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 vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Kory - April 21 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased a Terrain after looking at the Chev Equinox. My wife and I decided on the Terrain because we could get the options we wanted for less than the other. Its been a great vehicle. Wonderful interior and I love the exterior styling. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Bold -- Right for the times - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Clayt - December 30 - 12:16 am

  I did tons of research on all competitors for at least four months before my Envoy lease was up. Drove them all and settled on purchasing (owning)the Terrain. I chose the AWD 4cyl leather seats SLT-1 model. More bang for the buck. Good gas mileage and very comfortable interior.All the Tech stuff is neat. I love the bold/mean exterior look. The vehicle has swagger! My hats off to GMC for building top quality into their vehicles now. I rate the car a No.10. Fit and finish good. The only thing I dont get is why with all the tech stuff built in why GM didnt include a garage door opener. Doesnt make sense. Other than that the SUV is a perfect fit for me.

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  rear entertainment system - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Samantha - November 11 - 4:03 am

  I Love My Terrain. It drives very well and the gas mileage is excellent. What disappoints me is that the rear entertainment system is not being sold. The Terrain is being advertised on television and the brochure states the vehicle has that option, but I when contacted someone at the 1-800 number, I was informed that that option is not available. Why advertise something that doesnt exist? If it is forthcoming, then state that in the advertisement. I am very disappointed, but overall, I Love My Terrain.

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  A Christmas Gift that wasnt worth giving! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tee - November 1 - 2:16 am

  We are warned that "Everything that looks good is not always good for you!" My son surprised me with this vehicle for Christmas 2 years ago. Needless to say, it was an expensive gift that was NOT worth giving. This vehicle will bankrupt you! If you purchased a 2010 GMC Terrain I certainly hope you have a good warranty to go along with it. You will most certainly need it. The Engine in these vehicles are LEMONS! You better buy stock in engine oil as well. Never mind any recommended oil change schedules you are given. Do it every 2,000 miles or you will pay the price. The best thing about that is, the car will warn you around every 2,000 mile interval. The engine begins to rattle when you press on the accelerator. It will begin to cut off on you upon acceleration. It will surge. It will stall and scare the hell out of you. And KEEP YOUR OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS, you will need them when you have to replace the engine...and you will have to replace the engine! They will try to say you did not change the oil according to schedule. Trust me, If I would of waited to do it every 3,000 (or 5,000 as they suggested) miles the engine probably would have caught fire. There have been numerous other issues as well, but the engine issues and the drastic over consumption of oil are the mother of all other issues. BUYER BEWARE! Its a shame too because I like the design, the body style, and the interior cabin space. But the cons far outweigh the pros.

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  Terrain 2010 SLT-2 FWD 6 cylinder - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rfranden - October 15 - 1:10 am

  We picked this vehicle yesterday Its a really Great looking vehicle. Its a little too soon to tell how well itll be in the long run. But everyone we show it to really thinks its great with the chrome 19"wheels and SLT-2 body style. But with the 19"wheels a lot of the smooth ride is gone stay with the smaller wheels for a smoother ride.

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  New car purchase - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John Paul - August 9 - 3:10 am

  Bought new. I bought the 4 cylinder for the gas milage but I get only about 400 miles on a tank of gas on trips. They advertised it to get 600 MPG on atrip. Local I get about 19 MPG.

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  2010 Terrain FWD 6 cylinder - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JOE - July 9 - 6:16 am

  Totally blown away by this vehicle, Ride & handling experience, I went all out and fully loaded with, NAV, DVD you name it we got it everything but AWD. GM hit this one out of the park. A real head turner everyone wondering what it is. Macho, masculine, pug nose bulldog Its an ALL TERRAIN-ING experience driving this vehicle. The 6 cylinder is machismo!!! Equinox is sweet but Terrain is sweeter! Well done GM well done !!

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  Pain of the Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By vols - July 6 - 5:27 pm

  I have never owned a vehicle with this many problems. As soon as all the recalls started to roll out that included this one, I should have known right then to get rid of it. The value has depreciated so badly on it that it is sickening. Been in the shop on a regular basis to have various repairs done that were covered under extended warranty and some that werent. Had the engine practically rebuilt and still have tons of problems with it. The fuel economy is no where near what is advertised for these vehicles either.

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  Patience Pay-off - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By skueez - July 5 - 1:46 am

  Waited 5 months after I heard about this new model to get into one. Should have waited a little longer. Dealership had only SLE1s available, while I wanted SLE2. It lacks key features for me and needs a 6 cyl rather than a 4. Power on cold takeoff doesnt exist. Coming from a 4 cyl turbo, its a bit doggy but thats just personal: no fault of maker. Im getting less than 22mpg after three weeks so thats not good either. Love everything about it otherwise. I wouldnt recommend the SLE1 to music lovers, cellphone users, etc. Sound system is woefully lacking. Backup camera is ok but useless in rain/snow. Go for the SLE2 and higher. You will be absolutely thrilled!

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  MY THIRD TERRAIN! - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By ADRIENNE - April 27 - 7:44 pm

  Someone broadside me after 3 weeks of owning this car and I am driving a Cadillac. Horrible by comparison. Sold my others within minutes of letting others know it was for sale. Car holds its value and I had it before it was popular. Elegant in quick silver which I needed to take around my clients-retro style is classy. The only problem I had, was shopping as a woman even on the Internet. Previously I shopped as a Latin male with no problem. The one GMC dealer in the northern part of Miami Dade County had me come in a fill out the papers for a car they didnt have and then wanted to charge me additional to get it. SO BE AWARE OF ALL DEALINGS.