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 Terrain with V6 AWD - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By paul - June 26 - 5:50 pm

  This is quite simple, drive it then buy it. This is an extra vehicle in our household. We could afford to buy almost anything on wheels but decided on this because of the styling, ride etc. GM surpassed my expectations. Why couldnt GM have built these type of vehicles years ago??

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  Worth a look - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By outn99 - February 14 - 8:03 am

  My wife and I stumbled across this vehicle. Had problems with previous SUV, came home on a weekend from military duty and bought the Terrain. We needed a car right then. Wanted a Hybrid for mileage purpose; however, dealer said we would not be disappointed, and they were right. Nice ride, comfortable, quiet, you need to upgrade from base model to really get the true vehicle. Price is right, especially for the size and mileage. Got the SLT and it has all the options we were looking for.

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  Just purchased Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jaybone - January 14 - 3:33 am

  Just purchased my Terrain a week ago I got a SLE AWD with the 2.4L ecotec. I am so impressed with this suv, It drives like a way more expensive vehicle. The 4 cylinder is very smooth and powerful this motor was rated top 10 engines in wards best engine awards. It is very quiet inside with none of the squeeks and rattles of the older GM products. I highly recommend this suv after owning Audis and other high quality cars I have to say the Terrain is on par with them if not better! Hope GM keeps up the good work with my bailout money.

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  We picked it over the Equinox - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Scottyyyc - December 12 - 6:43 am

  All the reviews say the Nox is cheaper, but based on the options I wanted (SLT1), you need to step up to the fully loaded Equinox to get some of the same stuff (like leather), which was $2K more. We also found the GM to have the classier interior vs the Chev (albeit slightly). Might be a Canada thing. Just boils down to preference and looks. For us, the Terrain was the better fit and value. Fantastic vehicle though - well executed throughout (and this is coming from a lifetime Honda fan who swore never to buy a GM). Flexible, comfortable, quiet, and compliant. GM sure has stepped up here.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Kimberx3 - November 17 - 6:51 am

  This is the worst car Ive ever owned! So many problems! Transmission replaced at 101,000 miles. Constantly burning through oil, blew a hole in the transfer case, chugging and during at stop lights, have replaced a rotor 6 times in the past 3 years. Getting rid of this vehicle the first chance I get!!

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  Great all around vehicle - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Kista T - October 28 - 4:55 pm

  you will not be disappointed with the performance or appointments of the GMC Terrain. We drove a Tahoe for many years with children and pets, and looking for a downsize without the small car feel. THIS TERRAIN FITS THE BILL. I do not feel like I am driving in a small SUV, I feel comfort and space I did not notice in many competitors while test driving and comparison shopping. Again, I have been extremely pleased with our selection and looking forward to years of service out of our GMC.

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  Satisfied With my Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Terrain - July 5 - 10:16 am

  I purchased my SLT-2, 2.4L 4-cyl on December 11. I have been very well pleased with it for the first 1,000 miles. The 4-cyl has been real good for me and I am getting 22 MPG on mostly city driving. I havent been on the road yet. I would rate the vehicle overall a 9.5. The only problem I have had so far is in very cold weather, the ignition key would not turn off in the last notch so the key could be removed. The dealer has found a defective sencer and has ordered one from GM.

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  2010 Terrain/AWD/V-6 - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Bob - June 11 - 11:33 am

  We have owned this vehicle for over 6 weeks and we are very disappointed in the gas mileage. With only 1100 miles so far the best hwy mileage is 17.8. We like the exterior style very much with lots of positive comments coming from strangers. The drivers seat is of the most comfortable seat I have had in a long time. The negatives are: no power passenger seat, no garage door link opener, back-up camera in the rear view mirror is a distraction, no dual heat controls and I cant get used the door lock on the dash. We like the looks and driving the vehicle very much.

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  almost perfect - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By DWD - June 8 - 8:53 am

  Bought in late sept,wanted 4 cyl but wife fell for the 6 cyl with 19" chrome wheels. Overall love vehicle, drives nice on hwy, quiet, comfortable.Only disappointment is fuel economy, maybe only 15mpg city, 24mpg hwy. The more I read about the 6 the less I like it. I believe they made a mistake with this new engine. Hope im proven wrong. Does have good power and can tow 3500 lbs.

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  So glad i got this - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JA - May 27 - 11:23 pm

  Was looking at small SUVs to get because I needed AWD or 4WD since I live near the great lakes. This truck is my favorite car i have ever purchased. Now I know why they say GMC fans are the most loyal. Decent acceleration for a 4 cyclinder, very interesting and unique and cool interior. Good stock sound system, great handling. I could go on and on. If your thinking about purchasing a small SUV, be sure to check out the Terrain. I was going to buy a Ford Escape Limited, but the Terrain was FAR nicer. It was incomparable how much nicer the GMC was, Its hard to believe they are in the same class.