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 again! 2010 and 2013... - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By 2pixel - December 30 - 10:23 pm

  I had a 2010 Terrain which I loved, and since it was a leased car, I had to turn it in this year. After several test drives of other cars, I decided to lease a new 2013 Terrain. I love the exterior styling!

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  Great Car! - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By jlbigguy - August 28 - 8:29 pm

  Have my 2012 Terrain for 1 week now, and after 900 miles I am impressed. Getting 30.5 mpg on the highway, and overall average is 27mpg. This is with ECO mode on. Very smooth and quiet ride, no wind noise at all. The car feels solid, and is very comfortable (premium cloth seats). I have more room then in my old 2004 Pontiac Montana, and I am 66" tall. Can hardly tell the engine is running when at idle. Very pleased with my purchase.

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  Great little SUV! - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By dalerex - April 18 - 6:07 pm

  I have had my 2012 Terrain for less than three weeks now and simply love it. For the price, it is a quality vehicle.

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  2011 GMC 3.0L V-6 DIR, GREAT SO FAR! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By luke22zm - December 9 - 4:17 pm

  Me and my wife just bought this car used with 31,000 miles on it. Got a great price on it and so far, its ran great. I was told by one person to stay away from the 3.0L V-6 and go 4-Cyl, but others told me it would be just fine. There is a knocking noise when it runs, 3 different certified GM dealers told me its normal with the car and the direct injection in it, it runs great and has no issues so I am going to take there word for it. Still have the powertrain warranty if something goes wrong anyway. Overall nice features, fun to drive, and sporty, rides smooth and is fun to drive! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a SUV! Ours is FWD and we live in MN, drives great still!

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  One year review... - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By terndude - November 7 - 11:18 pm

  First, this is a V-6 Terrain AWD SLT-2, no V6 option in the list still... So, after one year of ownership, I can attest to the performance, comfort, and build quality of our 2011 Terrain. On freeway drives we get 23-26 MPG and towing a 1,400lb camper across the Cascades we still get around 21. Not sure what people are doing to those 4-bangers, but the 6 performs well under all scenarios weve been in. Hauled a new dishwasher in it last week with room to spare. Leather is a bit stiff but comfy and the sliding / reclining rear seat makes ample room for car seats and passengers over 6ft with ease. No problems whatsoever. AWD great in ice and snow, quiet, comfy, hugs the road.

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  Well Satisfied - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By oldterrainguy - October 10 - 6:58 am

  Couldnt be happier with my 2012 Terrain. Style, inside and exterior, tech galore which will take me time to learn including bluetooth and onstar dirctions. Very good solid and quiet ride. Took the Terrain for a drive specifically to test mileage since I had read bad reports for the 2011 Terrain and Equinox. If the onboard computer is reasonably accurate, 31.5 to 33.8 average over a 100 mile test with cruise set at 61 MPH. I believe the EPA test standard is still 60 MPH. Great value for those that keep a car for a long time.

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  2012 GMC Terrain SLE AWD 4Cyl - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By jspa - September 2 - 8:48 pm

  The styling, price, value and especially the performance of the vehicle we purchased is outstanding. Test drove a 2012 Terrain SLE AWD and then a 2011 Terrain SLE AWD and each had a four cylinder engine. There is no comparison. The 2012 performed much better, in my opinion, perhaps due to the VVT engine. We have this vehicle for about a month. It has a smooth, quiet ride, good acceleration on hills, and overall a great looking SUV in black.

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  First SUV - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By driggle - August 15 - 11:39 pm

  This is my first try at an SUV. My last car was an Accord, and I have to say I am thrilled I made the jump. I avoided SUVs in the past because of the ride, handling, and noise, but the last 8 months with my Terrain have proved me wrong. I love riding up high, no more falling into or climbing out of the seat. The ride is far more comfortable than my Accord was, the interior has far less road noise, and power from the V6 is much better than my 4 cylinder Accord was (no surprise there!) The cargo versatility is amazing, I love the sound system and the Terrain feels very well put together. I am very happy after 8 months and have had no issues and feel very confident I made the right choice.

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  The GMC Terrain Rocks! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By lauramil - July 29 - 10:41 pm

  My husband and I recently purchased a 2011 GMC Terrain from Wade Raulerson GMC in Gainesville, FL. I get a new vehicle just about every year but this is one ride that I plan on keeping! I have never been so happy with a vehicle. It gets great gas mileage and everywhere I go I receive compliments on it and people ask me where I got it. The ride is smooth, no outside noise inside, the seats are comfortable and there is plenty of backseat room.

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  Had to share - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By cj21 - July 26 - 11:52 am

  I am the person who always looks at the reviews of cars but never write one. I must say I am compelled to write one on the Terrain. Ive had my SUV since Feb. 2011 and I must say I don’t have any major complaints. I use to drive a KIA and that was a lemon. Before that I drove GMC vehicles. I am so glad to drive a GMC again. It was a defiantly change for me going from a V6 to a 4cyl. As far as the gas mileage goes, I am concern about how long a tank of gas for me will last. It last about a week and half to 2 weeks. That’s a lot longer than with the KIA V6. Overall I am glad I got the Terrain. It’s good on bumps & long road trips. If you want to buy this SUV I think you will be happy.