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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  2010 GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John Paul - December 1 - 9:40 am

  Every Two years I purchase a new car and in 2009 I purchased the Terrain based Two test drives in a V-6,styling and overall appearance. After checking many sources I decided to get the Four cylinder because of the better gas mileage. Well did I make a big mistake. I have taken Three trips over 400 miles each and the best mileage I got was around 25 MPG. My 2008 Taurus X with a V-6 got almost the same thing on trips. I seen ads they say you can get 600 miles on a tank of gas but I can only get 400 or so.

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  Hope it holds up - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Julia - November 28 - 7:03 am

  Locks on vehicle replaced after 1 month, carpet replaced because of poor installation (carpet is not secure where it meets under the dash, the dealer told me they all come like this but it looks very cheap and of poor craftmanship never had a car with carpet like this). Not to sure this car handles well in the snow, it seems to slide a lot. Interior roof of car was detatching had to have them secure it. Not to happy about spending time at the Gmc dealership and put in a cheap rental after the purchase on a brand new vehicle.

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  Nice Vehicle HWY Mileage Disappointing - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By PM - August 25 - 1:40 pm

  We have had our Terrain for about six weeks and have just over 2000 miles. We got the Terrain over the Equinox because my wife liked the styling better. We ordered a 4 cylinder because of the calimed fuel economy. Overall the vehicle is great but after taking two road trips we have averaged only 22-23 mpg with very conservative driving. Around town we are getting from 20 - 22 mpg. Otherwise the vehicle drives well and is maneuverable and is a vast improvement over the Torrent. My wife is very happy with it. If our mileage continues to disappoint I will regret not getting a V6. Im hoping the mileage improves with break in and after the first oil change.

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  Love it but already a problem 2 weeks in - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Lisa - August 8 - 10:46 pm

  It rides great had a Jeep Liberty Limited and the Terrain feels like a car more than SUV. Very Happy with the features however with in two weeks have a service issue the power lift gate will not open. Went back to dealership and they had problem because its so new they really didnt know why it was not working, they dug in and were able to find a bulletin but unable to get it to work. So now I have a great ride but can not access the back. Very sick feeling. They are ordering a new modular to have on hand so when they really dig into it they think they can fix it. :( sure hope it comes fast. This is not the way I wanted to start my new ownership.

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  Great SUV for the $$$ - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By Zack Rubin - July 17 - 2:44 pm

  First let me run down down my list of vehicles, in order, leading up to the Terrain : Lexus IS, VW Touareg, VW Passat, Infiniti G35, BMW 335D, Terrain. I traded in the BMW (40MPG and a lot of power). I wanted to get back into an SUV, as I missed my Touareg the most. I did some poking around, some test driving, and ended up at GMC. Ive never bought American and Im so far thrilled with my purchase. The one thing I miss, obviously speed and pickup, is easily justifiable by the comfort and convenience of my car. I bought the SLE. Theres no nav, and its missing some power options that I really dont need (seats that Ill never change and a sunroof Ill never use). The entertainment system is great. I just plug my phone in and everything I want to do I can do verbally through the car or my phone. Play Spotify, Navigate here (I use Google maps off my phone and it projects very nicely on my display), Text my friend this, etc. The design is sleek, the interior extremely comfortable and the ride incredible smooth. Go give it a test drive, you wont be disappointed.

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  Its worth the look - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By slt 1 - June 23 - 9:10 pm

  I have had my terrain for a week 4 cylinder has great power trans shifts great.1st tank 22.5 city and highway. 2nd tank averaged 26. Pleasantly surprised with the quality after being in a bmw for years gm has really stepped up their game!

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  BEST SUV EVER BUILT FOR THE MONEY - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By MW_NY - June 19 - 5:20 am

  This vehicle is unreal. I test drove 12 cars before going with this one. The 4 cyl model drives like a 6 cyl car with all the benefits of a 4 cyl sedan gas mileage. I am getting around 25 mpg in the NYC / Metro area, which is pretty good but not the 32 mpg they boast. It took me 3 months to get this car and it was well worth it. There is NO car that comes close for all the features it contains. I would recommend only the SLE-2 and not the SLE-1. There is a big difference in the amenities and the seat cushions between both. I previously drove a BMW X3 and the amenities on this car are better and the drive is comparable. GMC really did a great job with this car. Get the 18 inch wheels

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  Absolutely Incredible - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By KiK - April 30 - 12:23 am

  This vehicle is amazing. Purchased it the week it came out fully loaded. This vehicle catches everyones attention, I have people constantly complimenting the vehicle and/or asking what it is. The 19" chrome wheels do take some of the smooth ride out, but nothing too serious. Especially if youre mainly driving on pavement, which most people will I am sure.

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  I love this vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By vcook7 - December 17 - 9:50 pm

  We bought a SLT-2 v6 and we couldnt be happier with it. We shopped around for a while before we settled on this one. We looked at a dodge Journey (not impressed at all) a buick enclave (way to pricey)a Ford Escape ( nice but didnt have the features that the terrain has) and a Chevy Equinox ( also nice but compared to the the terrain it just felt cheap). No one could match the quality, price, warranty, and EMG of the Terrain.

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  0 to 60 in a week - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By lauren billagio - December 15 - 10:40 am

  Buy a six cylinder. This is a bad ass looking vehicle but the four cylinder doesnt cut it. When merging onto the freeway and pressing the gas pedal firmly it makes all of the right sounds but doesnt actually do anything. I am disappointed in that. The test drive was in a semi-congested city setting where pep doesnt matter so it was wasnt noticed. It also has a fairly wide turning radius which surprised me. I traded a Honda Pilot in for this Terrain. The Pilot was much larger but had a smaller turning radius. As much as I like the looks of this car I rate drivability low. The interior is appointed fairly well and everything is easy to work but the lack of pep distracts from that. The seat are comfortable on long rides. It is a great vehicle for driving around town but isnt really a joy on the freeway.