2012 GMC Terrain Review: Unreliable & Overpriced SUV With Engine Problems

Mar 26, 2022

The 2012 Terrain only lasts around 150,000 miles and has drivetrain problems. At $9,888 – 11,366, it’s too expensive given the frequent mechanical failures.

The Good

Passenger room is great, interior materials are nicer than other SUVs and there are high-tech safety features available.

The Bad

Cargo space is much smaller than rivals, the steering feel is very loose and there’s no advanced safety technology available.

Is the 2012 GMC Terrain a Good Used SUV?

No, 2012 is a bad year. Owners have complained about the Terrain being expensive to own, widespread engine problems, and poor acceleration.
Reliability ratings are poor. There are fewer complaints than the 2011 model, but mechanical improvements don’t show up till the 2016 and newer models.
Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder engine, and the optional V6 is not much better.
The Terrain is a safe SUV getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick Award, it also comes standard with a rearview camera.
Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Caitlin G

Perfect small family vehicle

Perfect for our family of four with a large dog. Love all the features and the interior colors are perfect! The leather is great. Love the touch screen and different menu options. Wish it had DVD player in the back. Love the cargo space and the back seat is perfect for two kids.

Patricia F

Our GMC terrain is a car I am proud to own. With the seat heaters.

Always reliable, dependable and nice to drive. Has been our car for several years, we travel by car from state to state for pleasure and is always dependable. . We keep maintenance up on the vehicle so it is always ready for the next trip. Has a lot of amenities for us to enjoy on trips.

Claire G

GMC Lover: Happy with their Economical Crossover in the Terrain

The only issue I had was when I first got it, 2 failed starts without any error message in the computer when read at the dealership. Never happened again. Otherwise, very economical with a 4 cylinder, so great mileage for a crossover. Comfortable ride. Nice leather seats, heated and great AC/Heating system. No vents in back, but cools/warms the space well. Wish it was just a little bigger sometimes, ended up buying a roof rack for some more cargo room. Interface is very app-oriented, but easy to interact with. I did not do the navigation package, but like the sound system in the trim selection. I got black on black with some standard rims. It's a great looking car in my opinion, some don't like the business! I love the front end, looks badass. Back seats split 70/30% to open up the entire back for larger cargo items.

Nicole M

This is a very nice vehicle for a single person or a family

This is a great vehicle for single person or family this vehicle has served me well I think that it is very nice it is a good vehicle for a single person or a family. There is really not much more to say this is a very nice vehicle for a single person or a family

Katie R

I love my Terrain! The MPG and Sleek look is everything I want in a SUV!

I love having my terrain! It is perfect for road traveling or in town traveling. What really led me to this car was the MPG a I am able to get. I am currently getting 24 mpg. The sleek looks make me feel that I got a great looking car for a great price. The next car that I buy will be the newest model of the GMC Terrain- that is how much I love this vehicle!

Ruth Y

It is a great ride, rugged but luxurious and very comfortable.

I like the vehicle very much. It looks great and drives like a dream. It has all the necessary technology on it that I need.

Melissa R

Great mileage and comfort.

I love it. Rides and drives great! Has a GPS that I totally love. Also has the touch screen which is easier to use. Great gas mileage. Plenty of room. Not cramped up at all. Good size cargo area. Great car to travel in. Holds 3 car seats. Definitely not a mistake in buying it. I love it!

Alexis Z

There has not ever been any problems!

My vehicle is extremely reliable. I haven’t had any problems with it rather than usual maintenance such as oil changes. There’s a lot of room and a large trunk. Everyone loves to take my car when we go places so they’re not all squished together! Overall 10/10 vehicle.

Negative Owner Reviews

Bill Miller

Do Not BUY!

Do not buy this car, totally unreliable, Engine cuts off when you slow down, wipers will turn of, lights will turn off with no warning. Engine light comes on, dealer cannot fix. You are fool to buy this vehicle, you have been warned!!!!!!!

Larry Daniels

Very unreliable!

Car looks great, rides well and handles very good. Engine tends to turn off on occasions and auto shuts down. Dealers do not know how to fix so do not waste your time. Been towed 3 times ,finally dumped the car on CARMAX. Do Not Purchase.

Bill Miller

GMC 2012 Terrain Issues

Car looks great that is about it. My opinion is do not buy this car! Has turn off issues with the motor. Engine light will come on and wipers will turn off and Iights on the dash turned off on one occasion. Finally the motor dies and the rest is downhill. Have had the Terrian at Kingsport GMC , Tn. 3 times and same issue keeps occurring. It is there for the 3rd time now , been there since July 10th and still have it. Hope all there products are not like this and hope all their Service Centers are better than this one!

rae b

It has a large trunk. This car can carry a lot in the rear seat but the front is cramped

It is a good size. It breaks down alot. Not great on gas.

STORM D

Oil eater and no rear heat or ac.

My GMC terrain consumes a lot more oil the. A car should. Between oil changes we are adding 5 quarts to maintain the oil consumption. The car only holds 5 quarts. There is no rear ac or heat so my daughter who is in a rear facing car seat sweats and could easily get overheated on long car rides.

Tessy W

The vehicle is rated to be all terrain but it does not handle well in snow.

I dislike the box feeling of the car and the back seats do not have any air vents so the front passengers have to have either hot or cold on full blast in order for the back to get comfortable. The lining around the doors and sunroof are not made with good quality they come off frequently and I have to reattach with glue.

Tiffany B

It takes forever to speed up! If you sit in the back, it's possible that you may die of heat stroke before it cools down. Hate that.

There are no backseat air vents. We live in Florida, which means it gets really hot. We have a toddler and an infant and it takes awhile to cool them down. It also takes a lot of power to speed up quickly. I'd prefer something with 6 cylinders and more space in the back.

Tabatha S

Would not purchase another GMC terrain.

Vehicle is very uncomfortable for a short person. The vehicle also burns oil and regularly has issues. This vehicle has had problems from the start and is regularly requiring service. The service department said they see this vehicle in this age range very often. The look of the vehicle is acceptable.

What Do Critics Say About the Terrain?

Consumer Reports finds the Terrain to be behind most competitors, and has low owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Terrain a 3.3/5 and likes the quiet cabin, but rear visibility is poor.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Terrain a 4.0/5 and like the good gas mileage, but off road performance is bad.

What Common Problems Does the 2012 GMC Terrain Have?

Problems are serious with the 2012 Terrain including engine issues, water leaks, and cracked transfer cases.

Engine problems such as excessive oil consumption, are the most common complaint at around 100,000 miles. GMC issued a special coverage adjustment, extending the warranty to 120,000 miles. Replacing the engine components out of warranty costs over $2,500.

Water leaks into the cabin are another issue at around 100,000 miles. There are two sources including a clogged sunroof drain line and worn-out windshield gasket. Fixing the issue costs $250 to $400.

Cracked transfer cases are also mentioned by owners at around 85,000 miles. Some owners have had the transfer case crack multiple times, and replacing the part costs $1,500.

There are 4 recalls, none of which are mechanically serious. The recalls include tire pressure monitoring, seat height adjuster bolts, keys that can be removed while not in park, and headlight reflections.

How Long Will the 2012 GMC Terrain Last?

With proper maintenance, a 2012 Terrain should last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as more reliable rivals including the RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average at $575 per year, according to Repair Pal.

As a Terrain reaches 100,000 miles owners should prepare to replace the exhaust for $700, air conditioning expansion valve costing $350, and seat heaters which cost $275.

Tamara H

A few yes. Sometimes the digital screen freezes, as in the backup cam can get stuck on its initial view. Seat memory isn't always spot on.

Janice P

Yes. It is easy to park. Backup camera is very helpful. We like it. There is a recall on possible oil usage.

Gigi B

There have been minor issues for example the side panel fell off and rust began around the license plate. Also when it was new the paint began chipping off around the cup holder.

Rebecca F

May have gotten a lemon. Defect in steering column. GMC would not fix it. Have had to take car to shop quite a bit.

Rebekah P

The 2012 GMC Terrain is very reliable. It is not the best vehicle for the snow and ice but other than that I love it!

Kayla W

It is very reliable. Fortunately it allows OnStar so if there was an emergency, I would simply click the emergency button already installed. The vehicle also has a vehicle phone. I've traveled from SC to Michigan, Virginia, DC, and Maryland with no problems. The vehicle was good on gas and music.

Ashley L

Yes so far it is. I have taken it to the shop to get a little light work done on it at the GMC shop but other than that's it's fine

Cynthia G

No it cuts off in the middle of driving it sometimes on the busiest of streets. The engine light is on for no Reason but it was just in an accident and we are fine.

How Much Is the 2012 GMC Terrain Worth?

Blue book prices on the Terrain range from $9,888 – 11,366, making it more affordable than a CR-V or RAV4. When new, the price range was $25,560 to $33,010. Depreciation is average, losing about 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Terrain?

There are four different models of the Terrain available. Technology is okay since it was last updated in 2010 and a new infotainment system was added in 2016.

SLE-1 is the entry-level model offering:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seating
Cruise Control
Rearview Camera
OnStar
6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm Jack, USB, And Bluetooth

SLE-2 is a step up adding features including:

8-Way Adjustable Driver’s Seat
Premium Cloth Seating
Leather Steering Wheel
8-Speaker Pioneer Stereo System

SLT-1 offers some upgrades such as:

Perforated Leather Seating
Heated Front Seats
Remote Ignition

SLT-2 is the flagship model and has:

18-Inch Chrome Wheels
Navigation System
Power Liftgate
Sunroof
Lane Departure Warning And Forward Collision Alert

SLE-1

182 HP 20-23 MPG

View Details

SLE-2

182-264 HP 20-23 MPG

View Details

SLT-1

182-264 HP 20-23 MPG

View Details

SLT-2

182-264 HP 20-23 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Terrain?

The base engine is a relatively weak 2.4L 4-cylinder with 182 horsepower.
An optional upgrade on the SLE-2 and higher models is the more powerful 3.0L V6 making 264 horsepower and taking 8.3 seconds to go from 0-60.

What Colors Does the Terrain Come In?

How Big Is the Terrain?

The 2012 Terrain is an average sized compact SUV similar to the Escape and Rogue. Passenger room is excellent with plenty of legroom in the backseats to fit adults.

Cargo space is smaller than rivals with 31.6 cubic feet of room behind the seats, expanding to 63.9 with the seats folded flat.

How Does the Terrain Compare to the Competition?

The Chevrolet Equinox is built on the same platform, and costs around $1,300 less. Where the Terrain stands out is with a more luxurious interior, but aside from that the two are similar. Avoid both SUVs since they have a lot of mechanical problems.

The Ford Escape is another rival, which is around $2,000 cheaper. Where the Escape stands out is with better fuel economy, but the Terrain has more room for passengers. Overall, both SUVs have a lot of issues and we suggest going with something from Toyota or Honda.

Ranks #10 Compact SUV by Owners

2012 Land Rover LR4

4.67

2012 Honda CR-V

4.52

2012 GMC Terrain

4.25

Do Owners Recommend the GMC Terrain?

Tamara H

Yes its reliable & safe. Comfortable to drive & the heat or ac option is almost always instant to respond.

Janice P

Yes good gas mileage. Roomy and comfortable for us. Easy to load. Comfortable seats. Overall a good quality.

Gigi B

I have had issues but overall it is ok. I would not buy another one but mine has 130,000 miles on it and it is still running.

Rebecca S

It is Stylish, however, there is manufacturer defect in steering column mainly on the v6. Have had to take care to shop quite a bit

Langley R

Yes it gives a nice smooth ride. It's a great family vehicle and it is good on gas. It also has great features and a sleek look!

Rhonda H

Yes it is a great vehicle. It includes a rear view camera that makes it so much easier when backing out. I love that it comes with Bluetooth and allows for satellite radio and OnStar which is very convenient. The vehicle also has rear windshield wipers. The trunk is very spacious. What’s even better is the vehicle is actually great on gas to be a SUV.

Amanda W

Yes very good vehicle and safe for children. I like my truck even though I just got it a month ago it's very spacious. And saves more on gas than you think

Mike T

No. It’s got engine problems. It will cut off when I start it. The engine light is always on for no reason. And it eats oil so much

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Luke C on September 26, 2022

Check it out thoroughly before you buy

We have had our 2012 for about1-1/2 years now and it has 120k miles. Replaced the front CV axles around 110k miles (not too expensive or hard to do yourself). I did pull off the intake and clean out the PCV port just to be extra safe. About to swap out the VVT solenoids and spark plugs since it's running a little rougher than when we got it. No real oil consumption issues with this one. Make sure you check this vehicle's oil weekly and ALWAYS change it at 3000 miles. Never let this vehicle get low on oil because the timing chain tensioner relies on oil pressure to operate. Without adequate oil the chain may stretch and break. When that happens it'll jump time and you can kiss the engine goodby. Yes, you have a few things to keep up with on this vehicle, but if you do it can last a good while. The trim level on the SLT is pretty good.

Paul on November 25, 2023

Loud engine when starting

I have110,000 miles on my 2012 . It calms down after warming up though. Not real good gas mileage stated 20-23 mpg.but I get less.I should have read reviews before shelling .out $10,000 on a car with 110,000 miles

Sm on January 2, 2023

Gmc terrain 2012 ,125,000 miles

Do not buy this type of suv. I have to add oil to my car every 3 weeks, it’s ridiculous. My car with once in a while jerk back and forth but then eventually stops. The shops do not know how to fix this problem.

Melissa M on June 25, 2021

2012 terrain, the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. The only thing I have had to do to it was regular maintenance. I always know it will get me where I need to go, regardless of how far. It is comfortable for long road trips, and has plenty of space for our luggage. I also love the body style.

Oscat G on May 22, 2021

GMC terrain and its effectiveness.

I really find it a perfect fit for me it runs smoothly, and its fuel efficiency is second to none, which help out because I have long commutes everyday. This provide a sense of security, knowing that you are driving a vehicle that will not give you any problems whatsoever. I have not had to put it into the shop at all and have been driving it for 7 years already.

Dawn V on May 21, 2021

An excellent vehicle to drive.

This car is very comfortable. The rear seat can move forward or backwards to give extra leg room. The front seats are heated. It has a sunroof for extra fresh air. It is not a huge car but has plenty of space for a family of four. It has a backup camera. Front and rear defog. The side mirrors also defog. OnStar capabilities.

Isara T on April 14, 2021

Best mid size SUV hands down.

It's reliable. But high mileage. It runs great without any problems. It is 4-cylinder SUV, so I save a lot on gas. I just fixed the catalytic converter which was the only major problem I had since I acquired it used in 2014. I am the second owner, and it still looks brand new. The upkeep and service records are all on hand. I enjoy my terrain. The best feature about my vehicle is the way it looks. For a mid size SUV, it looks better than other models by other companies. It has a sleek look, all American muscle built. It looks better than the ford explorer, and the Chevy equinox. I am thinking of getting another vehicle but I will never consider selling my terrain.

Tracy K on March 31, 2021

That I am driving and I can't parallel park! Ha! I do wish that it had some sort of a parallel parking thing like new cars do.

I like the size. It is perfect for me. The rear view backup mirror is the best. I will never have a vehicle without it. And now that I know how to use it, I love the bluetooth for the phone!

Janet V on March 31, 2021

Looking for a great, small SUV? The GMC terrain is just the one for you!

I love the size of the GMC terrain. It is a perfect small SUV for family or an individual. I enjoy that it sits higher up than a car. The hatch space is my favorite for making Walmart and grocery store hauls. The backseat can be adjusted to provide more leg room or more hatch space which is a big plus. Very easy to park and get around in for daily use.

Amanda A on March 26, 2021

Honestly this car is amazing, it has an amazing giddy up!

This car has been really awesome. The only problems I have experienced is a problem with the sensors on the tires. The car drives smooth and oil changes are easy. Overall maintenance has been simple. It easily fits my family of four. Though it would not fit anyone between the car seats unless they are very small. The back has plenty of room to haul whatnots. The seats lay down and I was able to fit a small couch in the back! I feel very safe driving this vehicle because it has air bags everywhere.

Jenny S on March 24, 2021

What I like about my new car.

I drive a 2012 GMC terrain. I really like that it's a SUV with great gas mileage. The seats are very comfortable. Unlike SUVs of similar size (i.e. Ford Escape) it has a lot of headroom, back seat room and trunk space. The drive is also smooth. It also has a backup camera that is very useful.

Ron F on March 23, 2021

Nice car for a road trip, very comfortable.

Very nice ride. Good mpg for an SUV. Good sight lines and nice back up camera.

Jennifer L on March 21, 2021

Love the body of Terrain, headlights & red interior lights for night driving

I really have enjoyed the GMC Terrain. The only problem I've had so far is an episode of water coming into the front floorboard. A friend cleaned out a line which had collected leaves and that fixed the problem. Haven't had any other issues and no further water leaking.

Patti P on March 21, 2021

I learned to enjoy my little terrain!

My biggest complaint is that I wish I would've purchased a 6 cylinder. This terrain has no 'pick-up' and go. Even so, it is the perfect size vehicle and I love the sunroof and heated seats! What a difference a warm 'tushy' makes on a cold day. The sound system is great as is the seat memory feature. I especially enjoy the hands-free feature through the radio system. The first time that worked I was truly amazed!

Claire G on March 20, 2021

GMC Lover: Happy with their Economical Crossover in the Terrain

Marissa M on March 17, 2021

It drives smooth and it is a nice size for kids.

It has two shatters in the window. It drives good. Gas is high. The tires are expensive. I like the color and chrome.

Joselyn S on March 15, 2021

Smooth, fast, great SUV,, good on gas.

Problems there’s always an oil leak, or for some reason it wastes the oil and it is changed very often. Comfort is good for a family of 4, but if u have a baby seat I feel squished even if it is a 5 seater car, features I like that it has a touch screen for radio, it features black and red, during the night red lights on. It is fast for an SUV, it is smooth. Gas is good, it does not waste much money.

Rosy S on March 12, 2021

Love the car however has flaws in the manufacturing of it.

Brake dust is sticking to paint and some spots on car are starting to rust. Sometimes if I start the car with the door open no functions work in the car such as the volume or change radio or plug my smartphone to call by same token Bluetooth not working. As well as burning oil the car had a recall and parts were replaced however I have to change the oil more often than other brands or make of car which is not cost effective

Deana A on March 11, 2021

Handles very well in all weather conditions.

Wonderful car, but watch for recall related to increased oil usage. Drives smooth and gets great gas mileage for a SUV. Does sit lower to the ground, so watch those curbs when parking. If you live in an area with high snowfall, it handles very well, but can get high centered in drifts if not careful.

Michelle S on March 11, 2021

Love our terrain, would definitely buy another.

The terrain has been a wonderful family car. It has been very dependable, gets great mileage, has plenty of cargo space and with seats down in back can be configured many ways. We feel it is very safe, otherwise wouldn't use it for our most precious cargo which is our granddaughter.

Angela M on March 10, 2021

It's equipped with all the safety features. Lots of room for comfort.

Love the comfort . Love the gas mileage. It's very roomy for a smaller car. It's sporty yet not expensive

Kevin L on March 4, 2021

Nice family car for a small family.

Reliable comfortable car to drive. Spacious but not a huge vehicle. Good car for a small and growing family. We have two car seats in the back for our two children and it is comfortable for the four of us to drive anywhere. The car gets decent gas mileage but nothing amazing.

Faith E on March 4, 2021

The dash controls are very easily accessible.

I love how spacious my vehicle is. It has Sirius XM that I use just about everyday. I have a 10 month old and two nieces that are 2 and 3. My car is used when going on trips with the girls because it gives us enough space to fit car seats comfortably, while still having a large trunk space.

Valerie S on March 1, 2021

The vehicle is a solid all wheel drive car. I feel safe while driving.

I enjoy having the comfort of an. SUV without the vehicle being overly large. The terrain is easy to drive and control in all sorts of weather. I have had no issues in driving it in the snow of the Midwest. It is overall a very reliable vehicle that feels solid while driving it.

Kip S on February 26, 2021

Good truck for a good long time of ownership.

Had oil use issues but gm fixed that. We've had it since 2011 when we bought it brand new, so I guess we like it good enough. Would buy another if they weren't so expensive. It is easy on gas and oil and everything. Never had it away from home much more than that 200 miles.

Ryan P on February 21, 2021

Features and comfort great. But mechanical engineering disappointing.

It had what I believe to be premature mechanical issues that were not covered by extended warranty. Big money out of my pocket. Since than, gas mileage has decreased significantly and other issues are starting to arise. Disappointed with GMC.

Sara S on February 19, 2021

Just ok, not my favorite car.

It is very comfortable to ride in. It has heated seats, I wish it also had cooled seats. It has an aux cord so I can plug my phone in and listen to music. The plug stopped working 2 years ago and now I cannot listen to music or podcasts off my phone. I hate this. You can Bluetooth connect your phone to get calls hands free and I use that a lot. I just hate that I cannot listen to music.

paula l on February 18, 2021

I would tell everyone its a very comfortable to ride in

I like it cause it's a nice looking car i like it cause it holds my family members comfortably I dislike it cause its a gas hog

Joshua W on February 17, 2021

Its reliable and it gets very good gas mileage.

Love the size of my vehicle. My vehicle is good on gas. My vehicle has a lot of features. It's very reliable.

Alexis T on February 16, 2021

Great, intuitive family car.

I love this car. Everything is very intuitive- the controls are exactly where you expect them to be. For an older car, the technology integration is pretty good. The size is great for us and fits our daughter’s car seat without any problems. Only problem I have with it is that the turn radius is awful.

Aida B on February 13, 2021

Are love the modern design.

It is a wonderful car, very modern and comfortable. We had it since 2012 and it still looks amazing. We absolutely love this car is very spacious for our family. It is very easy to clean and all the features still work great. We never regret buying this car.

Sam G on February 12, 2021

Do not be afraid to buy used!

I like my terrain a lot. I bought it used from a family member at 122k miles and it drives like a charm. It is only 2wd which did deter me at first but going from a mid-size sedan to the terrain in the winter time was a game changer. I do not even realize that it is not all wheel drive. It is getting to the point where normal maintenance like wheel bearings need to be replaced but I have no other complaints about the car. I am a pretty short person and there are a few so called “blind spots” that are a little annoying but you just have to be more aware of what’s going on around you. As of right now I am pretty sure it will go beyond 200k miles.

Gaby C on February 10, 2021

Beautiful vehicle but large

It's a very comfortable car, drives and handles well, and the car looks good overall. I'm a big fan of the back up camera, as well as the amount of storage the car has inside. The seats are comfortable and they are very adjustable which is very convenient. It has a lot of interior space but it's very long so it's a little difficult to get use to if you haven't driven big cars before.

Maria R on February 9, 2021

The GMC terrain boasts a nice ride and handling combination.

With plenty of standard features and cabin space, the GMC terrain is a good compact SUV and a finalist for our 2018 best compact SUV for families. It has a smooth and engaging ride, and three turbocharged engines are available. This GMC gets better gas mileage than many rivals, and its upscale cabin has roomy seats in both rows. The terrain has few downfalls, but limited driver visibility is one of them.

Rachel P on February 7, 2021

GMC terrain would you drive one?

Comfortable nice ride good traction great on mileage I would highly recommend this car reliable, dependable I see them on the road a lot. Mine is red and the color is nice. The front grill looks cool and sporty. The only issue I have had is the transmission needed to be replace.

Stephanie B on February 6, 2021

It can store a lot in the back and under the seats.

I love the size and space of this car for the price. It lets me feel like I am driving in luxury with a much lower price tag. The main complaint I have is that it gets really hot because of the big, black dashboard and there are no vents in the back so it can be hard to get it to cool off for the passengers.

JC G on February 4, 2021

Not a lot of legroom in the back seats. Back and back seat windows are tinted very darkly.

Do not like the blind spots. The back seat windows are very dark. I like the little visor over the radio menu.

Hali H on February 2, 2021

Oil consumption problem that causes other issues.

I had an oil consumption problem that resulted in lots of other issues with my vehicle including it shutting down during idle and when backing up at low speeds that had to be fixed. My vehicle does not have air vents in the backseat which makes it hot for my child during rides. It also does not have navigation or even the capability of navigation. I do like that it has leather seats and they are heated. I also like the sun roof and that it has remote start.

Deborah M on January 31, 2021

Good, reliable vehicle with great style.

I have not had any problems with my terrain. The only expenses have been for routine maintenance expenses such as oil changes and such. I drive very little but it is all in town driving and have had no issues. I maintain my vehicle when service is recommended and would recommend the terrain to others.

Jonathan J on January 28, 2021

Turbo boost engine that's good on gas mileage.

The car runs great and is smooth. The air conditioning and heat are the best I've ever had in a car. It's very spacious and is comfortable. The only thing I have a problem with is the way it burns oil really quick. It gets good gas mileage and I would recommend this 2012 GMC terrain to anybody.. This is my first GMC and I would definitely buy another one.

Humza Y on January 26, 2021

Great reliable car that is a good first car.

Reliable and spacious. Back camera is a great must have. Sunroof works without issues after all these years. Only drawback is that the audio does not readily connect to my phone which is a Samsung galaxy note 9. The audio is then a choice between radio and or CDs. Additionally the availability of an actual output is a great function and feature.

Catherine C on January 24, 2021

Truly great! Bells and whistles included always help.

Nothing at all wrong! It handles well and does good on long road trips up and down the east coast. My husband and I love the bells and whistles to include Bluetooth for your phone and a touchpad that our previous car didn't have. Overall we are very pleased and will continue to use these types of vehicles in our future purchases.

Raquel M on January 23, 2021

I love the heated seats and moonroof.

I bought the vehicle used about 3 months ago. It had 83,000 miles on it. I haven't had any major issues with it except for having to replace the battery. Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase. It was worth the money I spent on it and I have had no regrets.

Lindsay F on January 22, 2021

It is a great crossover vehicle.

Love the versatility of the car with AWD. But have had issues with both of my front sensors needing to be replaced within 6 months of each other. Otherwise haven't had any other big issues. Seats are comfortable. Good space for 5 or less people in the vehicle. Touchscreen is nice and enjoy the Bluetooth feature.

Rebecca G on January 20, 2021

Safety and comfort is number one for me about my car.

Nothing that I dislike. Has a very smooth ride and comfortable seats. Great gas mileage and great looking. Have had a lot of compliments.

Charlotte O on January 18, 2021

I love my terrain! It is my trusty wagon.

It is just the right size. It is comfortable. It is red and very shiny. We get good gas mileage. We have not had any major repairs to this car since we bought it in 2014. We can haul a lot of groceries in the hatch but the car still looks sporty. I wish my vehicle had a luggage rack because I like the way they look.

Amanda L on January 16, 2021

Very family friendly. Easily taken on outings and long distance trips

Stalls in idle sometimes so it's kind of annoying. It's comfortable and roomy. It's good for traveling. Eats a lot of oil though. It's turning radius is nice. It's a good car for the most part. Easy to clean. I'm honestly not sure if I would buy another one though just due to the stalling out for no reasons found by a mechanic

Vicki P on January 14, 2021

“I'd give my vehicle a 5/5 rating!

We live our GMC terrain. We bought it used last year. It has the spirit seats in it which are very durable and kids friendly. I love the room we have. It does not seemed boxed in. Sound system is awesome. Honestly we wanted a truck at first but when we saw this vehicle we live the versatility. Put your back seat down and it is as good at hauling as a truck. It is very good in gas too. I like the fact that it tells you if you lose tire pressure or something else is going on with your vehicle steering and driving are a breeze. It does not seem like you are driving a SUV. It is great for grandkids. We have plenty of room for them and still can haul stuff in the back. I would give my GMC terrain a high rank if 5/5.

John P on January 11, 2021

You will feel like you got your money's worth. It looks very nice on the inside, and people frequently compliment me.

I love the maroon color and all the extras. I have a sunroof, navigation, and a liftgate. My leather seats are black with a red trim and have been very durable.

C C on January 11, 2021

Very comfortable but not a fast ride.

My particular model has no fast take off. I feel like when I am taking off at a light, it takes forever to get to speed, also when merging onto highways. The vehicle is very comfortable and has a lot of room for people and luggage if you are going to the airport. I took the car over from my father when he passed, not knowing there were issues. The brakes get worn down fast, & there seems to be an issue with maybe the pump because when the car idles, it shakes. Overall a decent car, but wouldn't have been my first choice.

Sky I on January 8, 2021

It burns oil pretty bad and there are no air conditioning vents in the back.

It is silver and very easy to drive. I have never had any big problems with it. It is kinda bad about burning oil though.

Crystal H on January 7, 2021

Reliable, comfortable and nice looking midsize SUV.

Love it, has been a reliable vehicle for the past 4 years. Lots of room and very comfortable. Perfect sized SUV, not too large or hard to drive. Only thing I would like is if the had a third row of seating. Also enjoy all the add features we got with heated seats, upgraded stereo and tinted windows.

Amy V on January 5, 2021

There are no air vents in the back in the sle model anyway.

I like the gas mileage it gets. It has not had any issues. It drives quiet and is nice for long trips.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.