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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  2011 GMC Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By wayne macewich - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2011 Terrain SLT 2 FWD 4cyl about three weeks ago. Traded in a Ford Explorer V8 AWD that got 16-17 MPG & Im now getting 22 plus MPG for my daily driving. Never used the AWD & the V8 to its fullest potential, so it wont be missed. The Terrain is very quiet and the Pioneer sound system is one of the best Ive ever heard. Cant say anything negative about the Terrain so far.

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  Love my Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Dan - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I have had my Terrain for 4 months now, and the more I drive it the more I fall in love with it. Its comfortable, and really makes me feel secure while on the road. The room in the backseat makes hauling passengers a breeze.

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  Great Car - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By FirstGMC - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving the fully loaded 6 cyl model for almost 10,000 miles, and my wife and I both love it. Weve gotten a lot of (favorable) comments. The ride is great, the fuel economy has been just as advertised, and the NAV system, Bluetooth, and other features are great. Ive had a couple of minor issues, but the dealer was able to take care of them with no problems. Id recommend this car to anyone looking gfor a small SUV.

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  I Love This Car - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Very Satisfied - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I lease new automobiles quite often, and this GMC SLT-2 is the most pleasurable car that I have ever had. Its comfort and elegance are top- notch. Because it is a leased car, it did not cost me much more per month to go for the top of the line, a decision that I do not regret in the least. The extras that come with this style is worth the added cost.

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  Great Auto - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By D Evans - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this Terrain 8000 miles and enjoyed every mile. I have had Park avenues GMC Trucks Olds bravada Roadmasters . This is by far the most enjoyable auto I have ever had. I suspect the folks that are complaining about the mileage have a heavy foot and just want to complain about something so they dont have to take responsibility for the mileage. I have driven through the smokies with this auto and the 4 cylinder has performed well. I have learned how to use the manual shift which helps greatly in mountains and in the city.I always limit the the trans to 5th gear in the city and do the same in the mountains This is a great vehicle and I think Gm is building some great products

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  Back to American - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Moon - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2011 Terrain after driving Hondas for almost 18 years. Didnt like the style of the CR-V and Pilot was too bulky. Get lots of compliments on the style of the Terrain and interior quality is very good. Picked this over Lexus, Infiniti, and Cadillac. Price was right so time to give American cars another look. So far, so good.

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  A Great Buy - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John up North - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Terrain 4Cyl now for two months. I am very happy with it. Fun to drive, feels rock solid on the road and delivers good gas mileage. I keep track of every tankful and so far my best mileage is 37 mpg on a highway run and the worst is exactly 30mpg which was a combination of city and highway. However, the engine sounds like a can of marbles when accelerating gently. Sounds like pre-ignition. Dealer says "they all do it." Well, no, they dont. GM is aware of the problem with some of the 4 cyl engines in the Terrain and the Equinox and is planning an ECM upgrade. I have to run the car on Super gas to alleviate the darn noise when accelerating. Other than that, no complaints.

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  2011 gmc terrain sle-1 AWD - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By alaska - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Love my new car! rides great very fun to drive! would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Love My Terrain! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By joy - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Traded my beloved 2005 Town & Country for the Terrain--thought I would miss my van--NOT! The only thing I miss is the power hatch--other than that, nothing. The Terrain drives nice, extremely smooth riding(just about as smooth as my van), the design is oh so cool (as my husband says, it looks "tough"). And I love all the little extras that "didnt cost extra"- -backup camera, bluetooth. And all the leg room in the backseat area-- awesome. We havent quite got the gas mileage as stated we should, but then we only have 700 miles on it. And as for my husband--of course, the 8 speaker Pioneer sound system is the best. We love our Terrain and highly recommend it!

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  Very nice - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Al - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Rides and handles well. Comfortable and roomy. Easy to get in and out of. Surprisingly good performance for a small motor. Drove at interstate speeds and through mountains with 24 mpg avg. (using own calculations). Car has good Visibility.Secure feeling with all the safety features.