5 Reasons To Buy The GMC Terrain, And 5 Reasons Not To
47
Sponsored Links
The GMC Terrain crossover SUV (CUV) initially launched for the 2010 model year, giving GMC an entry in the then-nascent compact crossover space. The first-gen model was somewhat of a tweener between a compact and midsize models. It performed very well, attracting many a new customer to GM’s Big Red brand. The success of the first-gen model resulted in the introduction of the all-new second-generation Terrain for the 2018 model year, this time as as a new compact model with a brand-new design, a more refined cabin, and new technology features as well. As a compact CUV, the GMC Terrain is in a highly competitive segment, which means it needs to bring the heat to stay at the forefront. But does it? To answer that question, we spent the last 1,000 miles with the Terrain and have listed five reasons to buy the GMC Terrain, and five reasons not to.
5 Reasons To Buy The GMC Terrain
1. A Unique And Premium Look
Let’s face it – looks matter, and luckily, the GMC Terrain has the aesthetics needed to turn heads. No chance you’ll be fading into the background with this one. The second-generation model brought with it “the next chapter of GMC design,” offering up bolder styling cues, a slick-looking fascia, and a cool “floating roof” rear C-pillar. Match it all to a set of bright aluminum wheels, and the GMC Terrain is sitting pretty.
2. Quick And Nimble Handling
Most crossovers handle like mud. Not so with the GMC Terrain. Thanks to the GM D2XX platform, which incorporates both a lighter weight and higher torsional rigidity than the preceding first-generation’s architecture, the GMC Terrain now feels much more lively behind the wheel. It’s not a sports car, nor does it aim to be one. Even so, it’s a joy to drive on a daily basis, without any fuss, but with just the right amount of pleasantness and driver involvement behind the wheel.
3. Impressive NVH
As part of its premium positioning, the GMC Terrain interior also offers very low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels, creating a more pleasant experience for the driver and passengers. Chalk it up to a well-insulated cabin, the standard standard active noise cancellation feature, and solid dampening from the chassis and engine mounts.
4. Great Infotainment System
Having the latest and greatest features is a must in the crossover space, and the GMC Terrain delivers thanks to highlights like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for phone and audio, and an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Running it all is GMC’s latest eight-inch infotainment screen that is bright and responsive. Rear seat entertainment is optional.
5. Great Storage
Finding spots for all the things is important in CUV, and the GMC Terrain provides on that front with loads of storage throughout the cabin, including “shelves” on the doors and in front of the front passenger. In back, there’s nearly 30 cubic-feet of cargo space, plus 63.3 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded. Passenger room is solid as well, ensuring optimal comfort on quick runs as much as on road trips.
5 Reasons Not To Buy The GMC Terrain
1. Upper Trim Is Expensive, Lower Trims Could Be Better
Finding the right balance between cost and features can be tricky with the GMC Terrain. The upper trim levels can get very pricey very quickly, what with the 2020 GMC Denali starting at $38,300 and quickly rising much higher as options are added. Meanwhile, the base trim doesn’t quite live up to GMC’s premium claim, with chintzy-feeling interior trim and wheels. Both offer subpar equipment for their respective price points. The true sweet spot is somewhere in the middle.
2. Really Wide Turning Radius
Most folks like compact CUVs for the vehicles’ combination of practicality and maneuverability. And while the GMC Terrain does feel lively on the move, the crossover’s wide turning radius (18.7 to 20.8 feet) makes it feel a bit unwieldy in tight city driving situations, like when making a U-Turn.
3. Premium Gas Recommended
When equipped with the optional turbocharged 2.0L LTG I-4 engine option, premium fuel is a must for the car to actually deliver its full power potential and refinement. Otherwise, the powerplant just doesn’t feel as good as it should.
4. Materials Out Of Step With Pricing Higher In Range
Dropping some serious coin on a premium automobile means the cabin should reflect the high price. Unfortunately, that’s simply not the case with higher trim levels of the GMC Terrain such as the SLT and Denali, with hard plastics found throughout. But as an added bonus, at least the front passenger seat folds flat, making carrying long items a breeze.
5. Build Location
For some buyers, where a car is built is a big deal. The desire to support American workers is especially pronounced these days, and the fact that the GMC Terrain is constructed at the GM San Luis Potosi factory by GM Mexico could be considered a big strike against the vehicle. That said, there are those to whom the build location doesn’t matter, and this second contingent typically makes up the overwhelming majority of the car-buying population.
How about you, dear reader? Are there any big reasons to buy (or not to buy) the GMC Terrain that we neglected to mention? Post them in the comments section and let us know. And don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Terrain news, GMC news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
- Sweepstakes Of The Month: Win a Corvette Z06 and 2024 Silverado. Details here.
Sponsored Links
I bought a 2012 terrain..I have only 70,000.00 miles on it and my engine died!!! My sreering went ..and no help from GMC !! Will never buy a GMC again and will pass the word around how GMCcould care less !
WHAT,
Margaret Panico —-
GM didn’t care, you got to be kidding !!!!
HA, HA, HA, HA Just a little humor. I know how you feel, many others do as well.
Did you know GM had no customer support when you bought your vehicle ?
I don’t think most GM buyers know this !!
Did you know GM vehicles are only expected to last the warranty period ?
In your case it would be 36,000 miles, I believe.
Would you have bought a GM vehicle if the sales person said:
” Now Margaret, remember this new GM vehicle will only last 36,000 miles, then you need a new one ”
?
?
Just curious ??
Its my opinion that GM should be advertising this.
That their vehicles are only designed to last the warranty period.
I wonder how that would change peoples buying decisions.
But just my opinion.
I agree with your writer “just curious” as long as these dealers can get away with not having to REALLY service this type of car – for issues like the engine dying ,you have to write letters to the district rep -then up the ladder you keep going until you get results the top folks don’t like this type of advertisment always get nems to mention to the next guy . also as a car guy mysrlf this car is a suv -station wagon whatever you call it — if you want a thrill A BAD THRILL try putting a small load of work tools or heavy furniture in the back and then let two normal size adults in their back seat , drive 50 mph and hold on it sways like an old chevy caprice on steroids–if your old enough to remember that car -you could mix margritas going around a basic curve –hold on tight and enjoy your fancy bluetooth and ignore the ride–remember this experience, when buying your next suv
Have you tried maintaining your vehicle? You do know once a vehicle it out of warranty that is on you, anything can have a rogue issue. Seen plenty of Japanese brands fail just out of warranty, it is a crap shoot. Either way, what were you expecting? Buy an extended warranty if it is that big of an issue to you…
Commonsense, is this directed to me ?
What I am expecting is for a GM vehicle to last !!
Warranty or not.
When GM made all their money, in the past, that is allowing them to sell assets, it was do to a GM vehicle would last.
Everyone used to laugh at Mopar and there 100,000 mile warranty, because us GM people knew they would fall apart after that.
Warranty meant nothing to a GM person because the GM vehicles would last and last and last. You could hand the old ones down, and start a GM family.
Now unless you buy everyone in your family a new GM vehicle every 3 years, they are junk !!
You know how the GM truck or Chevy truck has the truck legends, if you have over 100,000 miles and stuff like that. I wonder why GM doesn’t have the GMC Terrain legends, of over 100,000 miles ?
So commonsense, when your selling GM vehicles, do you tell the customer ” customer, if you want this GM vehicle to last longer than 36,000 miles you need an extended warranty. Because without one they only last 36,000 miles ” ?
If that is true, and you are telling the customer that, then you are correct, it is on the customer not buying the extended warranty !!
But I still do not think that is the case. And the GM ads imply that the ” real people ” love their GM vehicles.
Nowhere does it say — The ” real people ” who own GM vehicles in the warranty period, love their GM vehicles.
Just more opinion.
My Nissan Murano had the tranmission replaced once. When I got rid of it for my Cruze, the transmission was going out again (only two yrs later).
Not bad looking however, it’s just that mid size mini wagon are a dime a dozen, they all just blend together from one manufacturer to the other, high end European to low budget China models. Another grocery get for soccer mom’s, it is a large market ……. did I say underpowered…..
IMHO….. ???
Wye yes, Scott ZL1,
You did say underpowered !!
Just like every other GM mid and smaller vehicle.
Load them to factory spec, they are all DUDs !!
GM’s moto ” Good Enough ”
But just my opinion !!
Have a 2013 terrain Denali 55000 can’t say nothing bad about it but I think I’ll pass on made in Mexico had to retire early because all the Oreos went to Mexico also got to worry about our union jobs here
Hybrid would have been the right choice but gmc wont go there so my business goes somewhere else
I bought a GMC Denali Terrain 2019. And I love it. It’s loaded. Black exterior and cream interior. It drives smooth and very quiet. The only thing is it recommends 93 for gas. Even though it’s a little pricey for the gas it’s worth it. I had it now for 6 months and I’m still finding so many new things about it. Denali surprise’s me.
Definitely marked up vehicle. You won’t get any nice or extra features without ridiculous markups and to go to the Denali trim at almost $40K is definitely not worth it for how small this vehicle is! Not to mention bc it’s a CUV which isn’t disclosed in most ads etc. it feels like you’re driving a regular car. Meaning you are at the same level as a car and not a bit higher up in your seat as you would expect from an SUV. Aesthetically the car is nice but GMC has failed to make the transition of this car as being “compact” known and it has also failed to match the price for the less space this new version provides. All in all very misleading
Oil consumption class action lawsuit for 2010-2012 Terrain comes to final now. No recall, reimbursement for some customers expenses, must be diagnosed by GMC dealership to have oil consumption issue (not private mechanics), no consideration for blowm rear main seal, catalytic converter failures and more. And all along, GMC could have simply done right by their customers. The won’t get another dime of my hard earned money. GMC has lost credibility as a business.
Agreed! I have a 2011, found out 3 weeks after our purchase that GM and the Dealership were aware of the problem. Think either disclosed it? Nope, not until it was in the shop for pistons, rings, all three chains and an exhaust manifold…3 weeks after we bought it. Even then, we were unaware until we overheard two salesmen at the dealership talking about it, we questioned them, and went straight to the general manager. We tried to give it back, but was told sorry for your luck, but we will fix it. We have had it two years now, the exhaust manifold was just (December 26, 2019) replaced for the 3rd time, the cat has been changed twice, the fuel pump-twice, timing, balance, and primary chains-3 times (chains were also just done), water pump, intake manifold, and all with regular preventative maintenance. I can only imagine what would have happened without pm. Oh, and did I forget to mention, we received a notice last week from the litigation team–yep, my car is on there too. We will NEVER buy another GM or go to that dealer again. Yes, we have told everyone we know. Yes, we are also in the process of sending 425 pages to NHTSA, BBB, Attorney General. GM and the dealership(s) involved in purchase, as well as maintenance, have been verbally notified regarding any/all pending actions. 2.4L ecotec was a bad idea
The negative comments likely don’t come owners often this vehicle. We bought our 2019 Terrain Denali in May 2019 and love it. The sticker price was in the mid $40K range but with incentives, it was upper $30K’s. Just had 5K service and have had no issues at all. The car drives like a dream and has every option you can imagine included. The 2 Liter Turbo puts out 256 HP and is very responsive. We’ve averaged 25 MPG since we bought the Terrain. We truly love the many many features, quality, comfort, safety, and beauty of this vehicle.
My wife and I have a 2018 SLT and I couldn’t agree more with your assessment. We have about 13k on ours now, and it’s doing great. Couldn’t be happier.
You are allowed your opinion, just like the rest of us, not negative, constructive criticism is a much better term, You left out underpowered 4 banger……..
I just have to say, Jay and Ron,
You should, you should have nothing but great comments !!
You have 5000 and 13000 miles on your vehicles !!
They are new for crying out loud !!
I would like to here back from both of you at 70,000 miles please !!
But I would guess that you are in the buy and lease for 3 to 5 year group or just more GM customer service people here, and have no idea what a newer GM vehicle is like from 75,000 to 150,000 miles.
And Scott Zl1, you can leave me out of the 4 cylinder haters group. I happen to like the GM engines of today, 3, 4, 6, and 8 cylinders !!
GM just has them in the wrong vehicles or simply doesn’t offer or stock a better than ” Good Enough one !!
Take for instance the new Cadillac CT5. Will GM put the equal numbers of 3.0TT and 2.7 T on the lot as the underpowered 2.0T ? They haven’t in the past. So most of the Cadillac customers either have to order a better than ” Good Enough ” Cadillac, or just get stuck with the ” Good Enough ” one GM has placed on the dealer lot. Therefore GM has now populated the roads with ” Good Enough ” Cadillacs instead of the good to GREAT ones !!
I wonder why Cadillac is always at the bottom of the customer satisfaction surveys ?
But again, just my opinion.
I have a 2012 V6 with 90k if that counts as I have no issues. I also have a 2019 Denali in which I thought its wayyyyy more power than the 2012 V6 that I have
On my 3rd GMC Terrain never had a repair or problem with any of them nothing we travel a lot we use it around town and it’s giving me great service and comfort ready to buy another one
I’m happy for you, sound like you trade them in before warranty runs out ? Must remember GM builds them to last 36 month,36k miles, then at the dealer level start to make $$$ on cheap plastic, did I say underpowered vehicles. With overpriced services.
Yes i still want to see GM great again…… ???????
Jay – Isn’t it strange that you got a thumbs down for saying that you are happy with your 2018 Terrain? I’ve got 2 down and I up by stating how much I love our 2019 Terrain Denali.
Karen -We previously owned two Chevy Equinox LTZ’s – a 2010 and 2011. The 2010 developed the same 4 cyl engine oil consumption problems that eventually destroyed the engine at 50K miles. Chevrolet replaced the engine free of charge and advised me that the engine warranties were lengthened as a result. Sorry if you weren’t treated the same by GMC.
Final word. In my opinion, few vehicles are built to last for many years after they go out of warranty. I never lease a vehicle, but I try to trade them before 50K miles to avoid costly repairs (mostly normal wear) , like brakes, tires, AC, belts, batteries, etc. Having one newer, comfortable, well appointed and reliable 4 wheeled vehicle suits our needs. My Harley Road King takes care of my open road recreational/adventure needs. Thanks for everyone’s opinions.
If the GM, Ford, and everyone else made cars that were made to last 200,000 or more miles with minimal maintenance costs then nobody would ever have a reason to want to trade right?
How many miles on all of them please Vincent ?
3rd Terrain in 9 years ?
So one every 3 years then ?
With the 10 to 12 thousand mile allotment ?
So never owned one out of warranty then ?
So never owned one with over 50,000 miles then ?
Just curious, and of course opinion.
It’s not unusual for customers to trade every 3-4 years to where you get the latest and greatest and get good value for the previous car on a trade in. Or better yet… lease, it’s what I do. NO long term maintenance and you are always under warranty with a standard mile 3 year 12,000 mile a year lease.
Number 6 the Terrain needs an engine
PSA… IT SHOULDN’T BE ON THE ROAD!!!! We finally got rid of the lemon that died on us weekly. When we traded it in, I asked that it be taken off the road as no family should experience the horrifying situations of owning this. We wait longer than usual times to merge into traffic as we were extra cautious. Just last week, we merged onto Hwy 25 with plenty of time but upon accelerating, the engine dinged again and that horrible noise accompanies a reduced engine power light. With this, you have NO GAS so you can only pull over. We merged in front of a semi, granted he was three blocks away but by the time the car died and we made it to the side, it was mere seconds. I felt we were risking our lives every time we drove it. It constantly died going up the golf course hill in Buffalo. We couldn’t make it up a hill. Mostly, it sat parked. We went from a paid off Acadia to payments. And we went from the Acadia with lower miles to one with more miles. Just to get rid of it. The sales person assured me that they were a reputable dealer and this would go to parts. I’m shaking and crying and vomiting at the thought of anyone else owning this. We literally took a huge loss trading in it because we couldn’t sell it because we were decent people who have a conscious.
@morriesautogroup #morriesford #buffaloMN #GMCAcadia #LemonLaw #LemonTitle #SoManyPartsReplaced #AccidentWaitingToHappen
It’s just part of THAT GREAT GM FEELING …
LOL ???
We replaced a coil. It failed a week later. Repeat this cycle over 7 years. Replace all of the coils, spark plugs, water pump, high pressure gas pump, low pressure gas pump, timing belt, sensors and more. It still does “engine power reduced”. You still have to get it to the side, shut it off, and hope it will reset and give you gas. After 7 years of being assured it was “fixed”, I don’t believe it. It will fail. And someone will get hurt.
This is our fourth GMC terrain. It a 2019. A lot of our friends drive the Chevy equinox. My wife and I are both not happy with this newest model. First what I like about it, love the 34 miles per gallon that I can get on the highway. It is fast and nimble, I find myself speeding and I never like to speed. I have the lower trim package and it is noisy & bumpy. I can’t hear the radio after about 40 miles an hour. My wife and I are big people I’m 6-1 she’s 5:8. We literally hurt when we get out of the car. My friends paid a lot less for the equinox. We’ve always been able to afford to get a 2-year lease, can’t believe how much this least cost me at 3 years. I kind of regret just not buying a used 2018 terrain.
Aaron; it’s sad that you aren’t fully satisfied with your new Terrain. We previously drove Saturns then switched to Chevys. Had a 2010 and a 2011 Equinox (both LTZ’s). I think those were nicer looking than the 2020 Equinox Premier. In May, we traded our 2014 Traverse LT2 on our 2019 Terrain Denali with 2L Turbo. With just 5K miles on it, of course we are completely happy with it. We decided on the Denali over the similar Caddy CT5 and the Equinox Premier. The GMC has a bolder look, Quiet ride, plenty of power, and included Towing equipment and full length sun roofs. There’s a big jump in cost between the other trims and the Denali simply because there are so many great option included on the Denali. We’ve played that “wish we’d of gotten this model or that option” buyers remorse before, and just don’t anymore.
Not thrilled with the push/pull transmission controls, and don’t like the auto engine shut down at stop signs and traffic lights. The sheet metal is thin. My neighbors oak tree overhangs my driveway. The falling eggcorns have dented the hood and roof. Same as the Toyota Rav 4, but not my Sierra. I will say that the car is fun to drive with the turbo charged 2 litre engine.
I have a 2012 V6 SLE and a 2019 Denali. My 2012 has 90k on it and I don’t have any issues with it. I decided to go for the 2019 Denali as secondary vehicle as it does have more power than my 2012.
I have a 2011 Terrain SLT THAT I bought new in fall of 2010. I had a taillight go out when under warranty . Had to put a battery in it recently. It has 86,000 miles on it. Love it! Wanted to buy a new one last year but didn’t like the looks of the body. And the price was too much for me.
I currently have a 2012 GMC terrain v6 with 130,000 miles on it. It has been a good car. I have only had 2 issues with it so far. One at 100k thermostat went bad. Now at 130k my CV joints have started going bad. I think that’s pretty good Sat far. I am still happy with my car. 1300$ worth of extra repairs is not that bad for 130,000k miles.
I guess that GM has really gone downhill in the last few years.
I owned 2 Astro vans and had over 250,000 miles on them when a “Moron” totaled the first one – which could have gone at least to the 300K or 350K mark.. I now drive a 2003 Tahoe and have over 400,000 miles on it. Very little has gone wrong other than regular maintenance.
I think I might get a new Impala before they quit building them. I am favoring the V-6 naturally aspirated engine as I don’t think the turbo 4’s will last for a couple of Hundred thousand miles !!!!
GM has really gone downhill and needs to regroup with people who actually Care about the company and the cars that they build.
I have a 2012 Equinox with 235,000 on it. The only things I have had to replace other than suggested maintenance items are brakes once , an Alternator at 225k a water pump at 190k and 2 batteries I know their are not a lot of vehicles that can do that. This car has been driven hard and it has never let me down.