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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  It looks gorgeous and has "perks"... - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By vnikolefoster@gmail.com - July 10 - 7:07 pm

  ... I wanted but if it is always in the shop. I purchase a 2013 GMC Terrain Denali edition. It is beautiful inside and out but I came to realize quickly the previous owners traded it in for a Mercedes. I have owned the vehicle less than a year (after several trips to the dealership, because they could fix the problem because the computer did not register a issue [although they stated they felt the issue]) . Finally after I drove it for another two months and when back to have it tested again they rebuilt my transmission. Really? I have 40k miles on it, why would the transmit already be messed up! I got my car back 2 weeks ago and when I pulled into my driveway after work today, I smelled coolant and I have a puddle under my car. If you can afford to purchase the Denali, I would recommend a different brand: Toyota, Honda, anything but a GMC!

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  I have the Denali AWD with the 6 cylinder - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By tradedcmax - May 28 - 7:49 pm

  While we have only had this for a couple of weeks, it is proving to be a great SUV/CUV. It isnt the cheapest out there, but for a premium ride and feel, coupled with the money off of sticker price, it is a nice compromise. For the sticker price, you could get more bang for your buck at a competitor, but after taking money off, that isnt so true. This vehicle has a premium feel and ride, with some decent features. Compared to my foreign SUV/CUV, it feels like Im driving a high end model, even though my foreign SUV/CUV is a limited trim. Everything seems more luxurious in the Terrain. It is a nice blend of size and features.

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  Nice if GM would fix the key switch issue 5 years ago - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By Brian Spencer - April 25 - 9:10 pm

  Bought brand new. The key switch has been an issue since the first week we owned it. If the steering wheel isnt perfectly straight when you park it, the key binds until you turn the steering wheel and turn the key at the same time. It randomly has binding issues when you attempt to turn the key off. This issue has been around since launch and it still has not been resolved. If you lean against the door panels, the color wears off. I test drove it and the seat was in the correct position for me. I didnt know until my wife drove it after I got home, that the power seat is only half power! You manually slide it forward and back and tilt is controlled by power. My Rendezvous was full power.

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  2015 Terrain denali AWD it is good for off road too - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By socal60 - April 20 - 2:44 pm

  Great comfort, interior and ride. I had the Denali and wow what a vehicle. It was very comfortable to drive long distances at a time and had great storage and visibility, no blind spots that modern technology did not accommodate . Fantastic safety features, collision avoidance,rear view camera, and parking controls. Take it off road, dirt or mud, even sand , not to mention snow and it handles better off road then my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4

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  Lemon in the making - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By ericdm33 - April 2 - 10:33 am

  I was really looking forward to owning this vehicle when I purchased it. Now just 5 years and 70k miles in, Im currently dealing with my 3rd breakdown. This was my first American built vehicle ever, and it may very well be my last.

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  LOVE my Terrain! - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By Cydney Odom - March 31 - 5:27 pm

  I bought a 2011 SLE Terrain with 18000 miles on it. I have had noting negative to say about it thus far. It rides smooth. Getting great gas mileage. Low road noise on the high way. I think the 4 cylinder engine is powerful for what it is. I have a 511" girlfriend and she fits very comfortably in this vehicle. Overall, I am thrilled. Would absolutely purchase one of these again!

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  cute car but unreliable with ongoing issues - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By aestabrook - March 7 - 12:48 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2010. within 6 months there was trouble. oil issues, check engine light with no real causes, throttle body replacement, stalling on the highway, stalling on side roads, general unreliability. I have been towed into the dealer 9 times since purchase for dying on the side of some road. It burns oil for no reason. GMC and dealer just say too bad, and tell me to check it every 1000 miles between oil changes. I typically add between 1 to 2.5 quarts every 1500 miles. The car is comfortable, and spacious for having two car seats in it, BUT that comfort does not outweight its ongoin challenges. I would get rid of it if i had the money to.

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  Most unreliable vehicle ive ever owned - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By tpregnar - February 20 - 12:07 pm

  My first car cost $17,000 less than my terrain and was 100% more reliable. Lots of warranty work was done on the engine before the engine needed to be rebuilt. After it was rebuilt the gas mileage plummeted. then the transmission blew just out of warranty. Would have been nice to be able to check the transmission fluid without crawling under the car, but there is no dipstick. Absolute waste of money and the last gm product I will own.

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  My second Terrain, and I still love it! - 2013 GMC Terrain
  By 2pixel - February 14 - 12:12 pm

  We lease our cars, and I took a chance in 2010 when the Terrain first came out. I was concerned about the 4 cyl engine, but it is just fine, and gets me anywhere I want. The interior is roomy, and the back seat makes it easy for guests to get in and out.

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  Save a life and stay away from GMC Terrains - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By kevin0304 - December 9 - 5:12 pm

  Must be one of the most dangerous cars on the road. It WILL stall and leave you stranded on highway, intersection, or a parking lot. And you wont be able to get it restarted. It mysteriously loses oil and will require expensive repairs to get it started again with no guarantee the stalling will stop. You get no warning. GMC wont acknowledge the problem even though service departments have the replace parts packaged and ready as though they know the engine should be recalled. Will be donating the car to the local fire department to do car burning training rather than reselling. I couldnt sleep knowing I sold the car to someone who could die in it.