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 351 through 360 of 362.00
  • I love my new Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Ive had the Terrain for 3 weeks and I have driven it about 2000 miles. I love just about everything about it. Styling, comfort, standard features, fuel economy are all tops. Coming from my Buick,the 4 cylinder engine feels a little sluggish at the starting line, but it does fine on the highway. I was also very pleased when I checked the mileage with the last 2 fill-ups and average mileage was 28.7 mpg. I have the base model, but its packed with about every feature I would want and then some. The standard sound system is great. I have rented the RAV4 and the Tuscon and have an Escape at work. I would definitely recommend the Terrain. GMC has definitely put themselves out front with this model

  • Squealing after 6000 miles - 2016 GMC Terrain
    By -

    So the car overall is awesome. The SUV is spacious and fits my two large dogs just fine. Only concern is recent constant squealing in the back of the vehicle.

  • Tahoe to Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Love the exterior design! Has a lot of pep. Handles well and is fun to drive. A little disappointed that a four cylinder doesnt get better mileage. Averaging 25 mpg. Some cheap interior materials. For the price, thought better quality materials should have been used. Half circle bisected headlight illumination is extremely annoying and limits visibility. Rear seat does not fold flat. Doesnt compare to the quality of my Tahoe, but what I gained in fuel economy ALMOST makes up for it.

  • SLT-2 AWD 3.0 V6 - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Cmon Edmunds! I have to title my review to indicate that I have the 3.0L V6 because the drop down menu selection does not have anything but the 2.4L engine option for all trims!! End of rant. So, I decided to give Government Motors a chance after being discouraged with my brand of choice for over a decade (Toyota) and boy did they come through with this model. Excellent vehicle overall, but watch out for the very poor 6-speed transmission on the 2.4L 4 cylinder - it is a disaster. The V6 is MUCH better in this department - really compare the two when test driving and you will see what I mean. If you care about a smooth drivetrain, the V6 is the only choice. Quality jury still out.

  • way to go gmc - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    Only had my SE2 for one week but boy do I like it. So very quiet and first tank of gas gave 27mpg. According to the on board computer I should achieve about 29mpg on the next fill up. Nice to drive and oh so quiet. The back up camera is absolutely terrific. I only have the 4 cylinder but the engine seems to have plenty of pick up. I may get beat from a stop but after that no trouble keeping up with the pack. Oh, when they stop for gas Ill be miles down the road. This is just a great car.

  • Great Vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I had extensively researched this vehicle for several months before committing to ordering one from the factory. I did a lot of comparisons and believe this beats out all the foreign and domestic competitors. It was interesting to see that some people didnt like the styling over the Equinox, "but to each his own." I think it is a very bold design that sets it apart from others, and my opinion is that it is better looking than many other vehicles and doesnt have the "cookie cutter" styling that so many others have. Lots of compliments. The vehicle has plenty of power with the 4-cylinder engine, and I dont find the 6 speed automatic to have any annoying qualities that some mention.

  • The Best Vehicle GM Makes - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    I have owned this vehicle 3 months and have 5000 miles on it. NOT ONE THING has gone wrong with it! Everything works as advertised. I have not seen the dealer for anything. The sound system is truly incredible. I love the XM radio. I got 34 mpg on a recent highway trip. I love the backup camera and the bluetooth.

  • Fantastic!!!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    We just got home with our new Terrain. We looked at Yukons and Enclaves. We had a Yukon Denali and LOVED IT!!!!!!! This little suv is the little engine that could and DOES! It has stylish looks, a bit agressive. Love the electronics! Wish it had cooled seats like the Enclave and other siblings!We could have spent alot more there was no point. It also has the power to tow our sea doo. Nav system is cool! LOVE IT!

  • GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    This is my work vehicle, as I will drive 30,00 miles per year. Need something with utility. Tested many small/medium SUVs. Own a MBZ ML, so I am tough to please. I love the unique look, and the MPG reports in Edmunds from you all helped to sell it. Bought Mocha Steel with Black Leather, Navigation, Sunroof, SLT-1. Plenty of power in the 4 Cylinder, since gas money is important to me, as well as saving gas. I have already put 3M miles in 3.5 weeks, and never sore! Yes, there is a lot of hard plastic, but for $29,000 ($3,225 less than MSRP) you cannot expect luxury. I have not owned an American car in 22 years, so I hope it holds up to the heavy mileage use, and I expect it will.

  • glad we discovered it. - 2010 GMC Terrain
    By -

    We have been looking for quite a while. We checked out EVERYTHING, even the lux brands. There seemed to be no good values out there. The only quality we found was in the very expensive price range. Because of past experience, we didnt even consider buying American. Then we saw a Terrain add, did online searches and read reviews. After visiting the dealer and test driving, we were sold on a SLT-2. Drives solid, quiet, and handles better than the foreigners. The interior is functional, spacious and beautiful. The exterior is cutting edge, macho, yet elegant. The chrome wheels rock. I was glad to suppport American industry again after 30 yrs. of buying foreign

GMC Terrain Reviews By Year:
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