When you’re shopping for a compact SUV, a key question you might ask is, is gmc terrain a good car. When considering the GMC Terrain, its balance of comfort and practicality stands out for daily driving. This article will give you a clear, detailed look at what this SUV offers, from its engine choices to its family-friendly features.
We’ll examine its strengths and weaknesses across several important categories. By the end, you’ll have the information needed to decide if the GMC Terrain is the right vehicle for your lifestyle and budget.
Is Gmc Terrain A Good Car
To answer this directly, the GMC Terrain is a good car for buyers who prioritize a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, and strong standard safety technology. It may not be the most exciting SUV in its class, but it excels as a dependable and polished daily driver. Its value becomes clear when you look at its well-rounded package.
Where it shines is in providing a premium feel without the luxury price tag. However, it does have some compromises in cargo space and rear-seat legroom compared to key rivals. Let’s break down the specifics to see where it fits best.
Key Strengths Of The GMC Terrain
The Terrain has several areas where it performs exceptionally well. These are the features that consistently earn it positive reviews from owners and critics alike.
- Superior Cabin Quietness: Sound insulation is a top priority in the Terrain. The cabin remains hushed even at highway speeds, reducing road and wind noise significantly.
- Standard Safety Suite: Every Terrain comes with GMC’s Pro Safety Plus package. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.
- User-Friendly Infotainment: The standard 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical climate controls are a welcome, easy-to-use touch.
- Confident Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road to provide a smooth, composed ride.
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
No vehicle is perfect, and the Terrain has a few shortcomings you should be aware of before making a decision.
- Limited Cargo Capacity: With the rear seats up, cargo space is less than some competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. This can be a factor for families or frequent haulers.
- Average Rear Seat Space: Legroom in the back is adequate but not class-leading. Taller passengers might feel a bit cramped on longer journeys.
- Four-Cylinder Only Powertrains: You won’t find a V6 option. While the turbocharged engine is peppy, some drivers might miss the power of a larger engine.
- Transmission Behavior: The nine-speed automatic transmission can sometimes be hesitant to downshift, especially in the base engine model.
Performance And Engine Options
The GMC Terrain offers two four-cylinder engine choices. Both are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.
The 1.5-Liter Turbocharged Engine
This is the standard engine across most trims. It produces 175 horsepower. It’s tuned for efficiency rather than excitement, providing adequate power for city commuting and highway merging. Fuel economy is a strong point for this powertrain.
The 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Engine
Available on higher SLT and AT4 trims, this engine delivers a much more robust 252 horsepower. This is the engine to choose if you want more confident passing power or frequently carry a full load of passengers and gear. The trade-off is a slight dip in fuel economy.
Interior Comfort And Design
Step inside the GMC Terrain, and you’ll immediately notice an interior that aims to feel more upscale than many mainstream rivals. The materials are generally soft-touch where it counts, and the design is clean and modern.
- Seating Comfort: The front seats are supportive and offer available heating and ventilation. Rear seats are comfortable for two adults, though three across can be a squeeze.
- Driver-Focused Layout: All controls are within easy reach. The optional digital gauge cluster adds a modern, customizable look to the dashboard.
- Storage Solutions: You’ll find a good amount of small-item storage, including a deep center console and a useful bin under the center armrest.
Technology And Connectivity Features
GMC equips the Terrain with a solid array of tech features, even on the base model. The system is designed to be intuitive rather than overwhelming.
- Standard Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) are all included.
- Available Upgrades: Higher trims offer a Bose premium audio system, built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless smartphone charging.
- Driver Information Display: The standard 4.2-inch driver info screen can be upgraded to a 8-inch diagonal color display that shows navigation, audio, and vehicle data.
Safety Ratings And Driver Assistance
Safety is a major selling point for the Terrain. Its comprehensive standard safety package is rare in the class and provides significant peace of mind.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the GMC Terrain an overall 5-Star safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded it top marks in many crashworthiness tests, often naming it a Top Safety Pick when equipped with specific headlights.
Key standard driver-assistance features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- IntelliBeam Automatic High Beams
- Following Distance Indicator
Available features add adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and a HD surround vision camera system.
Fuel Economy And Running Costs
The Terrain’s fuel efficiency is competitive, especially with the base engine. Your actual mileage will depend on your driving style and whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
- 1.5L Turbo FWD: EPA-estimated at 26 mpg city / 30 mpg highway.
- 1.5L Turbo AWD: EPA-estimated at 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway.
- 2.0L Turbo AWD: EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (this engine is typically only available with AWD).
Maintenance costs are generally in line with other American-brand SUVs. GMC offers several prepaid maintenance plans that can help budget for routine service. Its reliability scores from major outlets have been average, so considering an extended warranty might be a wise choice for long-term ownership.
Trim Levels And Value Comparison
The GMC Terrain is offered in four main trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. Each builds on the last with more luxury and technology features.
SLE (Base Model)
The SLE includes the standard safety suite, 17-inch wheels, the 8-inch touchscreen, and cloth seats. It represents a strong value for the money given its high level of standard equipment.
SLT (Mid-Range Luxury)
The SLT adds leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and remote start. It’s a popular choice for those seeking more comfort without reaching the top price point.
AT4 (Off-Road Styling)
The AT4 trim features a more rugged exterior look, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and unique interior accents. It comes standard with the 2.0L turbo engine and AWD. It’s more about style than serious off-roading capability.
Denali (Top Luxury)
The Denali is the pinnacle of the lineup. It includes genuine leather seating, a premium Bose audio system, adaptive cruise control, and distinctive exterior styling. It offers a near-luxury experience.
Reliability And Ownership Costs
Historically, GMC as a brand has scored around average in major reliability surveys. The Terrain’s reliability is considered typical for its class. It’s not known for major, widespread issues, but some model years have had minor recalls or technical service bulletins.
To ensure a reliable ownership experience, follow these steps:
- Adhere strictly to the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual.
- Consider purchasing a certified pre-owned (CPO) model from a GMC dealer, which includes a warranty extension.
- Research specific model year reviews to check for any common problems reported by owners.
- Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic if buying used.
Resale value for the Terrain is decent, though it generally trails behind leaders like Toyota and Honda. The Denali trim typically holds its value the best due to its premium features.
Who Is The GMC Terrain Best Suited For?
The Terrain is an excellent choice for specific types of drivers. It will be a great fit if your priorities include:
- A quiet, comfortable commute on paved roads.
- Having the latest safety tech as a standard feature.
- Prefering a more upscale interior ambiance over sporty handling.
- Not needing maximum cargo or rear passenger space.
You might want to look at other options if you frequently need to carry large items, prioritize the absolute best fuel economy, or want a more engaging driving experience. Competitors like the Mazda CX-5 offer sharper handling, while the Honda CR-V provides more interior room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GMC Terrain reliable?
The GMC Terrain has average reliability ratings when compared to other compact SUVs. It’s not the most reliable nor the least reliable in its segment. Proper maintenance is key to a long vehicle life.
What are the main problems with the GMC Terrain?
Some reported issues over various model years include occasional transmission shuddering, minor electrical gremlins with infotainment systems, and some early turbocharger concerns. Checking forums for your specific model year is advised.
How does the GMC Terrain compare to the Chevrolet Equinox?
The Terrain and Equinox are mechanical twins. The key difference is styling and interior materials. The Terrain is positioned as the more premium, refined option with a higher standard equipment level, while the Equinox is often priced slightly lower.
Is the GMC Terrain good in snow?
With its available all-wheel-drive system and standard traction control, the GMC Terrain performs competently in snow and winter conditions. For severe climates, pairing the AWD with a set of dedicated winter tires is highly recommended for the best safety and control.
What is the fuel economy of the GMC Terrain?
The most efficient setup is the 1.5-liter turbo with front-wheel drive, rated for up to 30 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbo with all-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg highway.