Overview & Reviews

For decades, GMC was all about trucks and burly SUVs. But the more recent popularity of car-based crossovers has brought about evolution for the brand, as the GMC Terrain certainly indicates. A small crossover, the Terrain stands out thanks to its stylish cabin, versatile backseat, ample standard features and sophisticated driving manners. Along with its mechanically identical sibling, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Terrain is a smart choice for a new or used crossover.

Current GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain compact crossover offers a choice of four- or six-cylinder power. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder is rated at 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque and comes with a six-speed automatic, while the optional 3.6-liter V6 makes a stout 301 hp and 272 lb-ft, also routed through a six-speed auto. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional across the lineup.

The GMC Terrain boasts a nice ride and handling combination, feeling like a more substantial vehicle than its many rivals. Inside, the Terrain's cabin is impressively quiet, well built and earns top style marks. Fuel economy would seem to be a Terrain strong suit with the four-cylinder engine, given its EPA ratings. But in real-world testing we've found it to be merely average.

Features content is generous, as even the base SLE trim level includes a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, sliding and reclining rear seats, a rearview camera, OnStar emergency communications, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a touchscreen interface. With the latter two items, you can connect to Internet-based features like Pandora and Stitcher radio through a system GMC dubs Intellilink. High-end features such as leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a lane-departure warning system, a navigation system and premium audio are available as you move up through the SLT and Denali trim levels.

As a family hauler, the Terrain shines. Backseat accommodations are extraordinarily generous by default, and downright limousine-like when you slide that rear seat back. One minor disappointment is the Terrain's 64-cubic-foot maximum cargo capacity, which trails the class leaders despite this crossover's considerable dimensions.

Used GMC Terrain Models
The current-generation GMC Terrain debuted for the 2010 model year and has seen just a few notable changes since. For 2010-'13, the Terrain's power came from a 3.0-liter V6 that was less powerful than the current 3.6-liter engine; it produced 264 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque. A newly standard and updated touchscreen interface arrived for 2012 (previously a touchscreen only came with the optional navigation system), while later that year the Intellilink smartphone integration system debuted. The Denali trim debuted for 2013.

User Reviews:

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  Terrain talk - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By Jodi Walters - January 14 - 7:37 am

  I love my Terrain. The safety features about drove me nuts but once I got used to them (or turned them off) they were fine. I love the interior, very comfortable to drive and the seats feel great. I especially love the heated seat feature. I previously had an Envoy that I dearly loved. The ride in the Envoy was much smoother and less stiff. I have found though, that all the smaller SUVs have that log wagon feel, where you can feel almost every bump. I am 100% satisfied with the overall performance of this vehicle, however I may consider a larger SUV next time to improve the ride. The gas mileage is good, I like the infrequent trips to the gas station.

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  Designed for 62" guys - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By Romualdas Stanenas - November 13 - 10:20 am

  Excellent value for the money.

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  Great SUV GOOD MPG - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By Jose - October 15 - 1:22 pm

  after reading a few post here Id decided to post my findings as well as my experience as an automotive tech and a 2015 terrain owner. I leased a 2015 SL2 4 cyld and so far so good, not a single issue. my wife and I are very pleased with this vehicle. I have worked on many gmc terrains as well as all gm vehicles and it is true the first couple of years of the terrain and Equinox was Horrible, lots of engine issues, oil leaks etc. but gm had solved all of this issues since 2012, the reason i bought mine now in 2015 and super happy with it. the advertised MPG is a little off but not like many people states here. I come from a lot of 6 and 8 cylinder engines and it takes some getting use to a 4 cylinder then it gets better. this is also a 4000 lbs vehicle, much heavier and wider then the competition paying a price at the pump but it increases safety. the Honda crv and toyota rav4 only weights 2800 lbs, not safe at all, and the case with many other compact SUV which by the way the terrain is much bigger than most compact SUV, it almost measures a mid size one. as far as MPG goes am doing 20.8 city and 31.6 highway with 25.9 combine and i only have 600 miles of use on my terrain. I only use shell gas 87 octane but that is not important, what is really important is the amount of ethanol in the gas that you are using, the more ethanol percentage the less mpg you will get. keep in mind that most mpg test are done fro 40 to 70 mph, anything above that will impact mpg and so does bumper to bumper traffic driving which is never accounted for. no mpg is exact on any vehicle make and there are many facts that will drastically lower it. i am super happy with my terrain and having worked and owned all brands and makes in the past 35 years I will say Gm is at the very top of the list. I will like to say I dont work for GM nor do I sell cars, this is my true story and experience and hope it helps someone.

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  GMC Lover - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By marona - August 28 - 5:08 am

  Ive had my 2015 GMC Terrain for 3 weeks now and completely love it. The exterior is shiny with chrome features that really set it off. Im in love with the front end style, the grill and headlights are so classy. Its comfortable, stylish, affordable (lease), great gas mileage, easy on the eyes. Im coming out of a 4 dr sedan so riding higher than normal is awesome. The interior features are good, with the exception of the vent placement. I like air movement, weather it be cool or warmer air - I like to feel it on me. The placement of the vents dont allow that to happen unless I lean towards the center, over the arm rest. The steering wheel is in the way and while I can adjust the wheel to tilt and extend, it doesnt help much. I will update again once Ive owned for awhile and have a trail run in the snow. So far, impressed. I feel like Im driving a luxury vehicle and a mid class price level. I recommend test driving if youre at all interested.

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  V6 AWD - 2014 GMC Terrain
  By Jonathan Linder - August 9 - 7:09 pm

  Good looking, excellent safety on IIHS small overlap, quiet ride, comfortable. Fantastic power from V6. Transmission shifts should be smoother, although it is liveable and I have gotten used to it. Navigation works well. The radio doesnt have an automated seek button, so you have to click over and over to cycle through channels. The rear seat has huge legroom, great for preventing babies from kicking the driver. On the highway, I get between 27-30 MPG with air conditioning. In the city with aggressive stop and go, its about 16 MPG. Combined I have 23.5 MPG. Got a special price on the car with college student pricing and July 4 discounts.

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  I have the Denali AWD with the 6 cylinder - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By tradedcmax - May 28 - 7:49 pm

  While we have only had this for a couple of weeks, it is proving to be a great SUV/CUV. It isnt the cheapest out there, but for a premium ride and feel, coupled with the money off of sticker price, it is a nice compromise. For the sticker price, you could get more bang for your buck at a competitor, but after taking money off, that isnt so true. This vehicle has a premium feel and ride, with some decent features. Compared to my foreign SUV/CUV, it feels like Im driving a high end model, even though my foreign SUV/CUV is a limited trim. Everything seems more luxurious in the Terrain. It is a nice blend of size and features.

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  LOVE my Terrain! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Cydney Odom - March 31 - 5:27 pm

  I bought a 2011 SLE Terrain with 18000 miles on it. I have had noting negative to say about it thus far. It rides smooth. Getting great gas mileage. Low road noise on the high way. I think the 4 cylinder engine is powerful for what it is. I have a 511" girlfriend and she fits very comfortably in this vehicle. Overall, I am thrilled. Would absolutely purchase one of these again!

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  My second Terrain, and I still love it! - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By 2pixel - February 14 - 12:12 pm

  We lease our cars, and I took a chance in 2010 when the Terrain first came out. I was concerned about the 4 cyl engine, but it is just fine, and gets me anywhere I want. The interior is roomy, and the back seat makes it easy for guests to get in and out.

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  Love my 2015 Terrain! - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By nyminute - November 29 - 8:24 am

  After shopping around using Edmunds as my guide, I decided to give GMC Terrain a serious look having been an owner of Buicks for over 15 years. Reviews were very decent as well. Have to say although its only 2 weeks old I absolutely love my purchase. Was a little skeptical of the 4cyl. engine at first, however it has plenty of power for my needs. Interior is very rich and well designed and comfortable . Like driving in a cockpit . Smooth ride, feels like a higher end car ride. Considering what 2 year old SUVs go for nowadays I say this is a tremendous value for the money. Fully warrantied bumper to bumper with a 2 year service agreement makes this vehicle for my family a wise choice.

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  Superbly engineered. - 2014 GMC Terrain
  By lvcas - November 24 - 8:09 pm

  The 2015 Terrain, in my opinion, is in a segment of its own. From its glorious V6 engine to the very useful power liftgate, it is an awesome work of craftsmanship. The engine has plenty of power, more than enough with the V6. The transmission is a tad...strange? Gas mileage could be better, but much better than what I used to drive. It is very safe and a good value for money, too. The interior is very well made and very cool looking at night. The red accent lighting is a very nice touch. The Pioneer radio is also very nice.