the mix.
Standard power for the 2012 Terrain SLT2 AWD, meantime, is a 2.4-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine, now with Flex Fuel capability (FFV).
Mated with the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the four-banger puts out 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, which is good enough for 1,500 pounds of towing when properly equipped and mileage estimates of 20 mpg city/29 highway.
Need more speed? A 3.0-liter V6 powerplant, also with VVT and Flex Fuel capability, can be combined with the 6-speed shiftable automatic for 264 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque. Look for this top-shelf Terrain trim to tow some 3,500 pounds of trailer, with the proper equipment, though mileage drops to a tepid 17/24.
Finally, noteworthy standard safety features aboard the 2012 Terrain SLT2 AWD include 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and front and rear head airbags. Front fog/driving lights and daytime running lights also come standard, as do OnStar emergency assistance, crash alerts and stolen vehicle recovery assistance bolstering the post-collision safety system. A remote antitheft alarm, meantime, ensures a bit of additional security.
