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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  Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By HappyOwner - July 18 - 9:48 pm

  My Terrain has worked great for me. I have about 2500 miles driven. I am a 62", 375 pound guy who has an artificial leg on one side & a big brace on the other leg. So I needed a car that had great leg room, head room, and belly room. Also needed to set high off ground so getting in & out was easy. The Terrain was my best choice after looking at about 30 different SUVs. It is working great. It has good second row room,& plenty of space in back for big load of groceries or luggage. I also like the smaller size. I have a lift on the back hauling a scooter. I can still fit in parking spaces. I highly recommend it for people needing lots of room up front - it had more than even the biggest SUVs

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  Gms finest! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By michelle - July 15 - 6:54 pm

  I love this vehicle, better than any other car that i have ever owned!

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  Wheres my old suv? - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By debbie - July 14 - 9:59 pm

  If I had it to do all over again I would never have traded my envoy, the get up an go of the terrain has never got up to my expectations I had a 8 cyl and now have a 6 cyl. No power! And gas is no better than my 8 cyl. Anyone thinking about buying a terrain think twice! Ive never been as unhappy as now, so if you see my 2005 envoy, please tell it to come back home!

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  After the break in period - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By sage4711 - July 6 - 8:27 pm

  I now have 4k and the rig is running well. I am getting 27.4 mpg on the highway (at 74 mph). This includes mountain pass ups and down. City Im averaging 17.5 to 20.1. So far I am happy with the performance of this rig. I have the SLE-1 AWD. Hope this helps those of you that are not experiencing decent mpg yet.

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  6 Month Follow-Up - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Mooseclan - July 6 - 6:06 pm

  Ive now driven my Terrain about 8500 miles, and I have had no problems whatsoever. I can get 32 MPG on highway trips with regular 87 octane gas when I try (real calculated value, not just what the onboard computer states - although it agrees), but I average about 26 MPG on mixed daily commute of about 40 miles. For do-it-yourselfers who change your own oil, be advised you will need a special low-profile socket (about $5.00 online order). The cartridge oil filter is for agile, small hands but manageable. Ride and handling undiminished over the first 6 months. Runs like a top, but its not a muscle car. With four adult passengers, you can notice the change in shifting points.

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  SLE2 FWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By gmcowner - July 2 - 10:37 am

  Extremely smooth and quiet. Previously owned a 2door Honda Civic. I needed an SUV, but wanted the best gas mileage. After 3 months, 6500 miles, mostly city driving, Ive averaged 22 MPG. Ive done some long road trips, which have not averaged above 27 MPG. I dont count on the dashboard fuel economy- I record and do my own calculating. Even though the mileage seems low on the highway, I am extremely satisfied with the city, which is the main driving for the car anyway.

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  Awesome,, but a couple of annoyances - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Azbrent - July 1 - 1:58 pm

  The gas mileage is about 19 mpg, with city and highway driving. The fact that the pax seat is not available in power is annoying. It doesnt bother my wife but when I sit in it , it sits too high. No one touch power windows! Come on this is the top of the line model! The turning is awful. I had a Ford Edge before this and I thought that was bad, I didnt realize how good I had it. The 19 inch chrome wheels are sweet, however I worry about some thug stealing the center cover piece that goes over the lug nuts. It is chrome and has the GMC insignia and just snaps off. I can see it falling off if you bump a curb. The vehicle is very popular, hard to find in stock anywhere. Paid 35k loaded

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  Needs more storage space - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JR - July 1 - 1:28 pm

  Have had the Terrain for only couple days but have noticed already the lack of storage space or bins. The spare tie takes up the rear storage under the flooring, the glove box doesnt have a lock and could use air vents for the rear seat passengers. These are minor details but should be passed on tho others. I traded a Hyundai Santa Fe for this and that vehicle more storage space/bins and lockable glove box.

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  Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By LT3391 - June 28 - 6:12 pm

  I chose the Terrain over the Honda CR- V. I really like the back up camera the spaciousness of the interior. It is hard to get used to the lock/unlock button on the control panel instead of on the door. Very pleased with my purchase.

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  Disappointed - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tonya - June 27 - 10:27 am

  The overall review for this vehicle is Poor and not well thought out!. It is 2010 and why this vehicle do not have dual air control and a rear air vent is very surprising! If the vehicle had an option to change the red dash board lights, I probably could overlook everything else. I do not drive my vehicle at night because of the red lights. Q&A must not have been done on this vehicle during night time.