GMC Terrain Safety Rating: Worth Your Time?

Amanda T
Dec 20, 2020

Does the 2020 GMC Terrains safety rating have what it takes to keep you and your loved ones safe? Thankfully, GM wasn’t messing around, as the Terrain is packed with the latest safety tech.

How safe is the 2020 GMC Terrain?

The 2020 GMC Terrain has been awarded a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a “good” rating (the highest possible rating) for crashworthiness from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Gray 2020 GMC Terrain From Front-Driver Side

When you’re in the process of finding a new or used vehicle, it can be tough to keep all of your information in order, but you’re smart to be doing your research. Here, we’ve gathered all the information you need to decide if the 2020 GMC Terrain is up to your safety standards.

2020 GMC Terrain Safety – Crash Test Ratings

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The IIHS ranked the GMC Terrain as “good” in every crashworthiness category, including small overlap front: driver-side, small overlap front: passenger-side, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The NHTSA gave the 2020 Terrains safety rating five stars overall. The only category in which the Terrain didn’t earn five stars was the rollover resistance test. It received four stars due to a rollover risk of 16.4%.

2020 GMC Terrain Safety – The Tech Behind it

Headlamp Control with IntelliBeam Auto High Beam

With IntelliBeam technology, your headlights will automatically shift between high and low beams depending on driving conditions.

Automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking

These systems work together to decrease the likelihood of a crash, even if you don’t see a potential collision on the horizon.

StabiliTrak Stability Control System with Traction Control

When your vehicle struggles to get traction, it can be tough to maintain control. The StabiliTrak system works with you to help your wheels brake independently, increasing the likelihood of a solid grip on the road in slippery conditions.

Hill Descent Control

The last thing you want is to lose control when you’re going down a hill. The Terrain’s hill descent control feature keeps you moving at a steady pace, even when you’re working with a steep incline.

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

When you’re on the highway, it’s easy to drift out of your lane. Lane keep assist can help you stay focused and in the center of your lane, alerting you if you begin to drift.

Daytime Running Lamps with LED Signature

2020 GMC Terrain Headlights Closeup

When other drivers can see you easily, you’re less likely to be involved in a crash. The Terrain’s LED signature daytime running lamps make it simple to spot your vehicle on the road.

Airbags: Dual-Stage Frontal, Thorax Side-Impact Driver and Front Passenger, Roof-Rail Side-Impact, Front and Rear Outboard Seating Positions

State-of-the-art airbag systems work to keep the driver and passengers safe in the event of a crash or other impact.

Passenger Sensing System Sensor Indicator, Inflatable Restraint, Front Passenger/Child Presence Detector

You’d do anything to protect your children, and the folks at GMC are on your side. The passenger sensing system helps to keep children safe in the event of a crash or other impact.

Rear Vision Camera Integrated into Audio System Display

Staying aware of your surroundings is key, and the rear vision camera lets you know what’s around you when you’re backing up.

OnStar and GMC Connected Services Capable

With OnStar and GMC connected capabilities, you can rest assured that you’ll always be able to get help in the event of an emergency.

Teen Driver Configuration Capable

If your teen is learning how to drive, you can activate the teen driver mode, associated with the individual key fob. This can limit certain features within the vehicle, prevent certain safety features from being disabled, and will provide you with a report card, so you can check in on how your teen is doing behind the wheel.

Tire Pressure Monitor

The Terrain’s tire pressure monitor alerts you when your tires need air, which should improve your gas mileage.

Dual-Note Horn

When you honk your horn, you’re working to quickly alert other drivers of your presence. A dual-note horn gets attention fast.

Here’s What Other People Also Ask

Is the 2020 GMC Terrain a good car?

According to U.S. News and World Report, the GMC Terrain is a solid SUV option with a gentle ride and plenty of power.

What’s wrong with the GMC Terrain?

In past model years, customers complained about excessive oil consumption and transmission failure. Thankfully, these problems do not seem to exist with the 2020 model.

How reliable is the GMC Terrain?

Consumer Reports gave the 2020 Terrain a 4/5 rating for reliability. (The average vehicle reliability rating is 3/5.)

avatar Amanda T
Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.
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