Which year to buy
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011CAREFULSerious complaints 2.2× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
314 serious complaints of 397, the most about engine (178) and power train (76); per car on the road, 2.2× this model's usual year. 4 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE20009: momentary increased steering effort.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Sep 2022
“2011 GMC Terrain SLT The engine blew do to timing Chain breaking and it tore up the injectors as I was looking it up there where lots of people with the same problem and when it blew I was on the Highway and almost wrecked. We put new engine.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Sep 2022
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage The chrome layer on the balance chain pins may wear, allowing the chain to stretch. 12313 - Special Coverage. (G-169470, Jul 2013)
- Extended coverage The chrome layer on the balance chain pins may wear, allowing the chain to stretch. 12313A - Special Coverage (revised part information). (G-171837, Jul 2013)
- Extended coverage A malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate due to thermal damage or face erosion of the catalytic converter. 15810 - Special Coverage. (GCUS-9-2602, Aug 2016)
- Extended coverage On some vehicles that are equipped with a 2.4L engine (RPO LAF), a malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate due to thermal damage or face erosion of the catalytic converter. 15810-02 - Special Coverage (revised warranty section). (15810, Jun 2018)
- Extended coverage Special Coverage Adjustment - Engine Balance Chain and Fuel Pump - Equipped with 2.4L Engine (LAF) (12313, Jul 2013)
- Extended coverage 12313C - Special Coverage. Bulletin was revised to remove special coverage adjustment for the fuel pump that is now included in Voluntary Emissions Recall 43180. (GCUS-9-2887, Sep 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
397 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–26 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2011 trims and features
Every Terrain year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl; 3.0L 6-cyl · Drive: AWD, FWD
2011 Terrain trims
| Denali | SLE 1 | SLE 2 | SLT 1 | SLT 2 |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as GMC reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for GMC aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 25–27 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 33 | Unknown or other (9) | — |
| 2025 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 25–27 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 13 | Power train (4) | Yes |
| 2024 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 25–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 50 | Power train (21) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 40 | Fuel/propulsion system (16) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 26–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 88 | Fuel/propulsion system (32) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 26–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 36 | Engine (10) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 23–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 197 | Service brakes (65) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.6L 4-cyl turbo diesel 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 23–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 185 | Engine (69) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.6L 4-cyl turbo diesel 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 23–32 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 5 | 223 | Service brakes (69) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 134 | Engine (78) | No |
| 2016 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 152 | Engine (46) | No |
| 2015 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 315 | Visibility/wiper (102) | No |
| 2014 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 301 | Engine (124) | No |
| 2013 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 369 | Engine (197) | No |
| 2012 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 370 | Engine (170) | No |
| 2011 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 397 | Engine (178) | No |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–26 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 295 | Engine (107) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Terrain 2018–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | GMC TERRAIN SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 33 |
| 2026 | GMC TERRAIN SUV N/A FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 33 |
| 2025 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 13 |
| 2025 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 13 |
| 2024 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 50 |
| 2024 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 40 |
| 2023 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 40 |
| 2022 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 88 |
| 2022 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 88 |
| 2021 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 36 |
| 2021 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 36 |
| 2020 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 197 |
| 2020 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 197 |
| 2019 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 185 |
| 2019 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 185 |
| 2018 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD Later Release | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 13 |
| 2018 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD Later Release | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 13 |
| 2018 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD Early Release | 4 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 223 |
| 2018 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD Early Release | 4 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 223 |
| 2017 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 134 |
| 2017 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 134 |
| 2016 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 152 |
| 2016 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 152 |
| 2015 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 315 |
| 2015 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 315 |
| 2014 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 301 |
| 2014 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 301 |
| 2013 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 369 |
| 2013 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 369 |
| 2012 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 370 |
| 2012 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 370 |
| 2011 | GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 397 |
| 2011 | GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 397 |
| 2010 | GMC Terrain 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 295 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Terrain AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2026 | Terrain AWD Denali/AT4 | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2026 | Terrain FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2025 | Terrain AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2025 | Terrain FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2024 | Terrain AWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2024 | Terrain FWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2023 | Terrain AWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2023 | Terrain FWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2022 | Terrain AWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2022 | Terrain FWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2021 | Terrain AWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2021 | Terrain FWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2020 | Terrain AWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–26 |
| 2020 | Terrain FWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–27 |
| 2019 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–32 |
| 2019 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–32 |
| 2018 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–32 |
| 2018 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–32 |
| 2017 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
18–23 |
| 2017 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
20–25 |
| 2016 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
18–23 |
| 2016 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
20–26 |
| 2015 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–23 |
| 2015 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
19–26 |
| 2014 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV |
19–23 |
| 2014 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
19–26 |
| 2013 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV |
19–23 |
| 2013 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV |
20–26 |
| 2012 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI |
19–23 |
| 2012 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV |
20–26 |
| 2011 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV |
19–23 |
| 2011 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI |
19–26 |
| 2010 | Terrain AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
20–23 |
| 2010 | Terrain FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
20–26 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.