Scheduled to debut officially next week at the 2009 New York Auto Show, the 2010 GMC Terrain is GM’s newest entrant into the XUV market and is apparently intended to serve as a replacement for the ill-fated GMC Envoy. Unfortunately, although we’re usually quick to rally in America’s corner, we’re having difficulty mustering up any enthusiasm for the 2010 GMC Terrain. It isn’t ugly enough to draw our intense loathing, but it isn’t exactly poised to turn the automobile design world on its ear either. It’s a 5-seater sports coupe-based SUV whose primary focus is compact multifunctionality, and the only really noteworthy features are the projected fuel-efficiency figures (which are still awaiting EPA certification). Beneath the hood, the 2010 Terrain comes with two engine options (both of which boast comparable mileage), either a 264-horsepower 3.0L DOHC direct injected V6 that delivers an estimated 18 mpg city/25 mpg hwy, or GM’s new 182-horsepower 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 that’s expected to average 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway.

According to Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president, Susan Docherty, “The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer. The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.” Continued Docherty, “GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions. As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

So to summarize, the 2010 GMC Terrain is basically the American market response to the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Or in other words, nothing we’d schlep to New York to check out.