Noise, Ride & Handling

A defining attribute of GM's latest crossovers is improved noise insulation. Road and wind noise are hushed, leaving the cabin exceptionally quiet — at least until you hit a bump. The suspension isn't a particularly quiet one — it responds to potholes and expansion joints with loud, echoing noises — and, as we noted in the Equinox review, some may find the ride too firm overall.

The steering wheel turns with light effort at low speeds; it firms up progressively as you reach highway speeds, but I still found it a bit loose at 70 mph. Take an off-ramp quickly, and the Terrain has carlike resistance to body roll. Unfortunately, patches of rough pavement belie any cornering confidence: Steering response becomes sloppy, giving the Terrain a floaty sensation of being disconnected from the road. It reminds me more of traditional truck-based SUVs than car-based crossovers, to which the Terrain and its Chevy cohort belong.

    See also:

    Convenience Net
    This vehicle may have a convenience net located in the rear of the vehicle. Attach it to the cargo tie&-downs for storing small loads. Do not use the net to store heavy loads. ...

    Climate Controls
    These systems control the heating, cooling, and ventilation. ...

    Transmission Messages
    SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE If the vehicle has four-wheel drive, this message may display if a problem occurs with the four-wheel-drive system. If this message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn of ...