GMC Terrain Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.98/5 Average
362 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 151 through 160 of 362.00
  • 2011 Terrain MPG Experience - 2011 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I recently purchased the 2011 Terrain SLE-1 for its comfortable ride, features, and gas mileage claims. Although I’ve read a number of user reviews stating disappointment with gas mileage, I’ve averaged 21-22 mpg in the city, and on recent highway trips averaged 30 mpg and 31mpg on trips through OH, WV, and VA, on significantly hilly terrain. On a 150 mile trip over more gentle rolling hills, I averaged 33 mpg. I used the Eco mode, cruise control, and adjusted my driving habits for maximum fuel efficiency, but that was in no way inconvenient, and Ive been very pleased.

  • Terrainiffic! - 2011 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Looked at all the Smaller SUVs on the market and the Terrain offered by far the most bang for my bucks! The front design is beautiful, rear is a bit dull but good looking. Comfort surprised me, lots of leg room and the kids love the rear reclining seats. My opinion, its Terrainiffic!

  • Good pick - 2011 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Bought the SLT-2 4 banger AWD with all the options except NAV (why pay for NAV with the On-Star turn-by-turn feature). Traded a Honda Element AWD which we LOVED but needed a full 4- door CUV. The CR-V, Pilot etc. didnt fit the need nor the comfort of the GMC. Looked at all CUVs and SUVs including Hondas, Kias, Hyundias, Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Subaru etc. All others either looked cheap (plastic) on the interior, had rough ride or was just too big (Flex, Traverse, Acadia etc). GM has a winner on their hands in the Equinox/Terrain brothers! Hope time will tell that its as reliable as the Honda was!

  • Would not buy again. - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    We liked the idea of 32 MPG highway but it has fallen far short of that. We are only getting about 25-26 MPG on the highway. We mostly drive about 68 mph with cruise control. GMC should be charged with false advertising. We took it into the dealer, Dick Norris of Clearwater, Florida and they supposedly checked it out on the "Computer" and found nothing wrong. We have already told everybody that asks about the Terrain and we mentioned the gas mileage problem to all of them. We are now stuck with this "Lemon" for three years and will never buy another GMC product. Sorry, but just telling the truth.

  • Enjoyable ride - 2011 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Owned this vehicle for 2 months and I am very happy with it. I get 25 mpg on the highway, I wish it were closer to the EPA estimate of 29. I like the ride and handling, it drives more car like and doesnt lean on curves like my Envoy. I do a lot of driving between VT and LI,NY and wanted better gas mileage. I got the 4 cyl SLT-1 AWD version in Merlot Jewel, a great color.

  • V6 with AWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Bought this vehicle with 4800 miles on it, now has 10500 and have loved it. Get 17-19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The transmission does have a "different" shifting to it but not a big deal.Have gotten several compliments about the styling and such. GMC could do some improvements to it but that would be nit-picking on my part. Had a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe (for 8 years) and love the Terrain much more.

  • 2011 GMC Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Purchased 2011 Terrain SLT 2 FWD 4cyl about three weeks ago. Traded in a Ford Explorer V8 AWD that got 16-17 MPG & Im now getting 22 plus MPG for my daily driving. Never used the AWD & the V8 to its fullest potential, so it wont be missed. The Terrain is very quiet and the Pioneer sound system is one of the best Ive ever heard. Cant say anything negative about the Terrain so far.

  • Reliable but junk! - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I drive 40,000 miles a year, and I will say that this is a reliable vehicle but the good ends there. when my full size Ford F-150 4x4 gets better mileage there is definitely something wrong here. I averaged slightly under 20 mpg over the coarse of 35,000 miles. driving gravel roads the cab fills with dust and i gave up cleaning the interior. i have the 3.0L v-6 and it is gutless, absolutely no power. also I am 6 1" and head room is non- existent. I have no idea why people like this vehicle for anything besides the looks. the seats are rock hard, cruise control acts goofy, I hate the way the transmission shifts, climate control doesnt work the way it should.

  • Love my Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I have had my Terrain for 4 months now, and the more I drive it the more I fall in love with it. Its comfortable, and really makes me feel secure while on the road. The room in the backseat makes hauling passengers a breeze.

  • Great Car - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Ive been driving the fully loaded 6 cyl model for almost 10,000 miles, and my wife and I both love it. Weve gotten a lot of (favorable) comments. The ride is great, the fuel economy has been just as advertised, and the NAV system, Bluetooth, and other features are great. Ive had a couple of minor issues, but the dealer was able to take care of them with no problems. Id recommend this car to anyone looking gfor a small SUV.

GMC Terrain Reviews By Year:
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