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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  Great SUV, Poor fuel economy - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By qantor - March 30 - 9:46 pm

  Its kind of a mix feeling. Really like this SUV, but when I see the not so good 19 mpg (city) Im getting then Im less happy with my purchase. And I must say that this “mpg” Im getting is by applying an Ultra-low pressure on the gas pedal...so low that my feet is nearly shaking, imagine the mpg I would get with normal pressure on the gas pedal. I’m really afraid this summer when I’ll have to push the A/C button... My wife Jeep Compass has way better fuel economy with her "aggressive" driving style.

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  THIS IS THE BEST! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rOBIN - March 28 - 5:33 am

  I am absolutely beside myself with this SUV. Gmc, way to go. I have pride again in the American made vehicle. I have owned GMC/Chevys on and off through out the years, my husband & I bought a Honda a few years back. While that is a nice ride it just is not like riding in an American made /designed vehicle this Terrain will put GMC back on top. I just hope it last as long as my Chevy cavalier (132,000) miles I put on that little car. American made and I am in love once again!!! The pick up on the 4 cyl is unbelievable, the peace and quiet once in the veh is wonderful. WAY TO GO GMC! xxo

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  great vehicle to see and drive - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By pjh/rockland - March 27 - 11:16 pm

  had many gm vehicles over the years. sedans suvs. this machine with everything is unbelievable. you got to drive the 4 cyl and be surprised w its performance. everyone who sees this gmc terrain black ext / black leather ( heated ) interior are shocked w/ price and quality compared w their international products. welcome back.

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  Great SUV - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rkt - March 27 - 8:33 pm

  I drove my wifes GMC Terrain today for the first time today over a long distance. It drives and handles fantastically. The leather seats are very comfortable, and have good support everywhere. Steering is quick and responsive, the navigation system works wonderfully. It got me everywhere I was wanting to go on 8 occasions, except for one time, when I fed in the wrong info, and naturally it didnt work right. I still dont know how to use all of the navigation features, but I hardly ever see that car. We havent even owned it for two months yet, and it has over 5200 miles on it. Today, in town 35%, and highway 65%, mileage was a very respectable, true, 26.3 mpg. By the way, my wife loves it

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  Wonderful, Luxurious, Pleasure to drive - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By MZee - March 24 - 12:11 am

  My family love Terrain. We look several others before buy and did quite a bit research but whole family like Terrain. I already drove over 1500 miles in 6 weeks. No issue at all. Getting about 24 MPG in City/Hwy combine. Where ever I go, people give good look to this vehicle and ask about it. Roomy, I am 6’1 and head room is great for me. 2.4 power is ok for me, no issue in merging on Hwy. So quite, comfortable and smooth ride.

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  Good vehicle so far - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By greenfis - March 23 - 1:27 pm

  Traded in an 07 CTS and have been very happy so far. Gas mileage has been 26 mixed with 2+ tanks of gas. Only got 28 on all highway driving on recent trip, was hoping for a few more mpg but still OK. Nice interior with lots more space for my 62" son in the back than the CTS. Cloth seats with the seat heater is very nice. Looked at several small SUVs and this one was the best of the lot comfort-wise with mpg more than 17/22. 4cyl engine is fine and you will get the gas mileage if you are not a lead-foot driver. Mine runs smooth and quiet.

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  Im Impressed - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By brian - March 22 - 11:37 am

  Ive had this vehicle for one week and am so impressed with it that I need to share with everyone. I have always bought Toyota and decided this time would be different, I went American and am getting a sense of pride in driving this perfect vehicle. Im proud to be an American and my car finally expresses it in its quality and performance. I am getting 23.1 miles in the city but have yet to drive on the highway. The looks make people look and the comfort makes me smile. I am finally in a great American car.

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  Very Happy w/ Purchase - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By LarissaMJ - March 18 - 12:41 pm

  Bought vehicle almost 5 months ago and am extremely pleased. My husband did a lot of research. Knowing my needs and little quirks, he thought the Terrain would be a good choice. I drive 25 miles each way to work everyday, mostly highway and little traffic. My MPG has averaged 26, and that is mixed with a lot of around town driving. I have a lead foot too. Sound system is great, I use the Ipod dock since XM not available in Hawaii. I like the ability to get extra power by pressing the ECO button off. Can really tell the difference for a 4 banger. I havent had any problems with this vehicle at 5K miles. Got a "this is really a nice car" complement from 14 yr old sons friend. I have to agree

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  5 Month Road Test - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jim - March 17 - 9:40 pm

  I had this car for close to 5 months. Not a bad thing to say about it. I average 23.1 MPG overall. I drove about 60 miles on a highway, set the cruise control at 60 and got 37.2 MPG according to the vehicle computer, dont know if this is correct but that was what the readout stated. Love the interior and the exterior, I cant believe this is criticized on design. GM has winner if the reliability keeps up. Only time will tell.

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  Hard not to love this car - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Happy GMC Owner - March 17 - 9:13 pm

  This car looks great in black and SLT-2 trim with chrome accents. Two-tone black/titanium interior is striking. I traded in a 2005 Equinox LT/AWD, which was a nice car and had a great V6/5-speed auto drive train. However, the handling, interior, and GAS MILEAGE of the Terrain 4-cylinder are light years ahead of the old Equinox. The navigation system gives you a larger backup camera monitor, but practically requires a training class to understand how to configure to your liking. Still, its worth the $2K+ premium. Best feature of all is the unorthodox styling, which really turns heads.