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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  A BIG MISTAKE - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By sgthaight - February 8 - 6:12 pm

  Leased this vehicle in 4 cylinder, was promised 26/32 mpg city/highway. A BLATANT LIE FROM GMC! Veh gets 14-16 in town and cant get over 21 on the highway. GMC was contacted and set up a service check at the dealer. They came up with every phony excuse you could think of. Too much weight in the veh (which is empty) to the mileage gauge must be reset every time ( even though the On-Star app says the lifetiMe average mileage of both city/highway is 17). Avoid this car at all expense, it has no power and the mileage SUCKS. GMC will try to blame you for the crummy mileage if you complain. Searching for a lawyer to take on the big GMC Corp. Buy American, but not this American vehicle.

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  Really Disappointed in my Terrain... - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By sllmd0202 - February 4 - 7:26 pm

  My husband and I bought the 2011 GMC Terrain about a year ago. In the last six months, its been in the shop twice now. The first time was for an electrical issue...a terminal in the back of the car had corroded causing it to pull power on the ignition and drain the battery. It took the dealership almost two weeks to diagnose and fix. Then, six months later it would start but anytime you gave it gas, it would cut off. Still in the shop after two weeks with no answer. As both my husband and I being prior Toyota owners, I definitely regret buying this car. I should have kept with Toyota. Just an overall bad experience.

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  Gas Mileage - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By bwall2 - January 28 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 3rd posting about the horrible gas mileage of this vehicle. I would love a class action suit for performance....I bought it for the 32 mpg expecting to receive at least 27-28 mpg. How disgusting! I like driving my Camry Hybrid - 38-41 mpg - and 76,000 miles on it. No more GM products for me!

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  Excellent Car...but, tranny problems - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By desertguyphx - January 15 - 8:26 pm

  I like everything about this car. Great design, interior and exterior, comfortable and great handling.

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  Milky white fluid 1st. Rusty brown 2nd. - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By gunkedmotors - January 12 - 10:42 pm

  We have a 2011 GMC Terrain SLT, and this is the second time it has been in the shop. Milky white fluid boiled out of the water reservoir the first time. The dealer said the tubes that ran inside the radiator busted causing the white milky substance. The radiator was replaced and did numerous wash cycles for 3 weeks. We got the car back and 2 days later the radiator busted in my driveway and rusty brown fluid spewed out of the radiator. The check engine light has yet to come on. The dealer said it was the same problem. I asked if they did compression check for blown head gasket, and never got an answer. Is it a bad radiator or to much compression in the radiator. January 22, 2012 is year.

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  False MPG: Just lost fifteen hundred bucks! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By retiredpilot1 - January 9 - 11:16 pm

  I have had my 2011 Terrain for 15 months, 23,000 miles. This car cost me an extra $1500 last year in gas because the actual mileage (17/22) is NOT EVEN CLOSE to claimed. I am a retired airline pilot and mechanical engineer, I know how to glide thru air. It really peeves me that we allow such false and misleading advertising, whatever happened to good old honesty? See you at the class action claim hearing!

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  I Love It!!! - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By ewag41 - December 30 - 2:30 pm

  Have always liked the Terrain look, ordered 2012 New in 2011, received on time, dealership very honest on pricing and reviewing options on vehicle before delivering. Courtesy Chevrolet -Kingsport, TN. AWD- 4 cyl. Like sound of engine and the shifting. Years ago you got this effect with a pure STICK. Has a manual option, comes in handy on downgrades and when coming to a stop. AWD handles good on curvy roads. On trip to N.Y. got 26.8, which is good. Used ECO all the time. Steering is very good once you adapt to the electric format. Very steady on highway, does not wander. Room:Well I am able to haul the same stuff I use to haul with my Trail Blazer, but with better MPG- way better::

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  What can I do about gas mileage? - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By mab13 - December 30 - 11:09 am

  I will start by saying I am very careful when driving my vehicles to make sure I am getting the best gas mileage. I drive very appropriately. My gas mileage sucks. I traded in a Torrent for this and my Torrent got just about the same mileage, yet I paid a lot more for my Terrain! Now, I am stuck with a long commute to work and horribly gas mileage. They claim 32 hwy, I never expected 32, but Im lucky to get 24-25, and again, I DO drive properly. Do I have any recourse for this? Im pissing away money driving 2 hours per day thinking this care would save me money!

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  very disapointed - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By lapitino - December 21 - 6:06 pm

  I am very unhappy with my 2011 model. It is less than one year old and only has 15,000 miles on it. In the last two weeks it has been in for repair 3 different times. It has gone in for multiple issues, 2 out of 3 are yet to be fixed. I have been in a rental car for a total of 12 days now. My fear is that this is a sign of things to come. I plan to ask for a replacement vehicle or I will absolutely be contacting the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Did I mention the gas mileage it NOT what was advertised??

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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!