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.
2014GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.4× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
185 serious complaints of 301, the most about engine (124) and power train (33); per car on the road, 1.4× this model's usual year. 2 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jul 2025
“The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain was faulty. The failure caused the engine to consume an excessive amount of engine oil.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Aug 2022
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Some vehicles may have increased friction in the steering system. 14232 - special coverage. (G-205009, Nov 2014)
- Extended coverage Some 2012-2014 model year (my) buick verano, 2011-2014 my chevrolet cruze and volt, 2010-2014 my chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain, and 2013-2014 my chevrolet malibu vehicles, equipped with electronic power steering (nj0/nj1), may have increased friction in the steering system. 14232a - special… (14232, Jun 2015)
- Extended coverage N192266180 - Special Coverage - On some 2010-2012, and 2014-2017 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, a link ball socket in the wiper transmission may separate. Dealers are to replace the front wiper module with the latest version with improved sockets and a new water shield. (N192266180, Dec 2019)
- Repair program This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. (PIT5236F, Aug 2015)
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.
301 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–26 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2014 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; 3.6L 6-cyl · Drive: AWD, FWD
2014 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.