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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  Give the gas mileage some time! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By mab13 - June 20 - 8:11 am

  I have heard numerous complaints about the gas mileage. I will say, I was one of those people complaining until I took a recent trip and drove nearly 1,500 miles. At this point, I have 6,000 total miles on my Terrain and I can finally say, I AM getting the gas mileage advertised. Until my trip, I was lucky to get 24-26. I am now fairly steady at 29-31. Drove into work this morning (a 1-hour commute) at 30.6 the entire way. I was told to give it time but I was a nay sayer. Im happy to say, it was true. After a good "break-in" period, my Terrain is getting gas mileage. Outside of that, I have no issues whatsoever with this vehicle. Its rugged in appearance and drives wonderfully!

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  My Gas Mileage Experience - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By prbart1 - June 20 - 12:35 am

  Since I bought my Terrain, I have put 6,469 miles on it, doing mainly "suburban" driving in the Chicago area (stop signs or traffic lights about every mile, on average). In this type of driving (ECO mode on), I now average between 24 & 25 mpg. When the car was new, the mileage was not this high, but it increased as the engine got broken in. Ive also take two road trips in this vehicle (ECO mode off): the first was about 300 miles when the engine was still in "break-in" mode & I got 28.0 mpg. The second trip was about 950 miles, after the "break-in" period (Interstate at a steady 70 mph), & I got 29.8 mpg. I calculate my mpg precisely, so this data is as accurate as I can make it.

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  Gift Gone Bad!!!!Engine Problems. - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By asford0211 - June 16 - 9:22 am

  My husband brought this junk for my mothers day gift. The service dept drove the truck more than ME!!! The truck cut off while driving on a major highway three times. The dealer stated they couldnt understand why the check engine light stayed on and they couldnt locate the problem. Finally they changed the intake camshift solenoid sensor???? Wish me luck folks...what a gift..thank you honey for the LEMON!!!!!

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  EPA Mileage is accurate --- under right conditions - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By new_terrain - June 7 - 4:47 pm

  I live in a semi rural area where its possible to drive with cruise control set at 50 - 55 MPH. Under these conditions, its entirely possible to get the rated 32 MPG. The EPA definition of "Highway" does not mean "expressway" or "interstate". The EPA test methodology is explained at: [HTML deleted] Note that the average speed on an EPA highway mileage test run is 48.3 MPH. Obviously this isnt representative of a morning commute on an urban expressway. However, the same method is used by the EPA for all vehicles. Even if your driving habits differ, the EPA numbers are still useful on a relative basis. PS I think its a great vehicle

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  The EPA Lies!! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By bluesky12 - May 30 - 1:42 pm

  Theres a lot I like about the 2011 GMC Terrain, but unfortunately gas mileage isnt one of those things. I drive a 4-cylinder and use ECO mode and my city MPG is about 21 and highway is no better than 25 MPG tops. Performance overall is adaquate at best. I sacrifice the performance of 6 cylinder to get the better gas mileage and that didnt happen. Now I get mediocre performance and mediocre gas mileage. I bought this vehicle because of the advertised 32 MGP. There is NO WAY on Gods green earth that I could ever get 32 MPG - not even close. The EPA absolutely lied!! If gas milegae is a high priority, dont buy this vehicle. I like a lot of the other features of this vehicle.

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  Love this SUV - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By hailtopitt - May 28 - 8:06 am

  My family decided on Terrain because we wanted something smaller than our gas guzzling crew cab truck. We went with the Terrain SLE-1 because it has a great safety rating, had all of the features that we wanted, and our local dealership is very well regarded. So far, we are not disappointed. The four cylinder is nothing spectacular, but it does the job in a very hilly area. Driving in eco mode, we get less than the listed mpg, but we typically see 20/25/30 for city, combined and highway. The interior is extremely comfortable, and the cabin is well designed. We love the sliding back bench as well.

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  Love It! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By susan54935 - May 24 - 8:49 pm

  I bought the 4-cyl because of the promised 32 mpg. I did manage to get 28 mpg on a long trip across country with mostly highway driving. On a regular basis Im getting about 20 mpg. This was the only dissapointment thus far! I have nearly 10,000 miles and have absolutely no complaints! I love the exterior styling of this SUV. The interior is extremely comfortable! I would definitely buy another Terrain in the future - at this point anyway! I love it! We are empty nesters and the cargo space is just perfect for us! It is so easy and comfortable to drive!

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  Headliner - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By sls12 - May 21 - 8:39 am

  I have had my 2011 Terrain for 8 months, the headliner came down in first 3 months, they tried to fix by placing in new magnets. This did not work, the headliner was down by the time I got home from the dealership. They then ordered a new complete headliner, installed this a month ago, and it is down again. This has taken 4 trips to have this worked on with another trip next week to start again. This is very frustrating and time consumming. Other than this, I do enjoy driving even though it is a little slow. If the headliner is not resolved this time I would never purchase another GMC product. Not worth the aggravation on a new car.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By cbasta - May 16 - 11:28 am

  This base Terrain with a 4 cylinder and no options is rated at 32MPG highway but actually gets 25 highway in ECO mode, which inhibts performance. Its worse otherwise. Driven on mostly level roads in Florida, I dont understand. The dealer in Marianna, FL was notified but didnt even bother to schedule a service visit.

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  It is ok. - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By marvindale - May 7 - 7:18 pm

  We have had the V6 for 6 months and it is a good buy. This replaced a 2000 Buick LeSabre and though they are different types of cars I did expect a little better gas mailage. The best on the road so far has been 22 MPG. The old land creuser got that in town. So I dont think a six speed trans and all the new tech stuff has really make such a improvement. But that is the only dissapointment so far.