Road Tripping with the GMC Terrain {Review & Giveaway}

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One of my biggest regrets from my time spent with the Chevy Traverse was that I did not have a chance to take it on a road trip.  When General Motors contacted me about driving their new 2012 GMC Terrain, I wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice!   As chance would have it, one my daughter’s top-choice colleges in Chicago was having its fall open house, so we packed up the car and headed out for a quick road trip.

I’m guessing that GMC chose the name “Terrain” for this vehicle, because it is a crossover SUV designed to handle different types of – um – terrain.  In all honesty, off-roading was not the first thing that came to mind when I first saw this vehicle.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s tough looking – like it could boss the other SUVs around on the playground – but it was stylish, both inside & out.  The model I received had a carbon black metallic exterior with chrome trim & chrome-clad aluminum wheels.  The interior featured jet black leather seats with red accents.  The red trim was very nicely done, I might add.  GMC could have taken it a little too far, making it gaudy, but they didn’t; red stitching and peeks of red on the door panel.

 

Of course one of my biggest concerns, as a mom, is safety.  As usual, the good folks at General Motors do not disappoint.  The 2012 GMC Terrain (SLT-2) comes with 6 air bags, anti-lock brake system, Stablitrak stability control system, rear child seat latch anchors, theft deterrent system and 6 months of On-Star (subscription service available after 6 months).

These are all fairly standard in new vehicles these days.  There are a few other safety features that really impressed me though, including the passenger sensing system that turns front air bags on and off, based on the weight in that seat.  Another feature my husband enjoyed was an improvement to the rear-view camera which, in addition to showing whats behind you, also shows your path of travel; I wish I would have snapped a picture of this because it’s very helpful.

One of the newest safety features of the 2012 GMC Terrain is the Forward Collision Alert & Lane Departure Warning system.  It’s a little technological wonder that kicks in, automatically, after you’ve reached 25 miles per hour.  It can sense if you are approaching another vehicle too fast, alerts you and pressurizes the brakes in preparation.  The lane departure warning uses a digital camera to detect the lane marking and beeps when you begin to veer.  Not only this a great safety feature, it also came in very handy for proving that I am a better driver than my husband.  Check out the video below:

For comfort & convenience, the Terrain features a built-in color GPS with a 7″ screen, packaged together with a CD/MP3 player, AUX input & USB port, Bluetooth with audio control and power everything, including rear hatch.  With heated front seats & remote start, it’s winter ready too.

While we didn’t take it over particularly rough terrain, we did spend a good deal of time on the interstate system between Detroit & Chicago and was very impressed with how well the Terrain minimized being jolted across our famous potholes.  The lumbar support also helped make both the driver and passenger comfortable for the long trip.

The 2012 GMC Terrain starts at around $25,000 and seats up to 5 (2 in front; 3 in back).  It’s not a truck, but the cargo space was sufficient for my family of 4, including 2 teenage girls that have yet to discover the joys of packing light.

This is another General Motors car that gets a recommendation from Detroit Mommies.  Tops in safety, looks & comfort and packed with great features it makes the perfect road-trip vehicle.

Courtesy of General Motors, Detroit Mommies would like to give one of our lucky readers a chance to take a road-trip in the 2012 GMC Terrain too!

Win It!

A one week loan of the 2012 GMC, insurance coverage included.  To get you ready and excited for your road trip, GM will also give the winner a prepaid gas card and a video camera for making memories!

Entry Requirements

Leave a comment below telling us where you would take the 2012 GMC Terrain.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter.  Open to legal residents of Michigan, located within 40 miles of Detroit, must be least 21 years of age with valid driver’s license. Winner will be selected randomly through http://random.org. Detroit Mommies writers and contributors are ineligible to participate. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Detroit Mommies is not responsible products shipped from outside vendors or sponsors.  The contest will close on Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 11:59:59 p.m. EST and winners selected on Tuesday, November 29, 2011. Winners must respond to Detroit Mommies within 24 hours or an alternate winner will be selected.  The winner must take delivery of the vehicle loan prior to December 23, 2011 and may be asked to submit a written or video review to Detroit Mommies.

Disclosure: General Motors provided a 7 day loan of the 2012 GMC Terrain for the purposes of this review.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

If you are car shopping, read our reviews of the Chevy Volt & Traverse too.

*****UPDATE******

Random.org has spoken!  The winner of the prize listed above is Tina M!  Congratulations!