Compared to the base four-cylinder engine offered in the Terrain, the six-cylinder hasn’t really impressed some of our editors. The V-6 raises the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, up from 1,500 pounds, but Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder says in his first drive of the Terrain that the acceleration is oddly similar between the two.
This point is reflected in our full-length review of the Terrain. Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays writes:
“Having driven both the four-cylinder and V-6 Equinox, I can attest that the difference in power isn't appreciable unless you're pushing the car hard or carrying a load of people. My V-6 Terrain drove the point home: With 264 horsepower on tap — and no all-wheel drive to weigh things down — I'd expect a bit more oomph, especially given that competitors like the V-6 Toyota RAV4 feel downright fleet-footed.”
For most people, the 182-horsepower four-cylinder should have enough oomph to satisfy. Its gas mileage in four-cylinder configuration is impressive as well, rated at 22/32 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models are 17/25 mpg.
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According to the EPA website, the fuel economy of all-wheel-drive 4-cylinder Terrains is 20/29 mpg city/hwy. The 17/25 number is what the front-wheel-drive V-6 gets. The all-wheel-drive V-6 is rated at 17/24.
Having driven the six, with towing in mind, I found the v-6 must be tuned for economy, I felt myself pressing far down on the accelerator just to climb a grade without towing. The engine and the transmission felt like they were being overworked. The torque number is unimpressive, and, too high in the powerband if towing is a consideration.
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The gearing is too tall.
Change the axle ratio from 2.77 to 3.16 (for front drive)