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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  Loving it! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Gran 1 - September 13 - 2:46 pm

  Traded in 2005 Cadillac CTS -- Terrain runs "rings" around comfort; smoother more quiet ride; and 4 cyl. feels like 6 or above. This is my "dream" vehicle and Im very happy. Also have 2003 Chevy Venture and this is much smoother and more stable. XOXOXOX

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  SLT 2 6 Cyl Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By kelpie99 - July 6 - 8:13 pm

  When I went shopping for a new SUV, the Terrain had so many more features then the rest of the pack, that the purchase was a no brainer. I like that the navigation system is constantly updated and no disc is required. The car is quiet and feels solid. No rattles or noises at all. The interior leather and plastics are well done and of much higher quality then the GMs of the past.

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  poor investment - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By ROBERT - May 24 - 3:13 pm

  the car rides rough, phone has a hollow sound, and the fuel economy does not do close to the sticker 32mpg.the car on highway at 55mph will only get 25.3 far cry from 32. would never buy another. car way over priced.

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  Ticking noise - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By peter gould - January 26 - 12:43 am

  Has any one out there herd a noise like a ticking comeing from the front of the moter of a 4 banger Terrian SLT2 when you first start up in the morning and later on in the day when the engin is hot you may hear it if you walking bay the front end well it is still running.a ticking noise on the four banger.It sounds like a valve lifter noise when you my hear it. Thanks

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  Second Terrian and loving it - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By michael Marcus - December 10 - 4:20 am

  Shop around on the internet to find the best price available for the particular model you want before you negotiate with dealership for further reduction. Prices do vary I have noticed from dealership to dealership. I traded in my 2015 owned since 2014 Terrain SLE1 for my new 2016 Terrain SLE2. Most noticeable upgrade on the 4cyl engine is the power. Truly impressed. Gave it about 17 more horse power, you can feel the difference in acceleration on highways. Backup camera made improvements as well especially for parking. On my SLE2 model GMC to access Virtual Advisor feature, on you say OnStar command, I finally figured this out, GM didnt know and OnStar told me NYS discontinued this feature, not true. Im a happy camper about this again. Car interior is also quieter than previous model. Styling upgrade although modest makes a nice statement especially with the new LED lights and redesigned hood. Not sure why Edmunds is down on this model but it is a well priced, beautifully made, nice riding SUV. I am very happy now owning my second one. I would not have done this if I were unhappy with my first one. Remember I own I dont lease. Not into throwing my money away . It doesnt grow on trees in my house. One more thing MPG is lower in city then advertised but show me one that isnt. Getting about 16 MPG city right now but should go up once its broken in, highway havent done a trip yet, but based on other terrain I had Im expecting about 28 MPG not using ECO button. Another nice thing why I could trade in my 2015 after owning it for 18 months was trade in value, seems it maintained its value well enough to afford me the opportunity to buy the newer model, reset the warranties, get a new SUV with no miles and once again start over again. How much is that worth when you invest your savings? Another consideration when considering this SUV.

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  HOT IN THE BACK SEAT! - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Betty - December 4 - 11:35 am

  No air vents in the back seat. You have to freeze in the front in order for the back seat to have air. HOT HOT HOT...IT IS AN SLT. ITS NOT THE CHEAPEST TERRAIN. BUT IS IS HOT IN THE BACK.

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  Snowy rear end - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Countryfolk - November 21 - 9:52 am

  When traveling on snow covered roads, all the rear lights become snow covered. Was almost rear ended due to following car unable to see any brake lights. I drive back country roads delivering meals on wheels and have to constantly brush snow off all brake lights. Very frustrating. I noticed that the Chevy equinox also has this problem.

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  Gmc - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By Jim - October 28 - 10:53 pm

  Great mid size suv

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  American styling & technology wins - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Terri Thomas - October 27 - 2:33 am

  Love this car - just shifts a bit slowly, used to my Nissan Rogue smoothe transitioning gears

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  Terrain SLT2 6 cylinder - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jimbilly - August 27 - 9:43 am

  Overall a really great vehicle. Im very proud its an American product. They have it 95% right. If GM would only give just a little more thought to the small appointments....coin holder, LED lighting, universal door opener, power passenger seat, maybe a storage drawer on the dash, sunglasses holder, make the cupholder insert removable so it can be cleaned. To GM designers: If you think people do not notice these things, you are crazy. Throw $500 more into these vehicles and give us what we want!