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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  So far so good SLT2 with 6 cylinder AWD - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By rc - October 2 - 2:00 am

  While driving computer is reading out about 35 mpg going 75 mph. Traded in 95 4runner. GMC at this point is built just as good or better than Toyota 4-runner with much better mpg and looks stylish. Very roomy inside unlike the 4-runner. Terrain we got has auto transmission 6 gears with 3:53 rear end ratio.

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  Absolutely Love It - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Love It - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded the GMC Envoy for the Terrain and the difference in the gas mileage is truly welcomed. The performance is fantastic. The Terrain appears to hug the road when going around curves. I also like how the rear seat can be extended to the backs of the front seats for easy access to items stored in the back seat. Personally, I cannot say enough good things about the Terrain.

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  It Is Not About The MPG.. - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By shopaholic - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to hear about all the folks with the MPG issues. I bought the 6 cyl. and I know it will take some fuel to drive this beauty. I have only been on the road with it for 2 weeks and I really like it so far. It is smooth and a real head turner (black with all the chrome). I hope to get the upper end of the MPG stated but that is yet to be determined. I started my research back in Nov. 09 for my Terrain. As we probably all figured out GMC has not been releasing a lot at one time at least where I am at. Maybe that is a good thing and those of us who own one will have good resale later. I do not know how often I will use the remote start. Stay Safe and Happy Driving Everyone

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  6-cylindernder - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By 6-CYLINDER VERSION - September 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love this truck! 6- cylinder is the way to go, has plenty of power with no hiccups. Have the slt- 2 with black/black combo. Everyone always commits on how good it looks, also have the chrome package with the 19" wheels.

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  14,000 Miles in 6 Months - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Terrain Driver - September 22 - 2:00 am

  In comparing most of the reviews over the past few months, my only common negative experiences are: with only rear windows down, noise cancellation system goes berserk augmenting normal "helicopter" reverberation and hammers your ears unmercifully radio volume stuck a couple of times in hot weather, but returned to normal after restarting car several interior chrome appointments reflect sunlight painfully front headrests insufficiently adjustable (Im 6 6"). On the plus side, avg. overall mileage is 26, but I can get 32 as claimed in ECO on highway without cruise control very roomy interior with comfortable, quiet ride - even for 4 adult passengers good fit & finish.

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  Terrific Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Julie D - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Had it two weeks so far and loving it. It rides great, looks fantastic, is very fun to drive. Has lots of features--especially love the bluetooth! The ride is quiet and feels very sporty. Easy to park and turns "on a dime".

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  Very new but GREAT so far - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By chazzfrommo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Picked up a 2011 5 days ago and have enjoyed it so far. Fit and finish are very nice. Havent had a gmc since mid-90s but this is a real eye- catcher. Comfortable and yet easy to drive/park. Mine is carbon black with gray interior. Really strong look. I traded a GL 320 MB which was 2 years old and had 9 repair trips so I am hopeful that my luck on this will change. So far so good and I would gladly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Only a few gripes - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Laura - August 30 - 5:06 pm

  I love my terrain! I shopped this category for months and landed on this vehicle and bought it the day I finally test drove it. I am pleased over all with my purchase. Sticker MPG is pretty accurate while others seem to disagree.

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  2010 Torrent (GMC) Review - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jack Fish - August 22 - 11:30 pm

  One of the best cars we have bought in many years. Love GM products.

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  Great at 10,000 Miles - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By GuntherCammens - August 19 - 12:01 pm

  We bought the gmc terrain as a surprise to ourselves we had been looking at the CR-V, escape, rav4, edge and a few cars until we realized we really needed a small SUV. Economy and ride comfort were tops on our list and the terrain (2.4 L awd slt1) after 10,000 miles in 4 mo has given us 25 mpg all-around half NY city Urban and half cross-country interstate. On interstate stretches we saw 30 mpg a few times but mostly it was 27-28 mpg unless traversing the mountains of West Virginia/Kentucky/Tennessee where highway mileage was 24-25 mpg, no trailering. We trailered a pair of hds on a light trailer (total weight 1600 lbs. Pushing the max) and economy drops to 22-25 mpg highway. Overall excellent!