The 2021 GMC Terrain lasts around 175,000 miles with some average transmission and stereo system software issues. At $19,899 to $28,998, it’s a good value for shoppers on a budget, but is not as nice as some of the competition.
Is the 2021 GMC Terrain a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a very good year for the GMC Terrain since it offers decent luxury and technology features for the money. Owner reviews praise the upscale cabin, lower ownership costs, along with the good passenger room.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively nice for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, but cargo space is smaller than some competitors.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major complaints on the 2021 Terrain. Avoid the 2010–2015 models since they have engine problems. Models from 2016–2022 are much better.
- Performance 8/10 – The standard engine offers similar power to other small SUVs, while the turbocharged version is relatively quick.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Terrain is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with parallel park assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at 27 MPG, offering 402 miles of range from the 14.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $49 cheaper than average at $155 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 GMC Terrain is cheaper than other compact SUVs, with average depreciation rates, making it a good value for shoppers on a budget.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Terrain?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 GMC Terrain is a relatively premium compact SUV, with average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the GMC Terrain at 4.1/5, enjoying the convenient touchscreen interface, but doesn’t like the limited cargo room behind the rear seats.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Terrain a 4/5, praising the pleasant ride quality on rough roads, but owners don’t like the push button gear selector instead of a normal lever.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 GMC Terrain Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 GMC Terrain include delayed gear changes, stereo system issues, along with some excessive brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Terrain ages.
Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Terrain, showing up within the first 2,500 miles. There are software updates available for the transmission control module, which improves gear change speeds. Usually, dealers will install these updates for free, while some charge around $100.
Stereo system issues have also been reported by some 2021 Terrain owners at around 1,000 miles. There are some software updates available for the stereo system, which are usually done over the air. Dealerships can also install them during normal servicing.
Excessive brake wear is another problem mentioned by Terrain owners within the first 15,000 miles. The front brake pads tend to wear out quickly, and have to be replaced. Changing out the front brake pads costs around $200, while new rotors are an additional $400 if they have been damaged.
There are two recalls on the 2021 GMC Terrain, which is similar to other small SUVs from the same year. The first recall covers the tires, and the second covers the child seat anchors. GMC will replace the parts on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 GMC Terrain Last?
A well-maintained 2021 GMC Terrain can last around 175,000 miles, which is shorter than some competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $558 per year.
As a used 2021 Terrain reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the horn relay for $75, A/C expansion valve costing $300, along with the fuel level sending unit for $800.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include an 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful Bose stereo system.
Standard safety technology is great, and features:
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Following distance indicator
- Teen driver system
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parallel park assist
- Safety alert seat
Is the 2021 GMC Terrain a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 GMC Terrain is a good value since it’s more affordable than some other small SUVs while also offering decent features for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,899 to $28,998, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $25,000 to $37,500. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Terrain?
There are four main models of the 2021 GMC Terrain offered from the entry-level SL through to the more luxurious Denali. The Terrain comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
GMC Terrain SL is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 7-inch touch screen
- Six-speaker stereo
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Four USB ports
- Proximity keyless entry
- Automatic climate control
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Following distance indicator
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Teen Driver system
GMC Terrain SLE is a step up, offering:
- Same features as SL trim
- Available Pro Safety Plus package
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Optional eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Optional heated front seats
- Available rear-seat entertainment system
- Optional 8-inch touch screen
- Optional navigation
- Available satellite radio
- Optional power liftgate
- Optional dual-zone automatic climate control
- Available remote start
- Optional adaptive cruise control
- Optional safety alert seat
GMC Terrain SLT has more features such as:
- Includes SLE features
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- 8-inch touch screen
- Navigation system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Remote start feature
- Leather upholstery
- Hands-free power liftgate
GMC Terrain Denali is the flagship model with:
- Exclusive 252-horsepower engine
- Heated steering wheel
- Seven-speaker Bose stereo
- Wireless device charging
- Pro Safety Plus package
- Front parking sensors
- Upgraded suspension
- Available heated rear seats
- Available ventilated front seats
- Optional sunroof
- Available parallel park assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
What Engines Come In the GMC Terrain?
The GMC Terrain offers two engine options, each with distinct performance characteristics. The first is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy of around 27 MPG. It accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 9 seconds, offering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness.
The second option is a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 252 horsepower. This engine also uses a nine-speed automatic transmission and provides a combined fuel economy of about 24 MPG. It boasts a quicker acceleration, going from 0 to 60 MPH in roughly 6.8 seconds, making it a more performance-oriented choice for drivers seeking additional power and speed.
What Colors Does the GMC Terrain Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Terrain?
The 2021 GMC Terrain is designed with comfort in mind
, making it a standout choice for both daily commutes and longer journeys. Inside, passengers are greeted with a cabin that blends style with comfort, featuring well-cushioned seats that provide ample support, especially during long drives. The front seats, in particular, offer a high level of adjustability, catering to a wide range of body types, making sure that both the driver and front passenger can find their ideal seating position. The rear seats are also noteworthy for their comfort, offering enough headroom and legroom to accommodate adults comfortably, even on longer trips. The Terrain’s ride quality further enhances its comfort credentials; the suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a smooth and serene ride. This is complemented by effective sound insulation, which keeps road and wind noise at bay, allowing passengers to enjoy conversations or music without interruption.
In terms of interior amenities, the 2021 GMC Terrain does not disappoint. The vehicle comes with a range of features designed to enhance comfort, such as climate control, which maintains a pleasant cabin temperature regardless of external conditions. Higher trims offer additional luxuries like heated and ventilated front seats, providing extra comfort in extreme weather conditions. The infotainment system is user-friendly and easily accessible, reducing driver distraction and contributing to a more relaxed driving experience. The inclusion of ample storage spaces throughout the cabin, including cupholders and pockets, adds to overall convenience, making it easier for passengers to keep their essentials within reach.
Overall, the 2021 GMC Terrain excels in delivering a comfortable driving experience. Its combination of supportive seating, a smooth ride, quiet cabin, and user-friendly features make it an attractive option for those prioritizing comfort in their vehicle choice. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Terrain provides a level of comfort that passengers will appreciate, making every journey a pleasant experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Terrain Have?
The 2021 GMC Terrain offers a practical and versatile storage space suitable for a variety of needs. In terms of raw capacity, the vehicle boasts up to 63.3 cubic feet of room when the rear seats are folded down. This generous space allows for accommodating larger items such as bicycles, multiple suitcases, or a small piece of furniture like a coffee table. With the rear seats up, the space is reduced to 29.6 cubic feet, which is still ample for grocery shopping, several backpacks, or the essentials for a weekend getaway. The Terrain’s well-designed cargo area makes it a strong contender for those who need a balance between a daily driver and a vehicle capable of handling bulkier loads for road trips or moving days.
Apart from the main cargo area, the 2021 GMC Terrain also excels in offering numerous small storage spaces throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality. These include a sizable glovebox, door bins that can easily hold water bottles and small items, and a center console with a deep bin and additional cup holders. Additionally, there are pockets behind the front seats and a convenient under-floor storage area in the cargo space, ideal for keeping valuables out of sight or organizing smaller items. These thoughtfully placed storage solutions add to the Terrain’s overall utility, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals who appreciate having a place for everything while on the go. The balance of large and small storage areas in the 2021 GMC Terrain demonstrates GMC’s commitment to functionality and convenience, making it a strong contender in its class for those who value both space and organization.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the GMC Terrain was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: 4G WiFi hotspot is standard on all models.
2016: Blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning added to the SLE-2 and SLT models.
2017: 18-inch alloy wheels are standard on all models, nightfall appearance package offered.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new technology, exterior styling, and engines.
2019: New exterior appearance package, and a new high-resolution rearview camera.
2020: Improved suspension in the Denali model, and the diesel engine was removed from the lineup.
2021: The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was discontinued.
How Does the GMC Terrain Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 GMC Terrain is a decent small SUV built for buyers looking for decent luxury on a budget, but it’s not as long-lasting as some of the competition.
The Chevy Equinox is a popular small SUV which is available in the same price range. Both the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are built on the same platform, but the GMC Terrain offers a better interior. We recommend the GMC Terrain since the extra features are great when they are in the same price range.
The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV, which costs about $3,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota RAV4, while the GMC Terrain offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s one of the longest-lasting small SUVs on the market.
