2013 GMC Terrain Review: Unreliable Compact SUV With High Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
Sep 9, 2022

The 2013 GMC Terrain only lasts around 150,000 miles with a lot of serious engine and transfer case problems. At $11,581 to $15,088, it’s cheap, but not worth buying when you’ll spend thousands repairing the engine.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
The cabin is extremely quiet, stereo system is easy to use, and the suspension is smooth at highway speeds.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Passenger room is worse than other compact SUVs, the visibility is poor with the large rear pillars and the standard 4-cylinder engine is weak.

Is the 2013 GMC Terrain a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 6/10 – 2013 is a bad year for the Terrain. Owner reviews complain about oil issues, high ownership costs, and spending a lot of time broken down.
  • Interior Quality 7/10 – There are some luxurious leather options available, room for up to 5 people, and the stereo has good features for its age.
  • Reliability 5/10 –  There are a lot of engine problems on the 2013 model. We recommend avoiding models from 20102015 which all have mechanical issues, and going with a 20162020 which are better.
  • Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the 4-cylinder engine, while the V6 offers good power.
  • Safety 7/10 – The Terrain is safe with an overall rating of 4-stars in government crash tests, along with a 4-star rating in frontal crash tests and the rollover assessment. Optional safety features include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and collision assist.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is average at 26 MPG, giving owners about 468 miles of range out of the 18 gallon gas tank. Fuel costs are $24 lower than other compact SUVs at $189 per month.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Dakota S
2013 GMC terrain vehicle review.
I love my vehicle! It has been extremely reliable. I drive a lot of highway miles and never had a problem yet. It has a small towing capacity that has worked amazing for hauling small trailers. The seats are comfortable but my favorite feature is how the seats fold down to create a large back area which I use to take my two large dogs everywhere with me.
accountCircle Darcy S
6 v power is good enough to run.
I dislike that there aren't any vents in the back seat. I like how roomy it is. I like the heated seats.
accountCircle Lauren K
GMC Terrain is a nice looking and reliable vehicle.
I love my GMC Terrain. It drives nice and I haven't had any issues with it since I purchased it. I would like the side mirrors to be bigger but GMC doesn't make them. Other than that I don't have any other complaints about the vehicle. I like that you can move the back row seating to allow for more trunk space. I like the shape and look of the SUV and get many compliments on it.
accountCircle Monica M
Roomiest interior for large drivers
Roomy interior and gas mileage are a huge plus with this vehicle. There is plenty of storage room and the back seats lay down for more storage. I love the ECO feature. It improves gas mileage by about 8 miles a gallon. It is easy to drive and a comfortable ride with plenty of legroom for back seat passengers.
accountCircle Terrine B
This vehicle has an amazing quality of details in the design inside and out.
My vehicle drives really well. I do however, can feel it stalls sometimes when I drive. I pressing on the gas but it does not go for about a second then it drives fine. This does not happen often, only sometimes. Overall, it is a great reliable vehicle.
accountCircle Shanice E
This car is the perfect car for a starter family of 3-4.
I enjoy my car. I happen to be a 5'9' women with a taller toddler. My son's car seat fits in the backseat comfortable. I also do not like larger cards. This car is the perfect size. It has enough room without being obnoxious. The features are great. The gas mileage is reasonable.
accountCircle Mallory M
Love my 2013 GMC terrain!
Only problem I had was it was burning oil which was a recall for the year my vehicle was made. Dealership fixed it right away and went back to being the most reliable vehicle I have owned! It rides smooth, is very comfortable and has plenty of cargo room in the back.
accountCircle Alyssa J
2013 GMC Terrain SLT - Love It
No problems thus far! Super reliable. Love how spacious it is! The back seat is super comfortable, even for my 6+ foot father. The back has plenty of room for storage. I love the red stitching and two tone black and white leather. V6 engine has great get up and go power.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sandi B
Lemon I just feel I got a bad vehicle
I have only had it 6 months pulled out of the dealership and the engine light came on had to replace a fuel cell and catalytic converter then about a month later I had to have the motor replaced if I wouldn't of purchased the extra warranty I would of been screwed
accountCircle frank R
It has Sirius XM radio and nice heat and ac.
Engine has problems with burning oil internally about a quart every 500 miles.GMC knows of the problem but will not pay to have problem fixed. They have had a class action lawsuit against them and still will not pay to have repairs done. Also the engine in this vehicle lacks power.
accountCircle Tammy
Nickel and dime you to death
Purchased 2013 Terrain new... Have had to replace solenoids because it would just shut of the engine driving down the road , then the wheel bearings were all bad, now the gas gauge isn’t working, and I was told it needs shocks and struts and an axel seal is leaking and front control arm bushings need replacing. All this info came from the dealer inspection when I had the wiper motor replaced due to a recall ... Wth? GMC is selling sub par vehicles .. Never again... All the additional repairs total well over $2000 and it’s not even paid off yet ..pretty sad ... Oh and I’ve had the normal new brakes and tires put on it too...crazy
accountCircle Sears S
Terrible 2013 GMC vehicle.
The engine oil consumption recall caused a lot of issues and money. After many appointments and repairs no one knew what was going wrong with the vehicle. Finally the paperwork for the recall came. But it was one thing breaking after another. Not happy about the vehicle at all.
accountCircle Amie H
Will never purchase GMC terrain.
I had to replace the engine due to an oil consumption and timing chain issue. The truck runs loud and there are no air vents in the back. I have had many problems with the oil consumption, finally there is a recall. My windshield wipers also don't work properly, due to a windshield wiper motor issue. This has been very unsafe.
accountCircle Lauren D
Lots of space for a low price.
I love the fact that is a offers a lot of room for the price but I do not like that it constantly needs repairs. I believe it may just be my vehicle because other Terrain owners have never described these problems to me but I do wish I was not having this problem.
accountCircle Michael P
Decent but not worth the price.
The vehicle is great on gas. It is only a four cylinder. The cabin space is quite small. It seems when one thing goes wrong with maintenance (oil change/engine/tire alignment) other things tend to go wrong using the ECO feature often can hurt your engine's performance. Speakers are great quality.
accountCircle Claire B
Great gas mileage. Had no mechanical issues.
Too small. There is not enough back seat room. I have 2 children in car seats and I cannot fit anyone else in the car. The rear does not have enough room, you cannot fit larger things in this car. It has great gas mileage but it is too small for me and my liking.

What Do Critics Say About the GMC Terrain?

  • Consumer Reports says the GMC Terrain is sluggish compared to the competition, and has very low owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds gives the Terrain a 2.9/5 and likes the premium interior, but doesn’t like the numb steering feel.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the Terrain 4/5 and enjoy the larger V6 engine, and owners don’t like the bad all-wheel-drive system.

What Common Problems Does the 2013 GMC Terrain Have?

The most common problems found on the 2013 GMC Terrain include blown engine seals, a broken transfer case, and Bluetooth system issues. Overall, these problems are more severe than other compact SUVs from 2013 and repair costs are higher as well.

A blown main seal on the engine is the most widespread complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. If the rear main seal on your engine breaks you will need to have it replaced for over $2,000. If debris gets into the engine after it breaks, then you may need a new engine for over $4,000.

Broken transfer cases are another serious issue mentioned by owners at around 75,000 miles. The transfer case components wear down as the vehicle ages, and the only way to fix it is to change it out. A new transfer case costs around $3,500 to install, depending on local labor rates.

Bluetooth issues also show up in the first 10,000 miles. The stereo system has connectivity and software issues which make it buggy. Some people have managed to fix the stereo by having a dealership update the software, and others have replaced the entire stereo for around $600.

There are 3 recalls, which is better than other compact SUVs from 2013. The most serious recall is for the key, which can be removed while the vehicle is not in park, and allow the SUV to roll away. GMC will replace the key cylinder to fix the problem. The other recalls are for the windshield wipers and headlights, which are less serious.

How Long Will the 2013 GMC Terrain Last?

A well-maintained 2013 GMC Terrain will last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than other compact SUVs as well, according to data from Repair Pal, at $515 per year.

Since most 2013 GMC Terrain models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the oil pan for $550, the transmission oil cooler line costing $240, and the oxygen sensor, which costs $235.

accountCircle Bobbie M

I have not experienced any problems I had it for 2 years now as I bought it used. I have not had any issues within the 2 year period.

accountCircle C W

It is a very reliable car. Feels very safe. No problems besides the screen going out. I am sure improvements have been made with newer models.

accountCircle Melanie W

No problems it was bought new in 2013 has had very few problems and I have been completely satisfied with this purchase.

accountCircle Scott G

Very reliable. We have not had any problems with it. Would recommend to anyone looking for an SUV to buy.

accountCircle Nicola M

I have had very few problems with this vehicle. It has held up under harsh weather conditions better than I ever thought it would.

accountCircle Amy S

The 6 cylinder engine is a bit too slow for me, but it is reliable. Since the vehicle was purchased I have not had any issues and I hope that will continue.

accountCircle Linda T

My GMC Terrain has been a very reliable vehicle. I bought to used and in the two years I have owned it, I've only had one issue. But I took it to the GMC dealer I purchased it from and it was an easy fixed - replaced a couple of screens

accountCircle Alex G

Two blind spots One on each side of the windshield that on more than one occasion could have easily caused an accident

Is the 2013 GMC Terrain a Good Value?

No, the 2013 GMC Terrain is not worth the money. Blue book values range from $11,581 to $15,088, making the Terrain cheaper than other compact SUVs including the Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $26,305 to $36,745. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the GMC Terrain?

There three models of the GMC Terrain offered in 2013, including the entry-level SLE, a step up to the SLT, or the luxurious Denali.

SLE is the entry-level model with:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • Heated Side Mirrors
  • Rearview Camera
  • Cruise Control
  • OnStar
  • 7-Inch Touchscreen
  • 6-Speaker Stereo With 3.5mm AUX, USB, & Bluetooth

SLT is a step up, adding:

  • 18-Inch Wheels
  • Leather Seating
  • Power Driver’s Seat
  • 8-Speaker Pioneer Stereo System
  • Lane Departure Warning & Forward Collision Alert

Denali is the luxury model which adds:

  • 18-Inch Chrome Wheels
  • Rear Cross-Traffic & Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Premium Leather Seating
  • Dual-Screen Rear DVD Player
car
SLE
182-301 HP 19-23 MPG
car
SLT
182-301 HP 19-23 MPG
car
Denali
182-301 HP 19-23 MPG

What Engines Come In the GMC Terrain?

  • The base engine is a weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which only makes 182 horsepower and gets up to 26 MPG.
  • An available upgrade is the stronger 3.6L V6, which generates 301 horsepower while getting up to 19 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the GMC Terrain Come In?

How Comfortable Is the GMC Terrain?

The 2013 GMC Terrain is reasonably comfortable for a compact SUV. The seats are supportive and well cushioned, and there’s enough space for up to 5 passengers. The Terrain is similar in size to other small SUVs including the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V.

There’s slightly less passenger room than some rivals, with limited legroom in the backseats for taller adults.

How Is the Storage In the GMC Terrain?

Cargo space is worse than average, there’s only enough space for 4-6 suitcases behind the backseats and 8-10 with the seats folded flat.

VehicleHistory Image

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The first generation of the Terrain was introduced in 2010 and replaced by the second generation in 2018.

2010: Launch of the first generation of the GMC Terrain.

2011: OnStar updates with better voice recognition.

2012: Standard touchscreen stereo system, optional lane departure warning added.

2013: Stronger V6 engine added, and Intellilink App integration.

2014: New wheel options available.

2015: 4G Wi-Fi hotspot added to stereo system.

How Does the GMC Terrain Compare to the Competition?

The GMC Terrain is one of the worst compact SUVs. GMC focused too heavily on making it luxurious and wound up building a very unreliable SUV. We recommend going with a model from 20162020 which are all more reliable.

The Chevrolet Equinox is another compact SUV that’s about $800 less. Both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are built on the same platform and share the same engines, but the GMC Terrain is more luxurious. We recommend avoiding both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain for 2013, since they have serious mechanical problems.

The GMC Acadia is another SUV from GMC which costs about $3,500 more. Passenger room is much better in the GMC Acadia, but the GMC Terrain has more responsive steering. We recommend the GMC Acadia since it’s more reliable for the 2013 model year.

Ranks #15 Compact SUV by Owners

1
car
4.56
2
Tie
car
4.54
15
car
4.2

Do Owners Recommend the GMC Terrain?

accountCircle Bobbie M

Yes it is a very good vehicle. It is great on gas mileage and is very roomy. It seats 5 adults very comfortably.

accountCircle C W

The GMC terrain slt is a great vehicle. The only issue I have had in the past seven years is the radio/screen going out. I am sure with the more recent models they have made improvements.

accountCircle Melanie W

It is an excellent sturdy vehicle, seems pretty soundproof and very comfortable ride. The car's box design is really. Impressive and stylish.

accountCircle Paul H

Yes it is a good one, the GMC Terrain is a good vehicle. We have had it for 4 years now. We love driving it.

accountCircle Sophia C

Yes it is a very good vehicle. It has been great on gas mileage throughout the years of ownership. The only problem I have had with it has been a problem with the windshield wiper motor, which was addressed by the manufacturer.

accountCircle Emily B

It is a great vehicle... very reliable. It has a great sound system, it could be a little peppier though.

accountCircle Alicia S

Yes! It gets pretty good gas mileage and it drives very well. It is a great “in-town” vehicle for daily life as well as a great “out-of-town” vehicle for travel.

accountCircle Seth D

Yes except for two blind spots Love all the other features Great gas mileage Very dependable Very roomy Easy to get in and out of

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Charles B. on August 22, 2023
Front air bag posts Limit view of pedestrian cross traffic SLE 2 upgrade
I have been driving for over 50 years and do some long distance driving. Currently have 90000 kms on the car. I can get over 1000 kms on a tank of gas at highway speeds on the highway. 4 cyl engine has been excellent. One recall for windshield washer motor. Switched out the tires to 4 season, all weather tires- Michelin Cross Climate and they are great on wet roads and up to 10 ins of snow. Heated front seat are great. Change oil every 6 months (synthetic) Great all round vision (not camera) rear camera not good in bright sunlight cant read screen. Wish it had apple car play but having driven for Highways with trucks I use maps ahead of time. Use a tablet as a backup for highway and weather conditions. 4cyl engine would be OK for light duty towing but need 6cyl for heavier. Very comfortable vehicle for long haul driving. Comfortable fully adjustable electric seats. Should last to 5000km. Ontario Canada.
accountCircle FRED SMITH on April 22, 2023
SERIOUS PROBLEMS
THIS 2013 GMC TERRAIN SLE 2.4L ENGINE HAS 14 CODES. IT HAD HIGH OIL HIG OIL CONSUMPTION, REQUIRED NEW PISTONS & RINGS. NOW WE HAVE TRANSFER CASE PROBLEMS O2 SENSOR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF ABS FAILURE BALL JOINTS WORN OUT STABILITRAK NEEDS SERVICING TIMING CHAIN ISSUES MISFIRE ISSUES MY WIFE WONT DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF PERFORMANCE FAILURES GMC SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR PRODUCING THIS JUNK VEHICLE U.S. NAVYRETIRED COMBAT VETERAN
accountCircle Amber on April 6, 2023
PURCHASE A WARRANTY!!
I bought a 2013 Terrain about 2 months ago and it has been in the shop 4 times. It is currently at 103k miles, and we have an engine consumption issue, piston problems, timing chain problems, sensors and a leaking ac condenser. I knew the risk I was taking buying an older vehicle with such high mileage but I was not expecting it to be this bad. I would not buy a GMC again after this holy Toledo.
accountCircle Cherry Carew on May 23, 2023
Good on gas
I love my GMC terrain,my only problem its gutless, other then that everything works Bluetooth is amazing works of my phone,I have 224.000 kms on it change my oil every 4000 kms now, very happy with this vehicle and would recommend this over any SUV because,it's different looking from all the other SUV,it's sharp looking
accountCircle Breanna L on June 18, 2021
Great vehicle for a family.
It has been an extremely reliable car. Great gas mileage and great for the family. I enjoy the vehicle very much and am happy with the purchase. GMC creates reliable vehicles. It is spacious enough for my family and great for road trips. I love my terrain.
accountCircle Willie S on June 1, 2021
My GMC is a great family vehicle.
This vehicle has great mileage and great for travel. Great running vehicle. This vehicle is great in the snow and in cold weather. Runs very smooth and has the room a small family will love. The all wheel drive is great to have. This vehicle has great trunk space.
accountCircle Melissa A on May 21, 2021
Drives well. Back up camera is excellent.
Very reliable. Great drive in all weather seasons. Lots of space and roomy for several passengers. Easy to drive. Great for family trips that are long drives. Good quality. Interior is comfortable. Amazing backup camera. Equipped for a families needs.
accountCircle Ashton S on May 11, 2021
Perfect family car! Little to no issues!
This is a great family car! I have two rear facing car seats in the backseat and there is still plenty of room in the front! The seats are comfortable! And the drive is smooth! We have only had issues with transmission one time and that was user error!
accountCircle Rachel H on April 26, 2021
A touch screen radio, backup camera.
My car was bought used a few years ago and is now seven years old. I have had to replace a belt, my windshield wiper motor, wipers, tires, break, and rotors but there has not been anything else major that needed to be replaced so I think it is holding up well. I have two dogs and the fabric seats are not the easiest to get hair out of because they are a weird mesh material on top so in the future I would pay more attention and get a different fabric on the seats.
accountCircle Nathan B on April 13, 2021
Disappointed in my terrain.
I was the second owner of this vehicle and, while it is very nice, I have had lots of problems with it. Part of the problem has been with the local dealership and how long it takes them to fix my vehicle. That being said, I will not be buying another GMC terrain.
accountCircle Amy R on April 13, 2021
The leather interior is so pretty and has held up perfectly.
Love this our GMC terrain, it is a 2013 model. We have put a lot of miles on it and it still runs great. Perfect size. My favorite feature is the heated seats. The only problem, if you can call it that is changing the battery which we didn't have to do until last year. Very reliable!
accountCircle Kate S on April 11, 2021
I love my GMC terrain Denali!
I love my GMC terrain Denali! It is sleek, comfortable, and drives great. It has screens in the back of both front seat headrests for viewing DVDs, my daughter favorite feature. Backup camera is very helpful. All wheel drive so it drive well in the New England weather.
accountCircle David H on April 8, 2021
Pretty happy with my GMC terrain.
Overall the car runs well, good on gas, I have however had a weather strip leaking issue. Oil changes can be expensive sense its full synthetic only per the factory. Plenty of space inside for passengers and/or storage. Drives like a car with the benefits of an SUV.
accountCircle Ashley D on April 4, 2021
Good Washington car for all seasons.
My vehicle has had multiple recalls. I am almost done paying it off. Then new car time. I have had to replace the interior gears. Brakes and tires within the past year. Money pit. It's been reliable so far but I am afraid it will start to cost more than it's worth.
accountCircle Bob F on April 4, 2021
GMC terrain is for the cool dad.
Great vehicle to drive and very spacious on the inside. Perfect car for those with kiddos or someone like me who just likes to have some space. The upholstery and chair design is also very appealing while also being very comfortable on long drives. I have had no major issues with my terrain and we are sitting at about 70,000 and 6 years on the road. Second row seating also very spacious plenty of legroom for adults and space for kids seats.
accountCircle diedra B on April 4, 2021
GMC terrain. Great small gas saving SUV.
It is amazing on gas. Oil leaks though in the engine which is a problem from years up to 14. Also there was a lawsuit but it is amazing on gas also it is very roomy. Smaller SUV but has a ton of room. It is a loud car. It supposedly comes with a sound system but it does nothing but cancel out noise.
accountCircle Leigh H on April 2, 2021
I have a white four door sedan. It has heated seats and a sunroof.
My vehicle is a great vehicle. Its roomy enough for me and my husband and two kids. It's been reliable and basically all I have had to do is maintenance work on it. My only drawback of it is that I would want a little bigger in the next car I buy. I still would stick with a GMC but maybe upgrade to a Yukon. The terrain gets good gas mileage and I have not had any problems with it.
accountCircle Dechaune B on April 1, 2021
GMC review. Wonderful car to have.
I really love my terrain. And although I am not a fan of a sunroof, I do not mind it at all. The ease of how the car moves and handles the road is wonderful in my opinion. I recently took a trip to Texas to visit family and I can say that for me, I did.T have to spend a lot on gas. Especially since I had it checked before I did traveled. I am also happy that my grandmother can easily get in and out of the car without pain is a plus as I am the one who takes her shopping and to her appointments. But I will say that I do have a friend whose has the same car and they have had engine issues. Thankfully, it was covered with a warranty and was fixed. But all in all, a good car to have.
accountCircle Ashleigh M on March 30, 2021
The Bluetooth is not great.
I honestly love my GMC. There are a few things that I would change starting off with the Bluetooth, it only works for phone calls. I cannot play my music or GPS through the car speakers and I do not get why. Other than that I really do like the car. I would highly recommend a GMC vehicle.
accountCircle Kara L on March 30, 2021
The SUV for the vertically challenged.
This is an excellent car for shorter people! I am 5'0' tall and have always had an issue feeling safe and secure while driving because of how close I have to sit to the steering wheel. However, the features in this SUV allow me to adjust the seat so that I can reach the gas and break while still feeling like I am a comfortable distance from the wheel. I also enjoy the electronic tracking features that the dashboard has to offer. I can keep track of my oil life, speed, mileage, and tire pressure all in one spot digitally without having to look up different symbols in the owner's manual. This is a very family friendly SUV with plenty of room for road trips or grocery shopping! Plus, it rides smoothly too!
accountCircle Christie O on March 27, 2021
Ok vehicle- some problems but not many.
Abs broke right away so every time you stop at a stop sign the vehicle jumps. The vehicle dies when I put gas in. Other then that it has good gas mileage, a comfortable ride. Sometimes the shifter gets stuck and hard to change it into drive or reverse.
accountCircle Mike F on March 26, 2021
This is a lot of car for the cost. More comfortable ride that my Lexus
Great ride decent gas mileage many features for the cost easy to drive lots of room for moving things
accountCircle danielle B on March 26, 2021
Gmc terrain 2013 comfy car for family or pets
Large blind spots rotors mounted uneven, causing brake pads to wear unevenly otherwise, very comfortable
accountCircle Lawrence M on March 21, 2021
It rides very smoothly for a smaller SUV and has a very small turning radius.
I love my GMC Terrain. It looks very modern inside and out. I love the backup camera, the electric windows and seats, the cruise control, and the GPS. I dislike that there are no a/c vents in backseat.
accountCircle Andrew S on March 21, 2021
Reliable midsize family SUV.
The terrain is overall very solid and has received timely routine maintenance. We purchased the car with 40k miles and are now at 140k miles. All aspects of the vehicle have been on the high side of average regarding repair needs. The GMC terrain is overall a very reliable vehicle.
accountCircle Geza B on March 20, 2021
Overall a very good vehicle.
Very reliable, good on gas, very comfortable, spacious, very safe, smooth riding, lets you know when there's a problem like low tire pressure and which tire, cold air conditioner, drives really nice and smooth, instruments are real clear and easy to understand.
accountCircle Megan L on March 18, 2021
Love my GMC Terrain. Great vehicle for a small family. Drives well
I love this vehicle. It has been very reliable for my family of four. The backseat is very spacious. However our family has outgrown the vehicle fast. With two children and a dog there is not enough room. This vehicle gets great gas mileage. It also handles well in the winter months
accountCircle Kelly H on March 18, 2021
2013 GMC terrain - black with leather interior.
I love my car. We bought it brand new in December of 2012, I was only 17. I am now 25 and it is still in great condition. There is an oil consumption issue with the vehicle but GMC is covering the cost of repairs for it. I really do not ever want to get rid of this car, it is great!
accountCircle Bobbie T on March 11, 2021
My beautiful GMC terrain perfect automobile for a single person like me.
It's just the right size back up camera sunroof power seat Bluetooth cruise controls on the steering wheel interior is black chrome wheels has hookup for cell phone can start up without the key automatic trunk opens on start it i.e. Black in color with chrome luggage rack back seat can move back and forward.
accountCircle Heather R on March 10, 2021
Great vehicle. Just a few problems.
It uses oil, I have to get it checked in a regular bases and filled up monthly. Other than that I really enjoy the vehicle. It has been dependable so far. It is an all wheel drive, it goes good in the winter in the snow. I am happy I chose it. I would like it better if I didn’t have to check the oil so often.
accountCircle Holly C on March 9, 2021
2013 GMC terrain-the new Toyota Camry.
My 2013 GMC terrain has performed very well. It has an average number of miles on it. The biggest issue I have encountered is the wheel bearings going out, but it wasn't a big deal, just general maintenance for the age of the vehicle. I plan to keep the vehicle until it completely gives out on me!
accountCircle Patti S on March 6, 2021
It is a great car but has no electric back door. It gets decent gas mileage.
I like the way it drives and the. Imglrt. I do Wish it had an electric back door
accountCircle Linda S on March 6, 2021
My awesome GMC terrain. I have always owned different cars but this is the best.
I love my GMC terrain. Have had it five years and it runs great. The gas mileage is awesome on this vehicle. The only problem I have had is a faulty windshield wiper that had a recall. Also a recall where the check engine light would not come in if something happened. Took care of it.
accountCircle Darrell T on March 4, 2021
2013 GMC terrain pros and also cons.
The GMC terrain is actually a pretty good vehicle. I go fishing a lot and I can put everything that I need in the trunk with no problem. I have had a few issues with it though. One day I got in and tried to defrost my windows and the defroster would not work. I also have been having a few issues with the engine smoking and there is no oil leak whatsoever from the engine. Last but not least my door locks out of the blue started locking and unlocking themselves which was very weird at the moment. Kind of startling to be honest. It has gotten me everywhere I've needed to go through and the gas mileage is excellent!
accountCircle SAM H on March 3, 2021
IT IS A GREAT FAMILY VEHICLE. I LOVE THE SIZE AND HOW IT DRIVES.
I WISH IT HAD A SUNROOF. I LOVE THE CAR ALL AROUND.
accountCircle L S on March 2, 2021
2013 GMC terrain is good on gas.
This truck does not have air vent in the back of the truck. The outside noise is loud. Not enough room in the back of the truck for loading items. Good on gas.
accountCircle Ashley D on February 28, 2021
2013 GMC Terrain Heated seats
My vehicle runs smooth. I took a personal trip and drove from Louisiana to Destin, Florida. I filled my tank up right before I got on the interstate. Five hours later I arrived at my destination and was just under half a tank. I haven't had any problems with my vehicle. I keep my car well maintenance. I also have heated front seats which come in handy when you have lower back pain. I use mine very often as I have really bad back pains.
accountCircle Ronald W on February 27, 2021
It is very dependable and fun to drive.
Like it's looks. It handles well. It is very dependable.
accountCircle Thomas L on February 24, 2021
Holds a lot of people and cargo for a small SUV. It's very practical for road trips .
I like the SUV model. I can carry a lot of cargo. It's a nice looking auto. It's not great on gas. The air conditioner never worked great.
accountCircle Shelly T on February 23, 2021
Great vehicle for the price.
There was a recall on this car for bad pistons but warranty took care of it and it now runs great. It is a very comfortable vehicle with a very spacious seating for all. It is a very basic model but has all some advanced features. Gas mileage is pretty decent.
accountCircle Jess R on February 21, 2021
The GMC terrain is great but like any car has some issues.
Sometimes the auto brake sensors go off when nothing is there. The Bluetooth sometimes glitches and does not link to my device. Sometimes the display glitches and freezes. The back up camera glitched and did not work for a day, it eventually came back in after turning the car off and on.
accountCircle gloria d on February 17, 2021
That It's a high end quality vehicle
I like the color, the look, the interior. I like the ride it provides. It's very comfortable and modern feeling
accountCircle Kayla B on February 12, 2021
It flows right through the snow. It's a great vehicle to have in the winter.
I love my terrain. I'drives great in the snow and has a lot of options yet it is simple. The inside is comfortable and very roomy. I love that it has heated seats and a sunroof. It gets great gas mileage for a small SUV. It also looks so fancy! It rides very smooth.
accountCircle Brandon P on February 11, 2021
Fine for the day to day but not a long haul.
Comfortable interior with a nice central console. The front ball joints fail fairly early but maintenance is otherwise uneventful. The best feature is the eco drive button that really helps on gas mileage. The worst feature would be the low end power lacking do to the four cylinder engine.
accountCircle Melina H on February 10, 2021
The seats are just amazing and the car itself is just marvelous.
GMC Denali terrain is a very nice and outgoing type of car has so many nice features and so much alerts when your on the road it helps to keep you safe from anything on the road sure will get you where you need good quality and also very nice interior leather seats to sit comfortably.
accountCircle William F on February 8, 2021
GMC terrain the best family crossover.
It is a really nice car, lots of space. You can move the back row if you want more storage space in the trunk or you can move it back for more leg room. Nice display on the dash, can really look at all the vehicle information in terms of tire pressure, fuel, oil, everything. I would recommend for a buyer.
accountCircle Courtney E on February 7, 2021
Some downsides, but overall a great vehicle.
I like the size and durability of the vehicle. However, we have had constant issues with parts breaking and oil leaking. There are also blind spots that make it difficult to change lanes. However, I like the overall style, comfortableness and safety of the model.
accountCircle Linda G on February 5, 2021
Great midsize SUV for the price.
This is an ideal vehicle for me and my family. We are very pleased with the vehicle performance. The 3.6l v6 provide the power to get us in and out of any situation without placing us into danger. The accessories helped to customize the vehicle into a complete package.
accountCircle BreyAnna H on February 5, 2021
Overall a pretty great car.
The car is very spacious and comfortable. It is fully loaded with a sunroof, touch screen, navigation, back up camera, and heated seats. It drives very well. I have heard that GMC terrain have a lot of engine or transmission issues, and I have noticed that sometimes it takes a little too long to shift, so it shifts a little rough. But for a 2013, I guess I cannot be mad. I feel like it goes through oil faster than most other vehicles, too, which I guess is a common terrain problem as well.
accountCircle Ally A on February 2, 2021
Nifty little tank with impressive mpg.
It is a little tank. I love the quiet ride, the relaxing interior, and the great gas mileage. As an SUV, it hauls as much mulch and flats of flowers my spring and summer can handle. It gets me through light snows here in southern Ohio just fine. And with the backup camera I can see a pesky neighbor allowing his dog to pee on my mailbox flowers just before I run him over. Haha.
accountCircle Amanda S on February 1, 2021
Awesome standard & safety features.
About a year after I purchased it I found out that I had what they call an oil consumption problem. And when I try to get it repaired it was going to cost more than the vehicle itself. Plus the manufacturer how to recall the recall was only good if you had engine failure.
accountCircle Megan C on January 27, 2021
It has amazing gas mileage for a midsize SUV.
I love that the vehicle gets roughly the same gas mileage as my small car did. I also like that it has backup camera but I do not like that the back up camera does not alert you when you get too close to something.
accountCircle Suzanne J on January 24, 2021
Drives with ease. Has many extra features.
Smooth ride, easy to drive, size. Features heated leather seats, GPS, Bluetooth, luxury. No complaints. Good gas mileage, lots of space.
accountCircle Teresa M on January 23, 2021
Down side of Gmc Terrain 2013
I love this car, but I do not like how low to the ground it is. It makes it hard to drive in the snow even though it's an all wheel drive school.
avatar 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.