2014 GMC Terrain vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The GMC Terrain serves under a different name and under a different body elsewhere at GM--and if you prefer a smoother look and a lower price, you'll want to drive the related Chevy Equinox, though only the top versions get the Terrain's standard premium shocks.

Shopping in the rugged range could bring you to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, an excellent entry that's a bit bigger, somewhat more expensive, but even more capable on-road and off-road than the Terrain, though with much lower fuel economy--unless you opt for the very expensive turbodiesel.

In the middle of the conventional convention, there are other options.

The Ford Edge offers a frugal turbo four-cylinder that's strained to deliver performance, and still can't quite match the slightly smaller Terrain's 32-mpg four-cylinder highway mileage.

The GMC Intellilink connectivity suite is simpler and easier to use than MyFord Touch, too, but MyFord Touch is optional.

The Honda CR-V is a spacious crossover with good build quality, but styling is just acceptable and fuel economy is average, as is handling and its connectivity and features set.

Looking at something more urbane might draw you to the Nissan Murano and its V-6 and CVT drivetrain, but it's due to be replaced in the near future.