GMC Terrain

[CanadianBacon94]

What were the year to year changes of the Terrain, I'm wondering if there was any reason one would get say, a 13,12, or 11 over a 2010.

[hyperv6]

13 the 3.6 engine an upgraded DIC and a Denali option

12 GMC Itellilink system in dash

10-11 were nearly the same.

Also the later models has small runnung changes that adressed issues they had with early models. You know the never buy the first year issues.

11's had a lot of 4 cylinder issued with sensors and timing chains too.

Buying used most seem to be ok for the most part. The prices on the early ones were high as the dealers did not come off the price much. Used prices are still pretty much up there too but there is some savings.

We ended up buying a 12 new because we got a good price on one after several years of dealers not wanting to deal much on price. We had several things that dropped the price including the one that saved us near $1000 on the V6 alone.

We bought a SLT2 loaded but if you are willing to take a lesser model with the 4 cylinder there are some good buys out there. I once had a rental Nox LS for a week and it was nice. While not loaded it had most of the important things you look for.

One thing to note. This thing is over 4000 pounds and you can get MPG with the 4 cylinder but don't expect to go up a lot of ramps to the freeway WOT and get the EPA numbers. The 4 if driven easy will return the numbers but like any other engine you can't put the pedal on the floor and expect good MPG. THe 4 will move it smartly along but it pays a price.

The V6 pretty much hits the EPA numbers or better. THe V6 you will have to adjust too if you are used to say a V8. THis engine is much like a Northstar and the power is 3000 and up. You need to adjust your driving to expecting higher RPM.

Anyways if possible I would stick to a 2012 or later just for the Inellilink. radio it is nice and you will be able to down load upgrades and features for free from GM off their web site. THis is GM's system for the future.

We are up to 8000 miles and so far not one single issue or need for warranty. I have had to change the oil once and rotate the tires and that is all. This thing so far seems screwed together very well. I wish it got better MPG but I can't complain as it is getting what it was stated to get or better. It is as good as our GTP was.

Edited October 21, 2012 by hyperv6

[CanadianBacon94]

it's something im trying to get my mother to look at, to replace her Suburban. i want her to get the four cylinder if possible, but she is the type that thinks 4 cylinders are for lawnmowers (her words)

Trying to get her into a 2.4, or 2.5 depending on if this generation gets them, with front wheel, and i don't think she would want the intellilink, but its standard on them on 13's, and maybe the 12's. do you think that this gen is getting the 2.5?

[Drew Dowdell]

I like your mother... she likes torque.

Better off getting a turbo-4 in that case. I don't think you'll see any more power train changes for the rest of this generation. I think '14 is the last model year.

[CanadianBacon94]

Well, unfortunately there is no turbo in the Terrain in any form, and i doubt she would drive a smaller delta equinox.

I told her to drive both, but the only Terrain and Equinoxs at the GM are the 2.4

[hyperv6]

Yes there is no turbo and there is no planned 2.5 till this thing goes to Delta II some time ln 2014.

If she wants Torque she will want the new 3.6. But do have her drive the 2.4 as it does run pretty well for a 4. The week I had it I was not looking forward to it but after a week I was impressed how well it did. Note my daily driver is normally a 2.0 Turbo with 315 FL LBS.

To be honest I suspect the 2.0 Turbo would not even get 20 MPG in town. I get 25 in my HHR but it also is 800 pounds lighter.

The 3.0 is a good engine if you can get a deal on a left over 12 and the 3.6 is only better on the 13, Like I said I wish the MPG was more but for the weight it is the vehicle does fine.

You can have her drive both but she will just need to decide what shape and dash color lights she likes. They drive the same and look the same from behind the wheel.

The odd thing is the GMC looks so much bigger but it is still the same size as the Nox less an inch or two in length. I think the more squared shape just adds to the impressing of size.

The Nox is cheaper but watch some models do not include the back up camera and projection headlamps. Often you can get the dealer down on the GMC to where these little things will be included for a similar price. If she is older the Camera will help and the headlihgts are a must as they are much better.

The Intellilink or Mylink may not matter to her but if and when you ever sell it or trade it this could be a major issue with some buyers as this will become the new normal for GM vehicles.

Also if the dealer does not have what you want ask them for a dealer trade. They can get what ever you want if another dealer has one unsold. We made our deal and they brought ours in from 50 Miles out. In fact 4 of my last 5 cars were dealer trades.

[G. David Felt]

Very cool notes on the Terrain, I am excited about the 3.6 V6, but I do wish they had the Turbo 4 in it. I think it would really go a long ways in helping the Terrain to sell in much larger quantities. The Turbo 4 with a denali package would be kick ass.

[hyperv6]

With what I know owning a Eco Turbo and a Terrain the MPG would be horrid.

The issue is the Terrain is just two heavy and to move the mass the MPG would drop.

MY HHR is 3200 and gets 25 City and 32 Highway. but the Terrain is over 4000 pounds and to get it moving would eat up the MPG. The next gen Terrain will be smaller and much lighter. I suspect it will only be a 4 and Turbo 4 with no V6 option when it hits the Delta II.

Knowing what I know now I would not go turbo 4 in a 4000 pound vehicle. It may sound cool and drive fine but it would get the same or worse MPG as a similar powered V6.

[G. David Felt]

Did anyone see the Very Cool Custom GMC Terrain that was shown in the sneak peaks for the SEMA show in the latest issue of Motor Trend? The auto was in the original White Pearl paint job and then they did from the front to the back in all black including blacking out the grill and the over all look if pretty cool. I have been trying to find it online but no luck yet.

[GMTruckGuy74]

This one?

Link: Truckin'

Took me two seconds to Google it

[G. David Felt]

This one?

Link: Truckin'

Took me two seconds to Google it

YOU DA MAN!!!

Yes that is it and I think it is totally Awesome! I love the all clear headlights.

[GMTruckGuy74]

It's nicknamed "Suburban Assault", which I think is perfect. I really wish GMC would have picked a better name for this than "Terrain". Terrain gives me the impression of going off-road, no holds barred type of vehicle. This CUV offering is more likely to be seen in the mall parking lot than out in the wild blue yonder I know it's been a runaway success for GMC, but I'd love to see a new, more appropriate name issued for the Gen 2 version.

[G. David Felt]

It's nicknamed "Suburban Assault", which I think is perfect. I really wish GMC would have picked a better name for this than "Terrain". Terrain gives me the impression of going off-road, no holds barred type of vehicle. This CUV offering is more likely to be seen in the mall parking lot than out in the wild blue yonder I know it's been a runaway success for GMC, but I'd love to see a new, more appropriate name issued for the Gen 2 version.

Actually I see a ton of these here in Seattle AWD v6 models and they are all over the mountians here for skiing, hiking, camping etc. So the name goes pretty well for what I see them getting used for here.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Lucky you then, In areas of NJ & PA that I travel in, mall parking lots and soccer field parking lots are where these Terrains see duty. Not saying people don't use them in the same manner, but most of the Terrains I see are never covered in mud The name Terrain means more off-road adventure than what these CUVs imply. Not saying there not capable, but they're no Yukon in off-road prowess.

[hyperv6]

I jumped a curb and drove through a yard last week. Does that make me off road rated? It was a big curb.

Lets face it of all the AWD and 4x4 SUVs out there 80% of them never go off road. Most do not even really need the AWD on the roads either.

[ocnblu]

jumped a curb, eh. wut were you drinkin'.

[G. David Felt]

I jumped a curb and drove through a yard last week. Does that make me off road rated? It was a big curb.

Lets face it of all the AWD and 4x4 SUVs out there 80% of them never go off road. Most do not even really need the AWD on the roads either.

Rock On You are now Official Trail Rated by the Jeep Club!

[hyperv6]

At least unlike a Jeep Compass my Terrain really has a Compass. Unless Jeep added one since intro.

I like to think my Terrain is "Urban Rated". I can climb curbs, beat winter damaged Ohio roads, turf lawns and take short cuts to avoid traffic.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Rock On You are now Official Trail Rated by the Mall Walkers of America Club!

Fixed.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I like to think my Terrain is "Urban Rated". I can climb curbs, beat winter damaged Ohio roads, turf lawns and take short cuts to avoid traffic.

This - I agree 100%. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on the GMC Terrain as a CUV. I'm hating on the name, as it implies something more. I wish GMC would have reserved it for something more suited for that name (actually, I wish they didn't use it at all and kept it for a true All Terrain package for their full-size pickups and SUVs). Acadia, Denali, Yukon are all national park names. As such, maybe they should have used that theme and went with Coronado, Glacier, Appalachian, or Saratoga? All are US national parks!! Hell I'd even say call it Rainier - how many people would remember the Buick outside of auto enthusiasts?

[G. David Felt]

I like to think my Terrain is "Urban Rated". I can climb curbs, beat winter damaged Ohio roads, turf lawns and take short cuts to avoid traffic.

This - I agree 100%. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on the GMC Terrain as a CUV. I'm hating on the name, as it implies something more. I wish GMC would have reserved it for something more suited for that name (actually, I wish they didn't use it at all and kept it for a true All Terrain package for their full-size pickups and SUVs). Acadia, Denali, Yukon are all national park names. As such, maybe they should have used that theme and went with Coronado, Glacier, Appalachian, or Saratoga? All are US national parks!! Hell I'd even say call it Rainier - how many people would remember the Buick outside of auto enthusiasts?

Then GMC could have used the Terrain on a true offroad CUV that had the heart of a HUMMER! That would have Rocked!

I like Rainer for the small Terrain.

[hyperv6]

Oh sure these are winners.

Glacier a slow moving mass. It may be slow but not that slow.

Appalachian What would we do here a Jed Clampet Edition?

Saratoga Been done and it was not really that great nor GM.

To be honest the name means little to me. GMC is a truck division and they were just trying to butch up a high sitting minivan. All I know it has more than paid for itself at GMC as one of their best non pick up sellers in years. They are making money and as long as it is paying the light bills it has earned the Terrain name.

Lets face it marketing and image is imporatant in this pretender class. Since you will not really be off road you have to project that image.

I am suprised at how many on the forum for the Terrain and Nox are wanting to make them more off road like with push bars, step bars and lifts. They always get ticked when informed there really is not much and will never be much in this kind of off road type of things. But some have found some parts and have taken on the look.

To me it's my wifes cars and she likes it and while I would not want it for a daily driver I do enjoy the comfort and sitting high up when I do drive it. In my HHR I am not sitting all that high since the SS is a little lover than the standard and in the Fiero my eye level is below a door handle on most present day sedans. I was next to a Lexus last month and had too look up at the door handle.

Edited October 25, 2012 by hyperv6

[Drew Dowdell]

Lucky you then, In areas of NJ & PA that I travel in, mall parking lots and soccer field parking lots are where these Terrains see duty.

To be fair, nearly all of the consumer GMCs share that trait in your part of NJ & PA.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Lucky you then, In areas of NJ & PA that I travel in, mall parking lots and soccer field parking lots are where these Terrains see duty.

To be fair, nearly all of the consumer GMCs share that trait in your part of NJ & PA.

True... there aren't too many off-road parks that I'm aware of in NJ. Of course those that are into fishing and hunting take their trucks off road into the wilderness and out onto the beaches of the Jersey shore, and I know plenty of guys that fit that bill (like most of the guys that volunteer at the fire house ). My cousin grew up in western PA and trucks were (and likely still are) a big part of life for hunting reasons.

Again, I don't knock the GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox for what they are. However, they are not off-road vehicles (not true truck-like vehicles) and GM sucks in this area (so do a lot of other manufactures). Growing up with a lot of 4WD GMC S-15 Jimmy's and S-10 4WD pickups in the neighborhood, it's hard to adapt to the new world of AWD CUV-glorified wagons. Watch the video of the Austrailian Chevy Colorado7 that ocnblu posted in the Chevy Truck forum and you'll understand what I miss in GM's stable. GM is just handing Jeep the off-road market and cares not to re-enter this area. Hummer was a great start for GM - maybe the blinged out H2 was not the right first product, but the H3 lineup was making a statement. I was praying GMC was going to adapt an "All Terrain" lineup (to compliment the Denali "urban" lineup) that would have brought the Hummer hardware to the GMC brand. I guess I'm disappointed that didn't happen and hate to see GMC offer so many on-road vehicles with their great heritage of true, off-road capable models.

I'll leave this conversation on that point. Hopefully the new Sierra and Yukon lineup will bring back the off-road prowess GMC was knonw for in the past (and with the future Canyon too).

Edited October 25, 2012 by GMTruckGuy74

[hyperv6]

The blinged up hummer sold much better than if they had gone for a off road package.

Lets face it the off road thing for the most part is not a big seller right now with the average buyer. Yes there are parts of the country they could do well but most of these buyers would want a truck vs a SUV.

GMC would be better off offering a prime off road package like Ford on the Sierra and Caynon. I would love to see a prerunner look like I see in San Diego when I drop in our there.

Also a cheaper truck with a off road packages like skids and things that really would help a truck off road would do well. This would even sell in fleet sales at a mark up for more profit with many oil, lumber and construction firms. Few companies offer this right now,.

[ocnblu]

I'm looking forward to off-road packages on the new GM trucks, both sizes, with a balance of capability and affordability.

[G. David Felt]

GMC Just needs to use the Hummer technology for a proper Extreme Off Road package.

[Drew Dowdell]

What technology?

[G. David Felt]

What technology?

OK, to clarify, the hardware packages and the drive ratio's that were avaiable on the hummer should be made part of an extreme off road package. I am not aware of any current GM 4x4 that had a 45 to 1 crawl ratio out the door from the OEM except when GM built Hummers. There were many things that you found on a hummer that I never saw on any other GM product.

[hyperv6]

The fact is Hyummer should have just been a model at GM as Lutz stated. He to this day said making it a stand alone division was his worst mistake.

GM just needs to make an option package for the trucks that provides a off road package with some trick bits in it. I am not sure you would even need to get fancy like the raptor. Just offer a package that could turn any of their trucks into a real off road vehicle with skidsm, shocks, tires, coolers etc.

While the Raptor is cook it is very expensive for what you get. I think if you make it available on different cab set ups and even the Tahoe or Envoy you would see added sales.

Sell it as a add on not just a model. But then do the same with a handling package for the two wheel drive full size trucks like the ZQ8.

Edited October 26, 2012 by hyperv6

[ocnblu]

True dat on the lack of a compass on the Compass/Patriot. That's the first thing I said to the salesboy when I first test drove it. A travesty, imo, as I have no use for nav systems, but a compass has been invaluable to me in my GM vehicles.

[G. David Felt]

The fact is Hyummer should have just been a model at GM as Lutz stated. He to this day said making it a stand alone division was his worst mistake.

GM just needs to make an option package for the trucks that provides a off road package with some trick bits in it. I am not sure you would even need to get fancy like the raptor. Just offer a package that could turn any of their trucks into a real off road vehicle with skidsm, shocks, tires, coolers etc.

While the Raptor is cook it is very expensive for what you get. I think if you make it available on different cab set ups and even the Tahoe or Envoy you would see added sales.

Sell it as a add on not just a model. But then do the same with a handling package for the two wheel drive full size trucks like the ZQ8.

I agree, using the hummer 4x4 technology as a kit to offer on GM trucks and SUV's so if a person wants a Raptor class rig they can order it would have made for a far better product line than setting Hummer up as a stand alone division. That was a big mistake.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Lets face it marketing and image is imporatant in this pretender class. Since you will not really be off road you have to project that image.

Same could be said for the thousands of performance machines (Corvettes, Mustangs, Challengers, BMWs and Mercedes) that are never driven as they were built!! All too often I'm stuck behind an older driver in their $50-$80k performance sedan or coupe going 5 MPH below the speed limit in teh left lane. Not every 4WD owner takes their truck off-road, and not every performance car owner drives it like they stole it. But image is everything to that owner

[GMTruckGuy74]

The fact is Hyummer should have just been a model at GM as Lutz stated. He to this day said making it a stand alone division was his worst mistake.

GM just needs to make an option package for the trucks that provides a off road package with some trick bits in it. I am not sure you would even need to get fancy like the raptor. Just offer a package that could turn any of their trucks into a real off road vehicle with skidsm, shocks, tires, coolers etc.

While the Raptor is cook it is very expensive for what you get. I think if you make it available on different cab set ups and even the Tahoe or Envoy you would see added sales.

Sell it as a add on not just a model. But then do the same with a handling package for the two wheel drive full size trucks like the ZQ8.

I agree with your statements above 100%. GMC should have 3 distinct levels of their models where necessary - standard (current trim lineup of W/T, SL, SLE, SLT), urban (Denali), and off-road (All Terrain). A truck/CUV/SUV for everyone's needs

[G. David Felt]

The fact is Hyummer should have just been a model at GM as Lutz stated. He to this day said making it a stand alone division was his worst mistake.

GM just needs to make an option package for the trucks that provides a off road package with some trick bits in it. I am not sure you would even need to get fancy like the raptor. Just offer a package that could turn any of their trucks into a real off road vehicle with skidsm, shocks, tires, coolers etc.

While the Raptor is cook it is very expensive for what you get. I think if you make it available on different cab set ups and even the Tahoe or Envoy you would see added sales.

Sell it as a add on not just a model. But then do the same with a handling package for the two wheel drive full size trucks like the ZQ8.

I agree with your statements above 100%. GMC should have 3 distinct levels of their models where necessary - standard (current trim lineup of W/T, SL, SLE, SLT), urban (Denali), and off-road (All Terrain). A truck/CUV/SUV for everyone's needs

Just imagine if GM listened to us, they could make some serious cash.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Yup!

[hyperv6]

The fact is Hyummer should have just been a model at GM as Lutz stated. He to this day said making it a stand alone division was his worst mistake.

GM just needs to make an option package for the trucks that provides a off road package with some trick bits in it. I am not sure you would even need to get fancy like the raptor. Just offer a package that could turn any of their trucks into a real off road vehicle with skidsm, shocks, tires, coolers etc.

While the Raptor is cook it is very expensive for what you get. I think if you make it available on different cab set ups and even the Tahoe or Envoy you would see added sales.

Sell it as a add on not just a model. But then do the same with a handling package for the two wheel drive full size trucks like the ZQ8.

I agree with your statements above 100%. GMC should have 3 distinct levels of their models where necessary - standard (current trim lineup of W/T, SL, SLE, SLT), urban (Denali), and off-road (All Terrain). A truck/CUV/SUV for everyone's needs

Just imagine if GM listened to SOME OF us Some OF THE TIME, they could make some serious cash.

Fixed. Let be hones some here never get it right and even those who do get it right most of the time still miss once in while. Like I have said if it was as easy to run a automaker as some of use think it is would they be in the trouble they are in. It is more than spouting ideas and posting a bunch of numbers. LOL!

[hyperv6]

Lets face it marketing and image is imporatant in this pretender class. Since you will not really be off road you have to project that image.

Same could be said for the thousands of performance machines (Corvettes, Mustangs, Challengers, BMWs and Mercedes) that are never driven as they were built!! All too often I'm stuck behind an older driver in their $50-$80k performance sedan or coupe going 5 MPH below the speed limit in teh left lane. Not every 4WD owner takes their truck off-road, and not every performance car owner drives it like they stole it. But image is everything to that owner

I make a living in the after market. Trust me many of the perfromance cars get well used, maybe not all but most. The light SUV market is just made for the Soccer Moms who are tired of paying $90 to fill up. Lets face it they buy these things because they fit kids the their things. They sit high yup so they can see and the option of AWD for those who have little skill in winter driving. They are not buying them for the Off Road but for the other things they offer.

Then you have the husband like me that will sign off on it because Thank God It is Not A Minivan. Look at the face of a man in a minivan and you will see a man who has given up on life. LOL!

[ocnblu]

DON'T GIVE UP ON LIFE, MEN OF AMERICA!

My Patriot looks like an old Cherokee, but it is simply a cardboard cutout of that legendary vehicle. The "Trail Rated" badge does give it top abilities in its class, but the off-road abilities in this class overall are gravely limited. My vehicle is very useful to me for its versatility, not so much its off-road prowess.

The Terrain is something bigger and more expensive, to be sure, but for those who can afford it, the $27k SLE-1 AWD is a sweet daily driver, with boatloads more refinement than the Chrysler product. BUT, it at least needs the 2.5 as the base engine, and it is most ideally suited to the growl of a V6... which jacks the price up even more.

Edited October 26, 2012 by ocnblu

[hyperv6]

I find it funny how [and not anyone here] believe these paper tiger SUV are anything more than what they are.

Normally most people who have these are not expecting to do any off roading as they know they are limited. Most just buy them because for some reason they believe anymore that you can not drive in rain or snow with 2wd. We made it most of the way through 100 years of 2wd and sh$% tires and now many can't make it home without awd in a little ice.

Just an example of how unprepared people are today and not just on cars. Just look at what happens if the power goes off for more than 4 hours. God help us if we ever have to tough it out here. Many could not make it a week without a store or cell phone.

I rmember being in WV in a new Lincoln Town Car and trying to get out of a major flood back in the hollows in the mountains. It is amazing if you watch the ground clearance the ability of a 2 wd Town Car on a logging road. LOL!

We used to even off road in a Fiat wagon. We used to take it motorcycle trails chasing kids on motorcycles. You could get it in some tight spots and if you got stuck you just got out and picked it up and moved it to solid ground.

Edited October 27, 2012 by hyperv6

[caddycruiser]

My mother is up to 27k miles as of last weekend on her 2011 GMC Terrain SLT-1 AWD with the 3.0L as the only option, and it remains perfect. Oil changes only, as she told me she lost track and never bothered to get the tires rotated. Looks brand new aside from some stretch of the seat leather, the Michelin tires look barely touched, and it's tight as a drum. More so, the 3.0L every reviewer seemed to lament continues to put out solid power and get good mileage (as said above, the sticker ratings and often better) daily. She drove the 2.4L but for her, no comparison to the V6 smoothness or power. I've driven them both and the 2.4L moves well, you just hear more of it.

It's a terrific package, and she'll buy another if ever needed. Her only wishes getting close to 2 years in are back seat HVAC vents and a little less road noise in the rear seat (odd, but she rides back there with the dogs on trips and said so. It's a silent ride but I think at higher speeds the SUV/wagon body just gets a little more road sound humming in).

Drive and buy, she'll love it. Name aside, I know it has little off road ability, but for the 1-2 buyers who would ever do so, who cares. It's the right mix of on road refinement, efficiency, space and style real buyers prefer. Styling is much better in person than some photos and the interior is nicer than the Equinox, IMHO, with stitched parts of the dash and red lighting.

[hyperv6]

I would have to agree there should have been better HVAC for the rear seat. The little vents under the front seats just do ot flow any AC unless you used bi level.

The noise she hears Is just amplified becaue of the size and shape of the interior. I know they could have insulated it more but how much weight would it have added vs gain in road noise. 90% of the owners have the radio up to the point is is a non issue.

What you report is mostly what my wife has found.

[Drew Dowdell]

I find it funny how [and not anyone here] believe these paper tiger SUV are anything more than what they are.

Normally most people who have these are not expecting to do any off roading as they know they are limited. Most just buy them because for some reason they believe anymore that you can not drive in rain or snow with 2wd. We made it most of the way through 100 years of 2wd and sh$% tires and now many can't make it home without awd in a little ice.

My Toronado can make it through fairly deep snow just fine thanks.

[hyperv6]

I find it funny how [and not anyone here] believe these paper tiger SUV are anything more than what they are.

Normally most people who have these are not expecting to do any off roading as they know they are limited. Most just buy them because for some reason they believe anymore that you can not drive in rain or snow with 2wd. We made it most of the way through 100 years of 2wd and sh$% tires and now many can't make it home without awd in a little ice.

My Toronado can make it through fairly deep snow just fine thanks.

I have pushed snow with the air dam on my HHR with no problem with only all season tires in the snow belt of the great lakes. .

[G. David Felt]

I find it funny how [and not anyone here] believe these paper tiger SUV are anything more than what they are.

Normally most people who have these are not expecting to do any off roading as they know they are limited. Most just buy them because for some reason they believe anymore that you can not drive in rain or snow with 2wd. We made it most of the way through 100 years of 2wd and sh$% tires and now many can't make it home without awd in a little ice.

My Toronado can make it through fairly deep snow just fine thanks.

I have pushed snow with the air dam on my HHR with no problem with only all season tires in the snow belt of the great lakes. .

For those of us that love to drive, we can drive any 2wd appliance in any weather and do fine. The problem and reason for more people to go to AWD is that more and more people do not care about driving and they only see it as an appliance to get from point A to point B safely. So by making the auto safer, they can just get in and do a lemmings drive.

My son is like me and enjoys driving and yet my daughter has an AWD Durango as she just wants to get around as safe as possible here and haul her friends and not have to think about it.

To quote her, after having driven both our Escalade and our Trailblazer SS AWD SUV's, she feels safer and more planted in all forms of weather and it reduces her stress of worring about loss of traction. She wants to get in and go and talk with her friends rather than worry about if the auto has traction.

In this case, an AWD SUV/CUV is perfect for her.

[hyperv6]

The problem is so many just think they need it never having driven many of the FWD, Stability Controled, Traction Controled and Antilock braked cars of today.

Where I live and drive we have about as bad of road conditions as most will see east of Lake Tahoe and west of Buffalo and we all get around pretty well here less a few idiots that just can't drive even with AWD.

[ocnblu]

Traction control is a hindrance in a lot of situations.

[G. David Felt]

Traction control is a hindrance in a lot of situations.

I would have to agree to disagree with this comment as it depends on the auto. I can say I have driven FWD and RWD with traction control and it actually caused more frustration in select situations than when it was turned off.

I have also had entry level AWD cars that just suck due to poor sensors, quality, etc Just a piss poor implemenation of AWD.

Then you have the Caddilac/Subaru's AWD that just seems to be freakin amazing on ICE, Snow, Excessive water, etc. I have yet to find a weakness in these AWD systems even when pushed in poor weather situations where most people would not push it.

I have played with the Caddilac system and can say that the setup of AWD on ice or snow is amazing and does give one far better confidence when driving knowing how the auto will react and that the electronic system can respond faster than a human.

Traction control when properly implemented can be a blessing to maintain control.

[Drew Dowdell]

Some of the AWD systems are worthless too. I couldn't get the CR-V to go uphill in wet grass.

[G. David Felt]

Some of the AWD systems are worthless too. I couldn't get the CR-V to go uphill in wet grass.

Correct as to why in my 3rd sentence I state that some models just suck even in AWD.