The 2010 GMC Terrain is available in both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, and can be fitted with a 2.4-liter inline four or 3.0-liter V6 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is used exclusively. The four cylinder Ecotech engine produces 182 horsepower (HP) and 172 foot pounds of torque, while the V6 delivers 264 HP and 222 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the four-cylinder equipped FWD GMC Terrain are 22 city / 32 highway miles per gallon (MPG). The AWD Terrain is rated at 20 city / 29 highway MPG. The V6 Terrain is rated at 17 / 25 with FWD and 17 / 24 with AWD.

We logged roughly five hundred miles on the odometer of our four-cylinder-equipped Carbon Black Metallic AWD Terrain SLT-1 review unit and met the official mileage estimates with an average of 29.6 MPG on the Interstate highway and 24.9 MPG combined. Our results with the Terrain closely matched those with a similarly equipped AWD Chevy Equinox.

All fuel economy testing was performed in the Terrain’s “Eco” mode. Overall test period temperatures ranged from the high forties through the high sixties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the low sixty degree range. The test vehicle was delivered with less than 1000 miles on the odometer. (Fuel efficiency can rise a bit after the engine has run through a proper break in period.)

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 28.5 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 30.8 MPG

While the 2.4-liter inline four won’t set any records for performance off-the-line, it’s adequate for the AWD Terrain SLT-1’s 4,034 pound curb weight in most conditions. If towing is a consideration, potential owners should consider the more powerful 3.0-liter V6. The four-cylinder Terrain has a maximum trailer/towing capacity of 1500 pounds, while the V6 Terrain is rated at 3500 pounds.

The Terrain provides an instantaneous fuel economy display. We always recommend driving with the instant fuel-economy gauge active, to help develop a light-footed driving technique in the quest to achieve better gas mileage.

In addition to the real-time fuel economy display, the 2010 Terrain’s Driver’s Information Center provides tire pressure data, oil life, average fuel economy, two trip meters, and fuel range, among other statistics.

Four-cylinder Terrains are equipped with 18.0 gallon gas tanks, while V6 Terrains feature 20 gallon tanks. Both should provide excellent highway range. The Terrain is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.

Like the 2010 Equinox, the Terrain is decidedly car-like as it delivers a comfortable and quiet ride. Exterior styling is the biggest differentiator for folks choosing between the Terrain and the Equinox.

The Terrain’s roomy interior is a strong point. Leather appointed seats with heated front buckets and an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support are standard in the SLT models.

Backup and parking duties are eased with a standard rear view mirror-based Rear Camera display that activates when the transmission is shifted into reverse.

The eight-speaker XM Satellite-equipped Pioneer audio system includes both auxiliary and USB inputs. iPod support provides access to playlists from the dash and steering wheel controls. Bluetooth is standard and a year of On-Star service is included, along with 90 days of XM Satellite radio. Remote keyless entry and vehicle start are both standard in the SLT models.

The Terrain has a slew of power outlets, with one at the base of the dash, one inside the center console, one at the back of the console, and one in the cargo area.

Passengers will appreciate the bounty of rear seat leg and headroom. The Terrain’s 60/40 split rear seat reclines, as well as sliding forward and backward to accommodate passengers and cargo. A power lift gate is optional on the SLT-1 and standard on the SLT-2. The Terrain tackles the shopping chores with abandon by providing 63.7 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats down.

All-in-all, the five-passenger 2010 GMC Terrain is an excellent alternative for folks moving from a conventional SUV. Like its cousin the Chevy Equinox, the Terrain provides a winning combination of ride, quiet, comfort, and fuel economy.

Viewing the statistics, it’s easy to understand how the Insight hybrid achieved those remarkable gas mileage results. Weighing in at under a ton, Honda’s little spaceship had a big head start, with a diminutive 1.0 liter three cylinder engine providing just enough oomph and efficiency to land the micro hybrid’s gas mileage in the stratosphere.

With the Insight put out to pasture after the 2006 model year, the Toyota Prius snatched the hybrid gas mileage crown, edging out the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The mid-decade loss of the Civic Hybrid’s manual transmission option is worth noting. With the ever-increasing focus on fuel-efficiency and a Honda sports hybrid on the way, it might not be the last we see of the stick-shift Honda hybrids.

The promise of the 100 mile per gallon (MPG) hybrid isn’t a dream … it’s achievable today, with an aftermarket plug-in hybrid conversion kit.

2000-2008 Hybrid Gas Mileage

Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.

These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.

Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?

At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)

Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)

2008 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drives

• Audi A4
• Suzuki SX4
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Outback
• Jeep Compass
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Jeep Patriot
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Honda CR-V
• Volvo S60
• Volvo V50
• Volvo S40
• Toyota RAV4
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac STS
• Lexus IS 250
• Nissan Rogue

The 2008 GMC Canyon comes standard with a 185 horsepower (HP) 2.9 liter inline four cylinder engine. A 3.7 liter inline five cylinder engine producing 242 HP is also available. Although a diesel engine is not currently an option in the Canyon, Isuzu’s D-Max pickup truck is fitted with a miserly 16-valve DOHC inter-cooled 3.0 liter turbo diesel inline four cylinder engine in other parts of the world. Mid-size truck owners would welcome GMC fitting this fuel-efficient turbo-diesel in the Canyon.

GMC Canyon Gas Mileage – 2004-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

GMC Canyon Engine Options
GMC offers a wide range of engine options in the half-ton Sierra 1500 range. Although GMC offers diesel engine options for the heavy-duty Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, the Sierra 1500 choices are gas-only.

• Vortec 4.3 liter V6
• Vortec 4.8 liter V8
• Vortec 5.3 liter V8 (iron-block, Active Fuel Management, with or without FlexFuel)
• Vortec 5.3 liter V8 (aluminum-block, Active Fuel Management, with or without FlexFuel)
• Vortec MAX 6.0 liter V8 (Active Fuel Management)

The 2500HD and 3500HD come standard with the Vortec 6.0 liter V8, with the Duramax Diesel 6.6 liter turbo V8 available as an option. GMC does not publish mileage ratings for the Duramax diesels, which are produced by a joint venture between GM and Isuzu.

GMC Sierra Gas Mileage – 1995-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.