GMC Terrain

Name: 2021 GMC Terrain
Brand: GMC

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

General Motors redesigned the GMC Terrain with tidier dimensions, bringing it in line with most of the compact-SUV segment. The automaker has positioned this new version as a more premium offering than its sibling Chevrolet Equinox, to capture part of the hot upscale-SUV market.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2021 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

GMC Terrain

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envision

Chevrolet Equinox

Ford Escape

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2022

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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GMC vs. Other New Car Brands

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2021 Compact SUVs Ratings

2021 GMC Terrain

$14,600 - $21,350

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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2021 Ford Escape Hybrid

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2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

$ NA

37 miles

40 mpg

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2021 Honda CR-V

$19,250 - $24,100

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2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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22 miles

26 mpg

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2021 Toyota RAV4

$20,125 - $27,175

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2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$20,125 - $27,175

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2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

$25,700 - $28,725

42 miles

38 mpg

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$13,275 - $18,275

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.5-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)

9-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2025-Present

Current Generation

Redesigned for 2025, the GMC Terrain SUV is similar in size and mechanical details to its predecessor, and the related Chevrolet Equinox. It is again powered by a 175-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive and front-wheel drive are available on the Elevation at launch. The Terrain offers three trims: Elevation, AT4, and Denali, each with its own styling touches. The AT4 is the off-road, adventure-focused version, while the Denali is positioned as the luxury choice. All share an interior that houses a vertically-oriented 15-inch center infotainment screen, along with standard niceties like heated front seats and steering wheel. A comprehensive list of standard driver assistance and safety systems finally puts the Terrain on equal footing with its peers.

2018-2024

2018 Redesign Year

The redesigned Terrain and its twin, the Chevrolet Equinox, bring tidier dimensions, in line with the small SUV segment. The new Terrain packs the latest infotainment and safety technology, and two four-cylinder turbocharged engines. The base engine is a 170-hp 1.5-liter, and the uplevel choice is a 252-hp 2.0-liter. Both are mated to a nine-speed automatic. A diesel engine, paired to a six-speed automatic, is also be available. GMC's IntelliLink infotainment system will be offered in 7- and 8-inch forms, each with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Starting with the 2020 model year, forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning are standard on all trim lines. The 2.0-liter turbo was dropped for 2021.

The Terrain is freshened for 2022 with exterior updates. It is a corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Equinox, but a few critical differences compromise it, even though it is positioned as a more premium offering. We found it to be loud and stiff-riding, with severely hampered visibility. The standard engine is a lackluster 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic. The Terrain's gear selector is controlled by dash-mounted push buttons that are unintuitive to operate. The infotainment system is one of the easier ones to use. An off-road AT4 version is new.

2010-2017

2010 Redesign Year

The Terrain is GMC's entry in the small to midsized SUV segment. While a decent enough offering, the model's competition is significantly better. The five-passenger mid-size SUV consumes fuel more like seven-passenger full-size models. That said; if you're considering getting one, look for at least an SLE-2, which comes with the power driver's seat. A rearview camera is standard regardless of trim. While the standard four-cylinder engine manages to get the job done, the optional V6 is a more enjoyable choice. Terrain's 2013 freshening brought a more powerful 3.6-liter V6, as well as a revised interior with new infotainment technology. For 2015, changes include a standard built-in WiFi hotspot. Advanced optional safety features, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, joined forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems for 2016.