GMC Terrain Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.98/5 Average
362 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 321 through 330 of 362.00
  • Best car I ever owned - this is my second one!! - 2017 GMC Terrain
    By -

    The Terrain not only stands out for its looks, but it drives great, is dependable, comfortable, offers great features, and is decent on gas. I loved my first one so much that I got a new one. I did look at a few other vehicles, but none in the same class even compare. I have owned almost every make of car out there and the GMC Terrain has been the only one I ever considered owning a second time around!

  • LOVE IT! - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I was worried about going from a Tahoe to a smaller suv but the Terrian sold me. My husband and I love it and so does everyone that sees it. The interior and exterior design is great. I was looking at the Equinox but GMC just looks better. Its no wonder its hard to find one. I am very pleased with it and enjoy driving it everyday!

  • Love It - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I purchased the SLT-2, AWD, V6 Terrain, and I absolutely love it. I previously drove a GMC Envoy and Ford Explorer, and this SUV is by far my favorite after only 1 month of driving it. The interior is extremely comfortable, and the locations of all of the controls are perfect for me. The Edmunds review says that the ride gets a little rough with the 19" wheels, but I have to disagree. I did get the 19" wheels, and I do not notice a difference in the ride. I am so glad I purchased this vehicle! It has to be my favorite purchase out of the 9 vehicles I have owned so far.

  • Excellent Vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I tested all of the newer Crossovers out there, and when I drove the Terrain, that was it. The handling and the feel felt like a much larger vehicle, and the room in the back seat is uncomparable. It has plenty of power, cant believe it is a 4 cylinder. This vehicle is great to drive, easy to get in and out, and holds all of my things that I travel around with. Work in outside sales and I just love this vehicle. Hooked up my bluetooth and this is just what I needed. Great job GM.

  • Great 4 cyl SUV from GM - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Just picked up a Terrain a couple of days ago. Ive put about 200 miles on it already, and its a great vehicle. My last two cars were foreign, and I fully expected this purchase to be foreign as well, but GM has put together an SUV that rocks its class (Rav4, CRV, Rogue, Santa Fe, etc). I bought the FWD, 4cyl SLE. It comes standard with 3-way power seats, XM Satellite Radio, a backup camera with a 110 degree wide-angle view. The vehicle seats 5 and is fairly punchy for a 4cyl. I had a 4cyl Nissan Altima previously, and this vehicle is comparable off the line. Most important for me however is the 22mpg city/32mpg highway that the Terrain gets, with SUV size & comfort.

  • Oil burner! Avoid! - 2017 GMC Terrain
    By -

    2.4L Ecotec engine consumed 3 quarts of oil in the first 3600 miles! Oil minder read 87% life, yet when I checked the dipstick before a trip it read no oil. Added 1 quart still no reading, added 2nd quart, still no reading, added 3rd quart, dipstick read 1/2 to full line. Engine requires full synthetic "Dexos" spec 5w-30 motor oil. GM has known of the issue with oil consumption of this engine for many years, has issued a Technical Service Bulletin requesting dealers to document excessive oil consumption, then authorizes installation of new pistons and rings. 2011 documented as worst model year. Uninformed owners running the engine low on oil are not warned of the deficiency, the engines timing chains and guides fail, the lack of lubrication takes its toll on bearings and parts depending on sufficient oil to cool and lubricate them. Engines can fail or seize creating a significant safety hazard. Internet search this issue, many horror stories. If failure occurs out of warranty or you are the second owner you are on your own...Where is the outrage?

  • 2010 GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    The wife and I are now expecting and we needed to trade in the Mustang GT for something a little more child friendly. We researched online and drove many vehicles before we decided on the Terrain. Perfect size. By far best looking SUV in its class. Great power for a 2.4 but a big difference from the GT in driving excitement and surprisingly not much difference in mileage. Highway trips in the GT 22- 24 and around town at 19mpg. So far the Terrains best is 23.5 on a 300 plus mile trip! The worst was 20.1 around town. Doesnt look like the stated mileage will even be close. Keep in mind, this is with my wife driving(Sunday driver).

  • Great vehicle, Impressively Roomy - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I had been looking at Compact SUVs and a variety of cars for a few years now, and finally settled in on the Terrain. Im a bigger guy, 6 4", 290lbs, and I was amazed by how comfortable I am in the car. I could actually stand to put the front seat up a little bit from the farthest back it goes. Passengers were impressed with the room in the back seat as well. The amenities are very nice in the car, and works out to be better pricing than to try to get a feature-heavy Equinox. The 4 cylinder engine carries itself well. You wont confuse it with a Camaro, but it does good with acceleration and I have no complaints. Overall, Im very happy with the purchase--great job GM!

  • roomy option with good mileage - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    replaced beloved Mazda 3. Needed more room for growing teenage boys. Like the interior, sound system, ride and handling. Looked at many makes and models, thought I wanted an Equinox, but dealer got in this Terrain with the features I wanted...absolutely love it!

  • ealry review - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    impressive look for its class. Can the interior red light be dimmed? The red lighting of the interior should be a choice not a standard Maybe a button ala ford focus to change the color should be thought about. mine is 6cyl awd

GMC Terrain Reviews By Year:
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