Although the GMC Terrain returns in 2012 with the same four trims as last year (SLE1, SLE2, SLT1 and SLT2), all available with standard front-wheel or available all-wheel drive, GMC has tinkered with elements of the compact SUV this year. Among other changes, the standard 4-cylinder engine now mimics the available V6’s ability to accommodate E85 gasoline (when ordered with federal emissions). In addition, the old audio system has been upgraded to include an AM/FM/Sirius XM stereo with a CD player and MP3 playback, a new 7-inch high-definition touchscreen and an available navigation system. The new HD touchscreen now presents the only location on which the standard rear-view camera projects its image. (Last year, the camera used the rear-view mirror for its picture unless the optional navigation system was added.) Additionally, the SLT2 trim with V6 will now offer optional lane-departure warning and forward collision alert systems to improve safety. Finally, GMC has advertised that the 2012 Terrain will become its first vehicle to offer IntelliLink later in the model year. The infotainment system will allow users to integrate a smartphone with the audio system via either Bluetooth or USB and to control the system via voice recognition or steering-wheel-mounted controls. The smartphone can also be used to stream audio through services such as Pandora internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio.

This year, the standard engine will be an Ecotec 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder with spark ignition direct ignition (SIDI) and variable valve timing (VVT). In its FWD congfiguration, the 2.4-liter engine generates 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque with what GMC declares is the segment-best highway fuel economy of 32 mpg (22 city). The AWD 4-cylinders get 20/29. The available 3.0-liter V6 SIDI with VVT powers up 264 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque and has fuel economy of 17/24 with FWD and 16/23 with AWD. Each engine is matched to a Hydra-matic 6-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.4-liter includes an Eco mode to improve its fuel economy. The 2.4-liter engine also comes with rack-mounted electric power steering, while the 3.0-liter changes to hydraulic power for the rack-and-pinion system.

Inside, the Terrain seats 5 in two rows. The second row will continue to come with GMC’s much-admired Multi-Flex sliding rear seat, which can be moved forward and back up to 8 inches to accommodate leggier rear passengers or bigger cargo. Trim determines seating details, with the entry-level SLE1 providing basic cloth, the SLE2 stepping up to premium cloth (a noticeable improvement, according to 2011 reviews) and the SLT1 and SLT2 providing standard perforated leather, as well as heated driver and front passenger seats (available for the SLE2). The rear seat folds in a 60/40 split, more than doubling the 31.6 cubic feet behind the second row.

Last year’s Terrain won praise for its stylish interior in what can be a typically pedestrian segment, and this year should be no different. The SLE1 features cruise control, a rear-view camera and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel that incorporates not only cruise control, but also audio controls this year. Fog lamps, and heated power-adjustable outside mirrors with an integrated spotter mirror, as well as 6 months of OnStar Directions and Connections and 3 months of XM satellite radio, will also continue to come with the base trim.

As in 2011, the SLE2 will likely step up the audio with 8 Pioneer speakers, as well as 8-way driver's seat power adjustment with lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Bluetooth for hands-free phone. Features such as a tilt and sliding sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headsets and a convenience package with heated front seats and remote start (which allows drivers to pre-start the car to warm up or cool off before entering) should also continue to be available for the 2012 SLE2.

The SLT1 trim will likely continue to provide larger (18-inch) wheels, as well as the standard convenience package features. As in 2011, the high-end SLT2 should include standard memory settings for the driver's seat and outside mirrors, as well as a standard sunroof, ultrasonic rear parking assist and a chrome exterior detail package that adds a little bling just about anywhere it can be added (door handles, luggage rail inserts, grille, mirrors and rear skid plates). The Terrain will also continue to offer a programmable power rear liftgate that can be set to open to a lower height (standard last year for the SLT2 and available for the SLT1).

Although small, the Terrain can be used to haul cargo when outfitted with the appropriate trailering equipment (available for the SLE1, SLT1 and SLT2). When the hitch is added, the smaller engine (2.4-liter) can haul up to 1,500 pounds, while the V6 can up the weight to 3,500 pounds.

Safety features for the 2012 Terrain will include 6 standard airbags, power front and rear vented disc antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, as well as StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and tire pressure monitoring. The Terrain will also continue to provide its owners with 6 months of OnStarDirections and Connections, including crash response, stolen vehicle assistance and OnStar’s Turn-by-Turn navigation assistance. The 2012 Terrain has earned an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, and the 2011 earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest (Good) score in all crash tests, making it a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Last year, reviews found the Terrain to be a spacious, quiet and comfortable option in the family-hauling segment. However, some of last year’s complaints (e.g., a higher price tag than some competitors, steering that doesn’t offer much response from the road, a wide turning radius that makes tight parking spaces tricky to maneuver and a weight that impacts the power of the 4-cylinder, especially when equipped with AWD) have not been addressed in the 2012 updates. Nevertheless, the Terrain’s long list of standard features, as well as best-in-class fuel economy for the 4-cylinder and rear seat space (and/or cargo room), which is helped considerably by the MultiFlex sliding feature, will likely keep the compact SUV on the must-test-drive list for the segment.