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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  Great New Model - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dave - May 13 - 7:55 am

  I researched all the SUVs in market and selected GMC Terrain on internet to go test drive and review. Loved the classic look, well built design and interior comfort. Ive put 2,000 miles of local travel so far and no complaints. Sound system nice, red light dash takes a little getting use to, but fun to have. Glad I purchased this model. Selected a 6 cyl off dealer lot w/18" wheel base. Carbon Black color is attractive.

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  SLT-1 3.0 V6 Nice! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dolisa - May 7 - 9:27 am

  My husband was kind enough to say "I will buy it for you". His money is not wasted, I love my new ride. The red stitching on the leather seats was a nice surprise. The car has a great solid ride. Very little road noise. With the V-6, I was not expecting to get the best mileage, but it does get about 19 mpg. It will probably get a little better. Still, it only takes about 2 gal a day to go back and forth to work. Yeah for me!

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  A Big Little Surprise - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Josh - May 2 - 9:20 pm

  Only off the lot 3 days, my wife and I love our new GMC Terrain. Small enough on the outside that we dont feel like were driving a boat but the inside is a different story altogether. Spacious front and rear seats with all the amenities, not to mention that Im still finding cubbyholes and pockets for storage. Although theres obviously more power than I expected from a 2.4 L engine, it sips gas, it actually gets better mileage than the 04 "Foreign Coupe" we traded! As for the ride, sure it may be bumpy if youre used to riding in the other upscale GM Brand, but if not its a welcome, relaxing trip on some less than forgiving Oklahoma roads. Truly Bold & Beautiful.

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  Plain Fun - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Annie - May 2 - 9:10 am

  I love my new Terrain. I bought the SLE-1, due to my budget. I test drove other cross overs and this SUV gave me the most for my money! Ford Edge at this level does not give you fog lamps and only plastic black doors handles. I love the look the most and safety features. I like having OnStar. I get lots of head turns while driving. My 15 year old son thinks it,s cool. MPG on hwy/city 25.9

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  New family ride - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By shawn - May 2 - 6:10 am

  After looking and driving many cars I saw this vehicle on the gmc lot after fist test drive I was very impressed. Went out a talked to some honest mechanics I know they told me that gm basically makes the best vehicles on the road today and they really have out done them selves on this chassis design so without hesitation I bought this car

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  Awesome - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Richard A. Rohrer - April 30 - 12:13 am

  We now have about 750 miles on the vehicle and it is everything we expected. Great sound system, quiet, fun to drive, and comfortable as well as stylish interior. We did a lot of research on the vehicle before we purchased it and it has met our expectations.

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  Its OK - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Babs - April 29 - 8:30 pm

  Was afraid that this was too big by the looks but when you drive it, its not. It needs a little getting use to but is fun.

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  New King of the Open Road - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By anthony - April 27 - 3:02 pm

  We just bought our Terrain last week and we are loving every minute of it!!! It is already averaging 26 mpg. That will only get better as it gets broke in a little bit. We have 2 small kids and there is plenty of room for the entire family. The low noise is excellent. Handles better than any SUV Ive seen on the highway. Exterior design is great.Dont be scared away by the 4 cylinder, it more than holds its own. All this and you get Onstar and XM radio as a standard feature!!! Whats left to think about? The Terrain is head and shoulders above the rest. GMC is back on top where it belongs!!!!!!

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  Great Car Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Brett - April 26 - 11:27 am

  Just Traded in my 2001 Jeep Cheeroke with 92000 Miles Hated to see it go but Wow this car is simply Amazing. I love everytime I get in the car and do not want to leave. IT drives very smoothly and I feel I am in a Escalade but for half the price. GMC built a great car inside and out. I have had this car for only about 3 days and people still ask me wow whats that. Just wish more were around.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Robert Lamb - April 25 - 3:48 pm

  I am 81 years old and super fussy about my vehicles,I purchased my Terrain 2 months ago, took an 800 mile trip and averaged 25.6 mpg. Not too bad, but after reading many reviews, I see that this seems to be the norm. Drove Hondas the past 8 years, although I thought they were very good cars I am glad to get back to American made, it gives me a sense of pride again.