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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  Gas mileage blues - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By cecilp - December 13 - 5:00 pm

  Traded a 2000 Yukon (bought new) to better gas mileage. Have less than 300 miles since delivery and the gas mileage stinks. Only getting 16 MPG in town, have not had it on a trip yet. Data center shows average speed of 33.7 MPH. Anyone else having gas mileage issues? Comofrt is ok with the exception on seat edges while getting out of vehicle, and rear doors are hard to shut. Ride is good and firm and handling is great and the and style is otasite. XM radio is awesome but gas mileage has got to go. If the satisfaction return was still available Id take er back in a flash.

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  Great Bailout Plan! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tomcat - September 5 - 1:10 am

  Enjoy this truck, despite having used a p/u for most of my driving life. With this truck, I get out, not climb up&out. Has a decent traffic presence and forward view. Ive had this Jimmy for 2 weeks and have 2600 miles, driving 4 hrs/200 m round trip while getting 28mpg. Adequate power for hills and stop lights and great brakes. Overall happy with this truck. Hard to keep my wife out of drivers seat! Complaints? The climate control wont settle on heat or cooling; it overcompensates (due to cabin t-stat location?). At 6, 238, I find the seat way too narrow for extended comfort; the lower seatback seems non- existent, causing a slumped posture. Very intrusive blind-spots!

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  I Cant Believe I Bought American! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JSB - August 22 - 1:16 am

  After driving imports for a number of years, I stumbled across the 2010 GMC Terrain. Despite serious reservations about American quality, the style and design of the Terrain caught my attention. Bold exterior styling sets the Terrain apart from gang of crossover clones. The interior is remarkably well done. Being 63" , sufficient leg and head room are often a problem. The Terrain is the first vehicle offering room to spare. The technology is first rate. Radio, DVD, navigation and bluetooth interface work well. In fact, systems interact almost seamlessly. he Terrain is quiet and comfortable.. Power is adequate. Fit and finish could still improve. Overall a great American Car!

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  Great vehicle, deep bucket seats - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dallasterrain - August 22 - 12:00 am

  Weve had it for one week. Overall, great vehicle. Live in Dallas, rolling hills, mostly one driver. Got 23.5 mpg on first tank in combined driving. Seats contoured like bucket seats make it a little difficult getting out, but seats are wide and comfortable even for an older widebody. Also a tad on the firm side. Pick-up is amazing for a 4 cylinder. Plenty of power for our purposes. Cant tell its a 4 unless heavy acceleration onto frwy. Got just the basic vehicle, very impressed with interior layout. Seems like a couple steps above your basic vehicle. Above average sound from standard radio. Its a quiet and comfortable cruiser on the interstate. Recommend it to anyone.

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  2010 GMC Terrain SLE-1 4cyl FWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Mooseclan - July 29 - 8:43 am

  Ive had it for three weeks, and have no complaints; its exactly what I expected based on reviews and research. During this 3 week time, weve had two major (20"+) snowstorms, and the handling was fine on snow covered roads. It doesnt go through and over snow like a sno-cat, but it handles well enough; starting and stopping well while driving sensibly. With the smaller engine, its no powerhouse, but its more than adequate; getting all of its rated mileages both highway and city. Dry road handling is much more like a larger car, but with the advantages of a smaller one. Its quiet and smooth, feeling like a high-end Yukon, but much more nimble and agile.

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  SLT-1 with 3.0 Engine - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By erj - June 21 - 3:36 am

  Very comfortable to drive, although a bit stiff on some roads. Quiet, sound system is excellent, love the USB capability (just set up thumb drive from your PC). After 2K miles, mileage on typical commute is about 21 mpg (DIC says 22.4, its wrong). Getting used to automatic downshift on glide to stop (kicks in at 45 and 35 mph). Big issue is the dead spot at about 35 mph when you want to accelerate into freeway traffic (a brief delay, then the engine kicks in). Visibility to the back corners not good. Went with Terrain since the trim levels were better aligned for me than the Equinox (for 3 months, couldnt find an Equinox anywhere close to my specs). Styling evokes strong responses!

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  RJ - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By RJ - May 26 - 7:00 pm

  I like the Terrain, rides nice and feels like a more expensive vehicle. Still getting used to the "reverse" camera.

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  Love the Terrian, but.... - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dkoontz - May 5 - 7:23 pm

  Have had my Terrian for about 6 weeks and have driven 2200 miles so far. Overall, the vehicle exceeds my expectations. It seems well built, solid and quiet on the road, and is loaded with features. A great value! My one concern (and its a big one) is highway MPG. With the 4 cylinder, the Terrain is EPA rated at 22 City/32 Highway. So far my "local" mileage has been acceptable, in the 24-26 MPG range however my highway mileage hasnt been any better at 26. My primary reason for picking the Terrain was its best in class highway mileage, but so far its not meeting expectation. Hopefully, Ill see improvements in the future as the engine gets more broken in.

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  New car 3 weeks old - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By SWB - May 2 - 3:53 am

  I love It!! GM Needs to hype it more! I would be glad to be the spokesman I drive round trip about 80 miles per day. So far an awesome car! Very spacious & comfortable.

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  worst car ever - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jocelyne - April 28 - 9:15 am

  Worst car I ever have bought this 2010 terrain in 2014 since I bought this car it being nothing but problem I greatly regretted put my money in this gmc terrain