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:

• 

  Great Car Love my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Brett - April 26 - 11:27 am

  Just Traded in my 2001 Jeep Cheeroke with 92000 Miles Hated to see it go but Wow this car is simply Amazing. I love everytime I get in the car and do not want to leave. IT drives very smoothly and I feel I am in a Escalade but for half the price. GMC built a great car inside and out. I have had this car for only about 3 days and people still ask me wow whats that. Just wish more were around.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Robert Lamb - April 25 - 3:48 pm

  I am 81 years old and super fussy about my vehicles,I purchased my Terrain 2 months ago, took an 800 mile trip and averaged 25.6 mpg. Not too bad, but after reading many reviews, I see that this seems to be the norm. Drove Hondas the past 8 years, although I thought they were very good cars I am glad to get back to American made, it gives me a sense of pride again.

• 

  Horrible Service with Early problems - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By So Disappointed - April 23 - 4:27 pm

  Have only had for 2 months and it died today. Had to be towed to nearest dealership and will take at least 3 days to fix. This was bad enough, but the service from the dealership and the rules GM has in place for rental car meant I went 8 hours without any transportation. Gas mileage nowhere near advertised. Not nearly as spacious storage as I expected. Overall really wish I had went with another vehicle since the gas mileage that made me want this car is not what is advertised. I am getting 24-25 mpg highway and I drive alot(Nearly 4000 miles in 7 weeks ownership). The dealers response to my car breaking down: "Thats why theres a warranty." Not the service I expected from GM.

• 

  Excellent car! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By commonsense.... - April 22 - 5:53 pm

  This car handles very nicely, gives a comfortable and quiet ride, and, so far at least, mileage is better than advertised (33.5 mpg in mixed driving during rush hour, but I am a careful driver). Utilitarian, yet stylish and fun to drive! Lots of room in the back seat.

• 

  Enjoying my new Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Ed - April 22 - 8:34 am

  Overall very pleased with my new vehicle. Traded in Acadia for better milage and newer vehicle with great offer. Very pleased with few exceptions including rear is smaller than I thought (across). Seems they could have done more to make it wider for golf clubs to fit and I miss storage under rear compartment where spare is located. I miss my univerasl remote (foolish not to include this small add on). Four cylinder has enough power for me but wish milage was better on trips even in eco mode. Also why only one month of free onstar. Paid as much for my new LaCrosse and got a year! Still enjoying new Terrain with all its features

• 

  Poor gas mileage - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By cecilp - April 22 - 8:09 am

  Have less than 2000 miles on vehicle. Gas mileage not even close to rated numbers. Reported to dealer and all I get is this "Use the SAME pump at the SAME station with vehicle pointing in the SAME direction with the SAME number of people in vehicle". Is this a crop or what. Here are numbers: Hiway driving (cruise set at 60 MPH) 141.7 mile trip used 9 gallons (thats 15.75 MPG period) City driving 140.2 miles (normal stop and go traffice) with 9 gallons to fill back up (thats 15.58 MPG PERIOD) Dealer says this is not true mileage as there are possiable BUBBLES in tank while filling are fuel pumps regulated and must deliver what is metered out? Instruments say 17 MPG on console

• 

  great car, need more options - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By tommyguy1 - April 14 - 8:08 am

  Like others, no where near the 32 MPG advertised. Still a great car. Wife loves it. MUCH quiter than my 2008 Lexus LS. Would trade the Lexus and get a Terrain for myself if there were options available. GMC missing the boat in not marketing this to empty nester retirees, too! We dont need back seat video, but sure would like power passenger seat, rain sensing wipers, push button keyless start and entry, and that sliding back seat needs to be powered! Its a great idea, but its a bear to move manually. Since auto makers have screwed up the traditional big boat sedans with impossible to load trunks with skinny openings, a vehicle like the Terrain is essential for travel these days.

• 

  Never 100% satisfied - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Lucille Lank - April 7 - 10:04 am

  The only things that I dont like is whenever I put my back windows down and leave my front ones up, it makes a terrible noise. Like Im in a tunnel. I have to put my front window down a bit so not to hurt my ears. My husband says getting in the vehicle is difficult. He has neck problems and cannot bend it comfortably to get in.

• 

  Not too shabby - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By sage4711 - April 4 - 11:55 pm

  Just drove five hundred miles after purchase and it was fun. I did have a lead foot and still averaged 22.6 (with almost an eighty mph average). Fit and finish very good. I love the quiet cabin and usb interface. Rain, snow, ice, rain, and snow all handled by awd wonderfully. Son loved to drive and his friends loved the rear seat. Audio was rated 9 by a bunch of sixteen year olds. Smooth ride with a little road vibration at 75 mph. GMC did well with this rig. I hope reliability holds up. Cargo room could be a few cubes more but no worries. I would not hesitate to buy this CUV it is very smooth and nice.

• 

  Very Happy! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By A.Mayes - April 4 - 10:15 pm

  Me and my wife researched this vehicle and test drove one before we committed to buy one. I am 62" and there is plenty of room for me and my wife, our rear facing car seat fits behind the passenger seat and there is still plenty of room. With our four cylinder we averaged 26 mpg (computer was 1 mpg off), we filled it with premium and got 30 mpg. Very pleased with the mileage and comfort.