We drove the GMC Terrain in and around the Michigan countryside near Detroit. The drive included a mix of interstate highway, local-two lane highways, some congested small-town main-street settings and some packed dirt roadways.

The 3.0-liter V6 is an advanced, direct-injection engine that revs smoothly and willingly. The same engine is also used in the Buick LaCrosse, but this is a higher-output version that has more aggressive induction and exhaust turning. The 3.0-liter V6 is rated at 264 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque and 17/25 mpg. The V6 is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds.

For an engine that supplies peak torque fairly high in the rev range, the V6 pulls from low rpm smoothly and well, capably powering the nearly 4000-pound Terrain around town in a satisfying, low-effort manner.

It's the six-speed transmission that makes the engine ideal, with a gear for every situation and intelligent programming that can sense the difference between subtle variations of throttle input. Sixth gear is a very tall overdrive, so the Terrain cruises at highway speeds easily and quietly, loafing along at 1500 rpm at 60 mph, and 1800 at 75 mph. And yet, the transmission and V6 allow the Terrain to respond well to demand for power on on-ramps and highway passing. Ask it to pass and it downshifts twice in quick succession, but with very little shift shock, and the tach shows 4500 rpm on the way to a 6950-rpm redline. Upon full throttle, there is a rush of available power, but not excessive noise. GMC engineers have used acoustic blankets between the engine and dash to reduce engine noise, and acoustic laminated glass to deflect wind noise. The doors are triple-sealed for further quieting and efficient climate control.

The Terrain feels substantial around town, but reasonably agile, with a progressive turn-in and minimal body roll at normal speeds. The chassis is clearly set up to deliver a smooth, isolated ride on straight, fast and sometimes potholed Midwestern roads. Relatively little vibration leaks through into the steering wheel or other touch points. The suspension is on the soft side, but handling around town and on more demanding roads is not hugely affected by body roll or brake dive. Hydraulic bushings were used to tune the chassis. Cornering is quite predictable and secure, enhanced by a relatively wide stance. All things considered, we think the Terrain offers a comfortable dynamic balance, appropriate for a multi-purpose SUV. It's not going to win an autocross, but the Terrain is still solidly planted and nicely balanced.

We also drove the a Terrain with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and from a driving performance point of view, did not notice a huge difference. Towing capacity is reduced to 1500 pounds, but overall driveability is comparable. With its own quick-shifting six-speed transmission, the 182-hp four-cylinder was easily able to power the Terrain around town, and with just a little more effort, supply confident on-ramp acceleration and no-downshift passing power on the highway. The six-speed Hydra-matic behind the 2.4-liter has slightly lower gearing, but it shifts just as smoothly and follows throttle input just as well. Especially for those who feel fuel costs will become a significant factor in the next five years, the 4-cylinder powertrain is worth consideration. The 2.4-liter gets an EPA-estimated 22/32 mpg City/Highway. This engine is rated at 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque.