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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  Really Disappointed in my Terrain... - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By sllmd0202 - February 4 - 7:26 pm

  My husband and I bought the 2011 GMC Terrain about a year ago. In the last six months, its been in the shop twice now. The first time was for an electrical issue...a terminal in the back of the car had corroded causing it to pull power on the ignition and drain the battery. It took the dealership almost two weeks to diagnose and fix. Then, six months later it would start but anytime you gave it gas, it would cut off. Still in the shop after two weeks with no answer. As both my husband and I being prior Toyota owners, I definitely regret buying this car. I should have kept with Toyota. Just an overall bad experience.

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  very disapointed - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By lapitino - December 21 - 6:06 pm

  I am very unhappy with my 2011 model. It is less than one year old and only has 15,000 miles on it. In the last two weeks it has been in for repair 3 different times. It has gone in for multiple issues, 2 out of 3 are yet to be fixed. I have been in a rental car for a total of 12 days now. My fear is that this is a sign of things to come. I plan to ask for a replacement vehicle or I will absolutely be contacting the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Did I mention the gas mileage it NOT what was advertised??

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  Stay away from the I-4 2.4L engine!!! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By wrusprod - November 5 - 4:21 pm

  There is a major issue with the 2011 I-4 engine.. with a rattling startup noise. Any GM vehicle with this engine has the problem, Chevy Equinox, Buick Regal..etc... intermittant Rattling noise on startup, stalling, engine codes, poor MPG, bucking transmission.. and GM has been playing guinea pigs with all the owners who keep taking back to the dealer for repair of the rattling noise..almost a year with this issue and still no solution...STAY AWAY FROM THE I-4!

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  Where is the gas mileage? - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By jess736 - September 19 - 6:53 pm

  We purchased a 4 cyl Terrain earlier this year. We like the vehicle overall but are very disappointed with the 21.6 MPG average over the first 9000 miles of driving. Most of the driving is on the freeway. Even on a long trip the best ever on a tank of gas was 23.5mpg. The main reason for us selecting the Terrain over other SUVs was the advertised mileage. We really feel we were scammed. I know that the EPA mileage to be questionable but to exaggerate the numbers by over 33% is almost criminal. Of course the salesman sold us on the 32 MPG but after talking to the service techs they tell me that there is no way that this vehicle can get more that 23 to 24 MPG. Of course now that we ha

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  Gas Mileage Is Terrible - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By mjhow - June 26 - 8:02 pm

  We looked at Hondas, Mazdas and Toyotas. We finally chose the GMC Terrain based upon its size, design and most importantly it 22/32 gas mileage. I live in the South Carolina low country which is quite flat. I took the GMC on two trips to Florida on flat 4 lane easy roads. One to Tampa and one to Jacksonville from Hilton Head Island. Gas mileage to and from Tampa averaged 22-23 miles per gallon, not 32 miles per gallon. While on one trip I made various tests to determine that it is virtually impossible to get 32 miles per gallon. The closest you get is driving under 60 miles an hour on an easy Interstate with no A/C. City mileage is equally as terrible. Do not buy this for gas mileage.

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  Buy something else - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By londregan - June 23 - 9:50 pm

  I just read a review where the writer complained of engine issues/camshaft solenoid issues. I had the same exact problem with my 2011 Terrain. Six and a half weeks after driving it, the engine began to hesitate to a stall. I took it in for service and I was told it was the solenoid. A week later it happened again and I was told the mechanic didn’t attached a hose right. I have 5000 miles on the truck and I am still not getting anywhere near 30 mpg as stated on the fuel mileage. I am driving 55 mph on the highway with cruise control, and eco mode on. Is my engine breaking in still, or is it safe to assume I got a Lemon? Do yourself a favor and buy a Toyota or Honda.

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  2010 GMC Terrain - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By baja2011 - February 15 - 4:26 pm

  First Off, we decided to buy the 4 cylinder over the 6, cause we thought we would get the 32-35 mpg on the highway. we are lucky if we get 24 mpg on the highway even with the ECO mode enabled and nitrogen in the tires. The dealership were acting like these terrains are the hottest selling vehicle on the market, but when you get inside-just a lot of shaped plastic parts and dash and bright red interior at night. Im not impressed with this vehicle at all and the price we paid for it. Very Disappointed in this Vehicle. We will not buy another terrain.

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  Never Again - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Never again - August 5 - 8:12 pm

  Worst engine noise ever - told it is normal. Road noise even with noise cancellation system awful. Nice to look at - not to drive. Gas mileage disappointing. Hate red dash lights and bright chrome in center of dash. GMs answer was sell it, turn the radio up and/or it is only noise get over it. Fuel injectors, fuel pump, valve lifters - sounds like a diesel. Loyal GM owner for 40 plus years - never again.

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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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  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