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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  surprized - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By tmon4te - November 29 - 11:26 am

  Bought the vehicle with 19k miles on. It immediately needed a air intake sensor and valve. I travel about 350miles weekly and took a 1000 mile round trip with it. It is a smooth ride, not bad pick up even at higher speeds for a 4 cylinder. All the controls are readily accessible, not having to search them. With owning about a dozen cars in the past, I usually buy non-american, but liked the features and style on it so i gave it a shot and so far enjoying it. The biggest downfall Ive seen was the suggested gas mileage. Im getting about 18-24mpg, thats city and hwy at different speeds, but to counteract that you can get around 400 miles on a tank- I have bad driving habits though!

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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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  Stay away from the I-4 2.4L engine!!! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By wrusprod - November 5 - 4:21 pm

  There is a major issue with the 2011 I-4 engine.. with a rattling startup noise. Any GM vehicle with this engine has the problem, Chevy Equinox, Buick Regal..etc... intermittant Rattling noise on startup, stalling, engine codes, poor MPG, bucking transmission.. and GM has been playing guinea pigs with all the owners who keep taking back to the dealer for repair of the rattling noise..almost a year with this issue and still no solution...STAY AWAY FROM THE I-4!

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  Love My Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By pandoras - October 21 - 2:37 pm

  I had driven a 1996 Ford Explorer Sport until December 2010 when I bought the 2011 Terrain. I thought I would never find an auto that I loved as much as the Explorer Sport, but I was wrong. I love my Terrain!!! No, the gas mileage is not as advertisied, but that is the only issue I have seen, found or had.

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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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  MPG farce big time - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By teamtrout - October 2 - 11:46 pm

  The vehicle rides great, low road noise, smooth handling. But where is the great gas mileage. Just got mine and drove from Norman, Ok. to Springfield, Mo and got 20.7 mpg!!!!! Even though its not broken in yet it should get more than that. Spent the extra bucks to get the gas mileage but now...Im still poor.

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  Gas Mileage Tanks - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By kristarc - September 27 - 7:49 am

  My husband and I researched many vehicles before deciding the Terrain was the best SUV for our needs without sucking our wallet dry. I have owned the Terrain for a month now. My daily driving is mostly highway and I am only getting about 23 miles a gallon. I didnt expect to get 32 but I did expect more than this. The vehicle also shifts hard and jerky. I think GMC needs to review their claims of great gas mileage before many others are misled. They also owe myself and thousands of other people gas cards!!

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  Where is the gas mileage? - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By jess736 - September 19 - 6:53 pm

  We purchased a 4 cyl Terrain earlier this year. We like the vehicle overall but are very disappointed with the 21.6 MPG average over the first 9000 miles of driving. Most of the driving is on the freeway. Even on a long trip the best ever on a tank of gas was 23.5mpg. The main reason for us selecting the Terrain over other SUVs was the advertised mileage. We really feel we were scammed. I know that the EPA mileage to be questionable but to exaggerate the numbers by over 33% is almost criminal. Of course the salesman sold us on the 32 MPG but after talking to the service techs they tell me that there is no way that this vehicle can get more that 23 to 24 MPG. Of course now that we ha

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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.