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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  Great Interior EXterior Not So Much On Performance - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By dangerranger48 - December 4 - 12:34 pm

  i have to say i love the design of the terrain inside and out and how it drives and rides but performance could be improved a bit the transmission is sluggish but is good just not geared very good for getting on the interstate the 2.4 is little small for the terrain being a bigger suv

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  Love my 2015 Terrain! - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By nyminute - November 29 - 8:24 am

  After shopping around using Edmunds as my guide, I decided to give GMC Terrain a serious look having been an owner of Buicks for over 15 years. Reviews were very decent as well. Have to say although its only 2 weeks old I absolutely love my purchase. Was a little skeptical of the 4cyl. engine at first, however it has plenty of power for my needs. Interior is very rich and well designed and comfortable . Like driving in a cockpit . Smooth ride, feels like a higher end car ride. Considering what 2 year old SUVs go for nowadays I say this is a tremendous value for the money. Fully warrantied bumper to bumper with a 2 year service agreement makes this vehicle for my family a wise choice.

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  Superbly engineered. - 2014 GMC Terrain
  By lvcas - November 24 - 8:09 pm

  The 2015 Terrain, in my opinion, is in a segment of its own. From its glorious V6 engine to the very useful power liftgate, it is an awesome work of craftsmanship. The engine has plenty of power, more than enough with the V6. The transmission is a tad...strange? Gas mileage could be better, but much better than what I used to drive. It is very safe and a good value for money, too. The interior is very well made and very cool looking at night. The red accent lighting is a very nice touch. The Pioneer radio is also very nice.

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  Not worth buying - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By bxgirl - November 6 - 9:03 am

  Purchased my Terrain soon as it hit dealerships during its release. Ive never visited a dealership so many times and have had so many problems with a vehicle. Since having this vehicle Ive had problems with the vehicle shutting off in the middle of intersections due to the senor oxygen (engine control) needing to be replaced to due cold starting the vehicle, the rear control arm bushings, the stabilizer shaft, the exhaust manifold all of which needed to be replaced. Now, GM was trying to hit me over the head and charge me for the timing chain which they try putting on me for not changing the oil. Luckily I saved all my receipts and they had to eat the $847 bill.

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  Four cylinder engine - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By hydiesel - October 6 - 4:09 pm

  I have owned two four cylinders. 2010 30,000 miles engine replaced using excessive oil. 2012 at 32000 miles engine rebuilt (was told they didnt replace them any more ) I dont think GM knows how to build a good four cylinder. I am driving a gas guzzling V6, hope it can go past the dreaded 30,000 mile mark.

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  Big lemon - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By somerside - September 10 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this terrain just over a year ago and have had nothing but problems. In its 4 years of being on the road its had the motor rebuild due to oil consumption issue. Its had the timing chain replaced twice. The AWD system has malfunctioned. The sunroof is broken. The navigation unit has been changed twice. Numerous sensors have been replaced. The emissions system has been a nightmare. Ive spent a lot out of pocket cause most of it has not been under warranty. Im very disappointed in the quality that GM has put into the first gen terrain. Overall the vehicle so unreliable that I cant trust it for my wife to drive back and forth to work. I do not recommend this vehicle at all.

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  GM Terrain-worst car in history - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By hategmterrain - September 3 - 10:39 am

  We are desperate not to die...Our 2011 GM Terrain is stalling again. After being stranded in a snow storm last winter when the time belt went on a relatively new car with only 50K miles on it, the car has been stalling and shutting down on us while driving, engine light going on. Its a LIFE RISK and no one is minding the shop. We have taken the car numerous times to Varney GMC in Bangor and there is no real help. We are fully aware of the conspiracy after the collapse and cutting corners but this is outrageous. We are told "nothing is wrong with the car"-REALLY? The engine light is always on, and yet no one takes it seriously!!! Please help us not to die!!! No one there bothered to us about

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  Good SUV--but--- - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dcunitednut - August 28 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Terrain after evaluating a number of SUVs. I almost bought the Chevy Equinox but fell in love with the Terrain during the test drive. For the last 4 years the vehicle has been virtually trouble free and very dependable. However--right at 56K miles there was a catastrophic failure of the transmission which required a total rebuild. The Wave Plate, along with a number of other components, basically flew apart. On the positive front the dealership took very good care of me and gave me an excellent loaner vehicle and kept me informed. I had no out of pocket expense because it was covered by the drive train warranty.

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  Fool Me Once, Shame On You. Fool Me Twice... - 2011 GMC Terrain
  By oh_well - August 25 - 7:59 am

  Just bought a pre-owed certified 2011 Terrain SLT-1 (AWD 4cyl) for teeanage son. Hes big and tall and needs the room. I own a Lexus SUV 6 cyl. I decided to go American for him, because I didnt want to pay over 20K for a newer pre-owned foreign SUV that has less interior space. We shortlisted the Terrain, because of the fuel rating 20 city/ 29 Hwy, interior space, and youthful appearance inside and out. We got everything but not the gas mileage. We are getting 20 mpg city and hwy which is much less than my Lexus and Escalade! I attribute this to poor design e.g. 4 cyl trying to propel a boxy crossover with lots of drag. How long has GMC been making automobiles again?

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  Will not buy American again - 2012 GMC Terrain
  By jclablanc - July 25 - 1:28 pm

  So I again trusted the american Manufacture to my demise. I have owned Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Toyota, Nissan and BMW. The only vehicles I have not had problems with are the freaking Japanese vehicles, which really pisses me off. Why can we the American people not make a solid vehicle that can be reliable. Every American Vehicle I have owned did not last 30k miles without some type of issue. My latest Toyota has 112k miles with no issues to date owned for 8 years now. This piece of trash, unreliable Terrain I have had for 11 months been in for 3 Engine Lights. Its gets no where near the gas mileage stated, 23mpg on free way stated 31 ha!