2014 GMC Terrain Review: Luxurious Compact SUV With Serious Reliability Issues

Alex Showalter
Sep 28, 2022

The 2014 GMC Terrain only lasts around 150,000 miles with severe engine and transmission problems. At $11,350 to $14,325, it’s cheap, yet still not worth the money since it suffers from frequent costly breakdowns.

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likeFilled The Good
Passenger space is excellent in the rear seats, interior materials are luxurious for its price and the cabin is extremely quiet.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Base 4-cylinder engine is weak, visibility is poor with the large rear pillars and cargo space is worse than other compact SUVs.

Is the 2014 GMC Terrain a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 5/10 – 2014 is a bad year for the GMC Terrain with a lot of mechanical problems giving it a low overall rating. Owner reviews complain about oil consumption issues, broken timing chains, and even stereo system issues.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other compact SUVs, the seats are comfortable, although there’s only limited cargo space.
  • Reliability 5/10 – There are still engine problems found on the 2014 Terrain. We recommend avoiding models from 20102015, while models from 20162020 are much more reliable.
  • Performance 7/10 – The standard 4-cylinder engine is weaker than other small SUVs, while the optional V6 has excellent power.
  • Safety 7/10 – The 2014 Terrain gets an overall 4-star rating in government crash tests, however there is a standard rearview camera along with optional lane departure and forward collision warning systems.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is average at 26 MPG, giving about 468 miles of range out of the 18 gallon tank. Gas prices are $24 cheaper than average at $188 per month.
  • Value 5/10 – The GMC Terrain is cheaper than many other used compact SUVs, although high ownership costs make it a bad value long term.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Robert A
I am a Big Man... Love the seats .. Very easy to get in and out of it...
It is a nice SUV not to big and has a lot of room for bags and 4 or 5 people.. Good gas Malaga ... Never had a recall....rides very good... I feel safe in it...
accountCircle Brittney O
It is good on gas, roomy, a lot of space, I love the color, it is a smooth ride.
I have no problems with my truck, it is perfect just for me it is roomy and good on gas, and it is so pretty I named her smoke because it is a dark grey color, and I love that it glows red on the inside I love it, the or amazing for storing things it is a wonderful truck to have anybody would love it.
accountCircle Kathryn M
The reliability. I have had zero mechanical issues in over 2 years.
I have been very pleased with this vehicle. I have had it a little over 2 years and have had no mechanical issues. The gas mileage is great! It handles bumps in the road really well. The interior is dark with some red stitching. It is been perfect for my family.
accountCircle Dynel P
Can feel like I am in the islands listening to the XM radio.
Very comfortable smooth ride. No road noise to speak of. The pioneer speakers are amazing. Love the Sirius radio. The navigation system is very useful however the system does not easily recognize the names of streets using the voice input. Lots of cargo room. Also love the remote tailgate.
accountCircle Lynn B
It is well built and I feel safe in the car.
I like everything about the truck. I do not have any complaints. I like the Bluetooth radio and the heated seats. I also like the sunroof and the style of the truck.
accountCircle Terry S
GMC terrain review - love it.
Haven't had too many issues, we also have a person at the dealership we can trust so that helps a ton! Also, when we do have issues it is usually things we can afford. They've really helped us out a lot with what has to be done vs. What can be waited on. Plus it also has enough room for a walker or a wheelchair to comfortably fit in the cargo hold area and still fit 5 adults into the SUV total.
accountCircle Gi M
It is very dependable and runs great.
I really love my car. It runs very smoothly and so far I have only had battery issues once ever since I bought it 2 years ago. I love the eco mode, it helps me save tons on gas. Everything about the car is perfect, the color, the make and even the speakers inside. My favorite thing is the low seats because its makes the car feel bigger than it actually is. I will never purchase another vehicle that is not a part of the GMC family. The all run great and are fit for people of all kinds out there.
accountCircle roger d
Awesome SUV, would buy another one for sure.
I love my vehicle, starts everyday with no problem, best SUV I've had. Rides nice, easy to maintain

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mary B
Great gas mileage but poor family seating
Positive: It is great on gas mileage whether it is in city or on long stretches, fuel efficient, plenty of trunk space, heated seat are amazing, touch screen dashboard thing is great and it's fairly comfy in the driver's seat. Negative: I have 3 children in booster seats and three booster seats do not fit in the car. We manage but if you have more than two children in car seats and/or boosters I would not recommend this car.
accountCircle Roderick
Garbage
Too many known issues for this motor and I have had the two worst major issues within a week, timing chain guide bolt sheared off in the motor which caused my timing belt to slack and threw it off time and then my rear seal blew and dumped oil and emptied my motor while I was on the interstate! Stay away get from this vehicle. It's pure garbage.
accountCircle Michael
Radio
I have a 2014 work the Denali package and my radio keeps turning on and off
accountCircle Britt c
Still not fixed/inheritance waisted
I bought my 2014 terrain Denali at just over 101,000 miles for about 14,300 from a gmc dealership in 201. About a year and a half later I kept noticing a clicking noise coming from under the hood so I called the dealership I purchased from and made an appointment. Was due for an oil change so had that done afterwards the noise had stopped. I still took it 2 the dealership as a precaution, they couldn't find anything. Some odd miles later samething, I remembered when I changed the oil it stopped. Well this time it didn't stop the noise for long, and everytime I checked the oil it was low, It started to bog out here and there for about a week then it completely stopped running. I got a letter in the mail about the oil consumption recall. I called and was told gmc wouldn't reimburse me because it was over the miles limit. WHAT A JOKE. Its even more upsetting because i bought it with my inheritance my father who had passed away on father's day left me, so its kinda sentimental. Highly disappointed
accountCircle Andrea Hays
JUNK! Do not buy!!!
This year still suffers from the same oil consumption issue that previous years have, which are all part of a class action lawsuit GM is trying to settle. GM will not do anything to help, they claim they fixed the problem in the 2014 models. Engine failure at 130k miles, not covered. Replaced with 70k mile engine, not covered and will do the same thing. Catalytic converter destroyed, not covered. Thousands of dollars in repairs. GM knows the car is junk, will not help consumers.
accountCircle Sam L
The sounds system is awesome! And it is great on gas.
Well overall it is an okay car. The engine is okay. All the sensors went bad really fast!! Plus the trans is not that is great either. I have only had the car for 2 years and it had 60,000 miles when I got the car. And now it has 80,00. So not many miles.
accountCircle Ken P
The 2.4 ecotec engine produced by GMC is junk.
I have issues with the engine. It has the 2.4 ecotec engine and its garage. I only have 70000 miles on it and had to fix the timing chain. There is an oil consumption issue with the 2.4. It is been that way since they went to fuel injection. GMC knows of the issue but still produces rage engine. There is like 15 lawsuits against GMC for the same issue I have.
accountCircle Tracy M
Complete junk
I loved my Denali in the beginning. It currently has 67K miles on it. The transfer case blew, and then 2 days later the transmission. No idea when I will get my car back. It took 2 months for the transfer case. I also had a GMC Yukon that went thru fuel pumps quicker than tires. Never buying a GMC product again.

What Do Critics Say About the GMC Terrain?

  • Consumer Reports says the Terrain lags behind other compact SUVs on the market with very low owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds gives the Terrain a 4.3/5 praising the premium interior, but doesn’t like the small cargo area.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the Terrain 4/5, enjoying the optional V6 engine, but owners don’t like the poor performance in the snow.

What Common Problems Does the 2014 GMC Terrain Have?

Common problems found on the 2014 GMC Terrain include excessive oil consumption, trouble shifting between gears, and battery drain. Overall, these problems are more severe than other compact SUVs from 2014, and repair costs are higher than average as well.

Excessive oil consumption is a widespread complaint from owners at around 85,000 miles. The seals in the engine fail, leading to oil burning. Some owners simply check the oil level regularly, topping it off as needed. Other owners have replaced seals and pistons for around $2,200.

Shifting poorly between gears also shows up on Terrain models at around 70,000 miles. The source of the problem is a bad transmission control module. Resetting the transmission control module helps the problem in some cases, while others have to replace the entire unit for around $950.

Battery drain is another problem mentioned by owners in the first 50,000 miles. Usually excessive battery drain is a sign of an accessory left on in the SUV. Some owners report the stereo drawing power when the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the problem costs around $250, while repairs vary from $100 to $1,000 depending on the source of the electrical draw.

There are only 2 recalls on the 2014 Terrain which are minor compared to other SUVs. The first recall is for a headlight reflection issue, and the second is for windshield wipers. GMC will replace the affected parts in both recalls for free.

How Long Will the 2014 GMC Terrain Last?

A well-maintained 2014 GMC Terrain may last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as the top-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average for a compact SUV, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $512 per year.

Since nearly all used 2014 GMC Terrain models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the brake hose for $175, vehicle speed sensor costing $450, and the A/C expansion valve which costs around $375.

accountCircle Lisa G

It is very reliable. It does not have any problems. We live in the cold climate of the northeast and it starts without incident. It also handles very well in the snow.

accountCircle Elizabeth S

It is very reliable. We have not had any problems so far. It pulls a trailer well with no problem as well.

accountCircle Samantha S

Yes, it is reliable. I have put over 20,000 miles in the vehicle in the few years I have had it and have not had any mechanical issues with it.

accountCircle B B

Yes it is a reliable truck. It will take me anywhere I need to go and back without any problems. Great.

accountCircle Cassie M

It is still reliable. I had a few small mechanical issues but nothing major. The oil changes are frequent but easy.

accountCircle Brandi G

Yes it is reliable. The only problems we have had since purchasing it are standard maintenance issues such as replacement of brakes, tires, etc.

accountCircle Bruneisa T

This is a reliable vehicle. It does have problems such as leaks inside windshield, noisy brakes not related to needing new brakes, leaky sunroof, water on passenger side floorboard.

accountCircle Taylor H

Bluetooth is pretty spotty and only connects about 75% of the time to my phone. The windshields have a weird placement which makes them very easy to break.

How Is the Technology?

The entertainment technology is excellent in the 2014 GMC Terrain compared to other SUVs. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth and app connectivity. Safety technology is better than average with a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert systems.

Is the 2014 GMC Terrain a Good Value?

No, the 2014 GMC Terrain is not a good value since there are still engine problems. Blue book prices range from $11,350 to $14,325, making it cheaper than the Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $26,465 to $36,905. Deprecation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the GMC Terrain?

There are three main models of the GMC Terrain offered in 2014, from the base SLE all the way up to the luxurious Denali.

SLE is the entry-level model with:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Rearview Camera
  • OnStar
  • 7-Inch Touchscreen Stereo
  • Bluetooth & USB Connectivity

SLT is a step up, adding:

  • 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Leather Seating
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Remote Start
  • 8-Speaker Pioneer Stereo
  • Lane Departure Warning System

Denali is the flagship model which has:

  • Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Premium Leather Seating
  • Blind Spot Monitoring System
  • Optional DVD Rear Entertainment
car
SLE
182-301 HP 19-23 MPG
car
SLT
182-301 HP 19-23 MPG
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Denali
182-301 HP 19-23 MPG

What Engines Come In the GMC Terrain?

  • The standard engine is a weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 182 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG.
  • An available upgrade is the stronger 3.6L V6 which produces 301 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. The towing capacity is low, though, at up to 3,500 pounds.

What Colors Does the GMC Terrain Come In?

How Comfortable Is the GMC Terrain?

The 2014 GMC Terrain is very comfortable with high quality interior materials used in the cabin. There’s room for up to 5 people. Owners report the seats to be comfortable, even as the SUV ages.

Passenger space is good throughout the cabin, with enough legroom for taller adults in the sliding back seats.

How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Terrain Have?

Cargo space is worse than average for a compact SUV with enough room for 5-7 suitcases behind the seats, and around 10-12 with the seats folded flat.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The first generation of the GMC Terrain was introduced in 2010, which was replaced by the second generation in 2018.

2012: Lane departure warning and forward collision assist available as options.

2013: Stronger V6 engine, new touchscreen interface, more luxurious Denali model added.

2014: New wheel options along with chrome exterior trim added.

2015: 4G WiFi hotspot added

2016: CD player removed, LED running lights added, advanced safety technology available on SLE & SLT models.

2017: Standard 18-inch alloy wheels, optional black exterior trim.

2018: Fully redesigned second generation launched with new engines and interior.

How Does the GMC Terrain Compare to the Competition?

The GMC Terrain ranks poorly compared to the other compact SUVs on the market from 2014 since there are widespread engine problems.

The Ford Explorer is a larger SUV available, which costs around $3,000 more. Passenger space is better in the Ford Explorer, but the GMC Terrain has a more upscale interior for the money. We recommend the Ford Explorer since it will last longer, and is a more practical SUV for hauling passengers.

The Chevy Equinox is a competitor which is available in the same price range. Both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are built on the same platform, although the GMC Terrain has a more luxurious interior. We recommend avoiding both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain for 2014 since they both suffer from the same mechanical issues.

Ranks #16 Compact SUV by Owners

1
car
4.73
2
car
4.67
16
car
4.3

Do Owners Recommend the GMC Terrain?

accountCircle Lisa G

Yes. It is comfortable and has many features. Sunroof, leather interior, power windows, plenty of cargo space.

accountCircle Elizabeth S

Yes. It is a good sized vehicle for a small family, and runs really well. It has Bluetooth and Wifi that makes it a lot fun.

accountCircle Samantha S

Yes, I have rarely needed to take it in to a mechanic in the few years I have had it. When I upgrade I will get a newer model of the same vehicle.

accountCircle B B

Yes it is. It comes with all that you need in a vehicle. It has a sunroof, all power everything, good gas mileage, and plenty of room inside.

accountCircle Cassie M

Yes I love it! I would get another one tomorrow. I had some minor repairs but nothing major. It was driven highway miles 2 hours commute daily for 2 years.

accountCircle Brandi G

Yes I believe it is...It is a great size, has many features and it can hold 5 adults comfortably. It also can be purchased at a great price.

accountCircle Bruneisa T

The GMC terrain sle is a good vehicle. I haven't had many issues with this vehicle. However the issues that I have had are not extreme. There have not been any recalls that I am aware of.

accountCircle Taylor H

Everything is great about it, the engine isn't very powerful though. Sometimes the Bluetooth won't connect to my phone and I have cracked quite a few windshields.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Rodrigo on September 20, 2021
Worst experience with this car
At 61.000 miles my transmission begins to leak from the torque converter. I searched it up. And it the issue is the torque converter fluid seal, may not have been installed correctly during assembly. I called GM and of course its not their problem. Stay away from GMC cars period!
accountCircle Tracy M on September 7, 2021
Complete junk
I loved my Denali in the beginning. It currently has 67K miles on it. The transfer case blew, and then 2 days later the transmission. No idea when I will get my car back. It took 2 months for the transfer case. I also had a GMC Yukon that went thru fuel pumps quicker than tires. Never buying a GMC product again.
accountCircle Samantha B on June 25, 2021
Spacious, comfortable and stylish.
I love everything about this vehicle. The backseat has so much room and I can fit so much into the hatchback! The touch screen radio, Bluetooth hook up and GPS make my life so much easier. I am in love with the leather seats! It is everything I could possibly want in a vehicle for kids in our near future!
accountCircle Terry S on June 25, 2021
GMC terrain review - love it.
Haven't had too many issues, we also have a person at the dealership we can trust so that helps a ton! Also, when we do have issues it is usually things we can afford. They've really helped us out a lot with what has to be done vs. What can be waited on. Plus it also has enough room for a walker or a wheelchair to comfortably fit in the cargo hold area and still fit 5 adults into the SUV total.
accountCircle TuyetNga V on June 25, 2021
Built strong built tough built to last.
This vehicle has been a dream with no major issues other than wear parts. A previous GMC was also no problem and was traded for this one with over 200,000 miles on the clock. If I have my choice I would definitely purchase another one. These vehicles are extremely well built.
accountCircle Ashley R on June 24, 2021
Fantastic family vehicle, little maintenance required.
My car is perfect for anyone seeking a comfortable and reliable SUV, it is a fantastic family vehicle! I bought my car used when it was 3 years old, it is now 6 years old and I have only had to replace a sensor and a new battery! I would like to mention there is a certain “glitch” when you turn the car on you have no auxiliary sound and your dash screen does not light up, no radio or anything. I have researched and found that once your key fob is 100 ft from your car it will reset the car's computer and work again.
accountCircle Andrea Hays on June 23, 2021
JUNK! Do not buy!!!
This year still suffers from the same oil consumption issue that previous years have, which are all part of a class action lawsuit GM is trying to settle. GM will not do anything to help, they claim they fixed the problem in the 2014 models. Engine failure at 130k miles, not covered. Replaced with 70k mile engine, not covered and will do the same thing. Catalytic converter destroyed, not covered. Thousands of dollars in repairs. GM knows the car is junk, will not help consumers.
accountCircle Kyla D on June 22, 2021
I like that it has the blind spot indicator.
I have no problems with this vehicle, I love the heated seats, and the backup camera. I love the way it handles, very smooth steering and on the road. It is wonderful for long trips, because it is so comfortable. I like that it is low maintenance and no major problems.
accountCircle Jessica M on June 13, 2021
Things to consider when purchasing a Denali terrain.
Problems with the struts going out after 1000 miles on a brand new vehicle. The end result after 3 months in the shop was they didn't weld the frame of the vehicle to the car during manufacturing. Transmission went out after 60,000 miles. No air conditioning vents in rear seating area which makes it really hot for the backseat passengers.
accountCircle Devin L on May 22, 2021
Almost perfect: why are not there a/c vents?
Overall, it is a great vehicle. It is reliable, smooth and fun to drive, solid gas mileage, and plenty of room for my family of 3 and everything we do. My only complaint is that there are absolutely no air vents in the back seat. I live in the desert so not having a/c vents in the back means my daughter gets hot in the summer. Incredibly frustrating oversight in an otherwise great vehicle.
accountCircle Rebecca D on May 22, 2021
Reliable, fuel-efficient, comfortable vehicle providing good value for the money - get the upgrades!
Reliable vehicle but had to change battery right after purchasing this lease turn-in. Seemed too quick for that. The very red lights can be initially distracting in the darkness, but you get accustomed quickly. Very reliable, has some get-up-and-go. I replaced the cloth seats with leather because I could feel the texture through my clothing. Added navigation which is helpful. Do NOT get aftermarket backup sensors/camera. Pay the extra to get the model with it included from factory.
accountCircle Kylee E on May 20, 2021
So roomy, even with car seats!
I really love the smooth ride and dependability of my terrain. The touch screen dash is super easy to navigate and the front seats are exceptionally comfortable. The amount of room in the back seat greatly exceeds other SUVs of the same size, as well as the cargo space!
accountCircle Michael on May 20, 2021
Radio
I have a 2014 work the Denali package and my radio keeps turning on and off
accountCircle Deanna W on May 7, 2021
Solid car with good room.
Car is a daily commuter so mileage is high. You can tell when it is getting close to needing an oil change because the engine starts driving differently. So far no problems. It is plenty large enough and is easy to clean. Mine has an added tow package and I have never had any issues towing.
accountCircle Nicole S on May 2, 2021
This is a great car that I would recommend to anyone.
This car is everything I could want as my first car that I have purchased. I am a nanny so the spacious backseat is great for driving children. I have driven my kids in other cars before and it was frustrating to buckle the car seats into the car. The car seat hinges in this car makes it a piece of cake to buckle and unbuckle car seats. I also love how much trunk space I have. Not only is my trunk already big, but all three seats can go down to make even more room. I have Bluetooth calling but I do I could listen to my music through Bluetooth. Other than that, the car is great and drives so nicely!
accountCircle Robert M on April 21, 2021
GMC terrain is the right for you and me!
I love the comfort and handling of the vehicle. The interior is roomy and quiet. I get above average gas mileage and absolutely love this vehicle. I have had very few mechanical issues in the six years that I have owned the vehicle. When I decide to get a new vehicle, I have already decided that I will be getting another GMC.
accountCircle Stacey W on April 1, 2021
The GMC terrain - perfect for my family.
The GMC terrain drives and rides very well. It fits my family of four with no problems. There is a lot of space in the back for storage. My whole family likes the vehicle. It also has a roof rack so we can put stuff on the top if we need more storage for the longer trips.
accountCircle Hannah R on April 1, 2021
Love my 2014 GMC terrain!
I love my terrain! It has a really smooth ride lots of space and tons of trunk space especially when I fold the seats down! The gas mileage on the terrain is great as well! It is drives great in the snow and ice, it handles itself well on hills to. Great vehicle!
accountCircle james c on March 30, 2021
It's really big in size it really drives good and I like all the features it has
I like the size of our gmc..it drive really good.and I like the color
accountCircle Morgan M on March 28, 2021
Vehicle is not too big but the inside is very spacious.
GMC terrain is a great vehicle. It is great on gas and I have not really had any major issues with the vehicle yet and I have had it for 5 years now. The vehicle is a great size and the trunk has a lot of space. Vehicle drives nicely and is very safe.
accountCircle Caitlyn B on March 26, 2021
I love my car but thermostat is weird and it only blows really hot or cold air.
I truly do love the car. I love the way it drives. It is easy to learn in as well. The only complaint I have is the thermostat. You put it to a specific temperature and it is supposed that temperature air, but really it blows hot or cold air. So really hot or really cold, there’s no in between so I am always sweating or freezing.
accountCircle Amie I on March 23, 2021
Great vehicle that is reliable with great features.
Love my 2014 GMC terrain. I have an slt which has heated seats, remote start, lane detection, collision detection, and is AWD. Living in the Midwest the remote start, heated seats, and AWD are great to have. No major issues with car. Very comfortable, but not that large. More like a sedan size with a larger trunk.
accountCircle Ing M on March 22, 2021
Drives well just some minor inconveniences.
Drivers seat is comfortable. Passenger seat is not because it is not powered. Very reliable. Went five years without needing a new battery. The USB port is not stable. It goes in and out. Same. With the Bluetooth music capabilities. Drives smoothly though.
accountCircle Chuck Pirrello on March 15, 2021
Reliability
Purchased this vehicle as a CPO, with 11K on the clock. 6 months extended coverage was provided at sale, brought it back once to have a blower motor noise looked at, it was cured by changing the cabin filters. Vehicle now has 86K on it. Normal upkeep and maintenance. GM battery died unwarranty, they replaced it. Have since put another battery in it,, at 82K. My mpg is great,,, get 22-24 in the city, less in winter, and the best I have ever achieved on the highway is 37 mpg on a long flat stretch in IOWA. I only use 0-20 oil, and made to modifications to the factory configuration...installed a less restrictive (not loud) cat-back exhaust and changed out the air mass sensor. (jet performance products). When it was time for a tire change, I went with Continental lx-20's eco's, a big difference in highway mileage. I run my tires at 2 lbs above factory recommendations. My only complaint is the under seat ducting for heating and cooling to the back seat is less than effective, setting must be on both upper and lower vents, and turn up the fan speed to make a difference. Would buy the vehicle again if GMC offered it in a hybrid.
accountCircle Tiffany M on March 14, 2021
I love the comfort of the terrain. Fits a medium size family amazingly.
I love our vehicle. Only issue we have had is the gas gage not reading correctly. I love the red lights on the dashboard. Hooks up to Bluetooth . Love the all wheel drive, handles amazing. Has a lot of space for medium size families. Ours has a sunroof which I love.
accountCircle Kaycee K on March 8, 2021
Great small-family vehicle, economical and stylish!
Overall, I love my terrain! I love the styling inside and out! It drives and handles great! The 4 cyl has plenty of get up and go, and the almost 40 mpgs we get most trips cannot be beat! The only thing I would change is more cargo space as it is very cramped on long trips where we have to pack a lot of stuff. Otherwise, this has been my favorite vehicle to date!
accountCircle Britt c on March 8, 2021
Still not fixed/inheritance waisted
I bought my 2014 terrain Denali at just over 101,000 miles for about 14,300 from a gmc dealership in 201. About a year and a half later I kept noticing a clicking noise coming from under the hood so I called the dealership I purchased from and made an appointment. Was due for an oil change so had that done afterwards the noise had stopped. I still took it 2 the dealership as a precaution, they couldn't find anything. Some odd miles later samething, I remembered when I changed the oil it stopped. Well this time it didn't stop the noise for long, and everytime I checked the oil it was low, It started to bog out here and there for about a week then it completely stopped running. I got a letter in the mail about the oil consumption recall. I called and was told gmc wouldn't reimburse me because it was over the miles limit. WHAT A JOKE. Its even more upsetting because i bought it with my inheritance my father who had passed away on father's day left me, so its kinda sentimental. Highly disappointed
accountCircle Alaina S on March 8, 2021
GMC terrain: someone's first car.
The car that I am currently driving is my first car, it is a terrific first car there are little to no problems. I have recently gotten into a car accident with a smaller car no one was hurt but the car had little damage while the other car was unable to be fixed.
accountCircle Alyssa S on March 7, 2021
A comforting ride, that is always safe.
The GMC terrain is a reliable vehicle, through rain or snow. It especially handles well in icy conditions. As a previous resident of the poconos, this vehicle has been a godsend whenever driving up the mountain. The seats are comfortable, there is sometimes an issue with the passengers side seat. Some people have an issue with sliding the seat back and forth, but if you have a regular passenger setting it is fine. To add, that with a non-electronic seat slider. Otherwise, the heated seats and always well functioning air conditioning is awesome. I have Sirius XM radio and the dash interface works good. This vehicle was a great purchase.
accountCircle Terry W on March 6, 2021
Snowy weather/all road vehicle.
We love our terrain! We've loved all of our GMC's and the reliability of all our cars. The four-wheel drive aspect helps us to get around easily during the snowy, winter months. Being able to fit all of our kids into one car is also an added bonus!
accountCircle Blake D on March 1, 2021
Great first SUV, reliable with many creature comforts in an unsuspecting package.
Purchased the vehicle used with 20,000 miles and have put 50,000 on since purchase. No breakdowns or issues outside normal maintenance since purchase. Leather seats are comfortable and heated seats are amazing. The radio is probably my favorite feature of the car, there is a small factory sub it seems and it makes nice bass considering a factory unit.
accountCircle Emily A on February 24, 2021
Reliable and very safe. My husband did a lot of research of many cars and comparisons and the GMC came out top in a lot of the categories.
I like that it is an American made car. I also like the fact that a nice-sized car like that gets above 25 mpg. I am also impressed with the features included in the car and the affordability.
accountCircle Carmen O on February 19, 2021
The gas is great for the size of the vehicle.
The terrain is very comfortable and gas efficient. I wish there were vents in the back to streamline the ac/heater to passenger needs.
accountCircle Kate S on February 17, 2021
Large passenger backseat.
Bluetooth connection weak compared to other vehicles, good interior space, biggest backseat legroom of any crossover.
accountCircle Annabelle V on February 15, 2021
I really enjoy that it shows your speed digitally.
It is a fantastic SUV for families or even just a single person. It runs very smoothly and looks fantastic. By far my favorite car my family has ever owned. One of the only things I wish the car has that it does not is air vents in the back seats as it gets hard to cool your backseat passengers, however, it is not that big of an issue.
accountCircle Virginia S on February 15, 2021
Wonderful car but heating system needs work.
The only problem is the heating/cooling fans. I am short so the vents are not where I would like to have them. The heat does not work really well on your feet even tho there is a button to do just that. I love my car but the heating/cooling system could be improved.
accountCircle Gina V on February 14, 2021
Spacious, not too many repairs outside normal wear and tear. Poor gas mileage.
Sturdy and reliable ride, without too many repair issues. Large interior, seats 4 comfortably. Back seat lays flat to allow more space in trunk if needed which is a favorite feature of mine. Bought the car used about year and half ago, I have had issues with the cars rpm randomly going up, or sticking then randomly falling, but has always been that way, but other than that runs fine.
accountCircle Shirley H on February 13, 2021
Best car I have ever owned!
In the 3 years I have had this car I have had one problem which was very costly. Water pump replaced. I love to drive the car on long distance travel cause I get the best gas Mileage. 27 mpg. In city 21-22 all depends on the gas I put in. This car has all the bells and whistles that I like in a car including seat warmers for winter time
accountCircle Lora B on February 8, 2021
To me the most important thing is the fact that when you are trying to put a newborn in the car you don't have to bend over or climb into it. It's just the perfect height.
I love my Terrain. It's perfect for my family of 3. It's also gets great gas mileage
accountCircle Jamie O on February 2, 2021
Good small SUV for small family. Safe and reliable
Does not have a lot of power and takes a while to get the speed up. Otherwise it is a good family car with spacious trunk space. Good gas mileage. Reliable and safe. Not ideal for large families as it only has 1 row of back seats. Very comfortable. Hard to connect to Bluetooth.
accountCircle Felicia M on January 31, 2021
It is good on gas. I can go across the state of PA on a single tank of gas.
It is good on gas mileage. Received a good safety rating. I love the heated non leather seats.
accountCircle Amber C on January 25, 2021
Not a good vehicle past 120,000 miles.
Goes through oil extremely fast, needs to be a v6 not a 4 cylinder, the curtain airbags deployed when the driver door was shut too hard, Bluetooth only works on phone calls, only way to play music through my phone is only through aux, the volume buttons on the steering wheel do not control the volume they control the source of audio, the driver window motor is going out.
accountCircle Melis S on January 24, 2021
Great luxury car, faulty switch, roomy and rides smooth.
Check engine light comes on sometimes but car has nothing wrong with it. The vehicle seems to have some kind of faulty connection. Car is reliable and has great features. I really love the back up camera and the fact that I received almost a full year of free satellite radio with it. The car drives smooth and feels like a luxury vehicle. Very roomy and the trunk space is great. I previously had a caravan which had no trunk space at all. This is important to a working mom of three.
accountCircle Sara C on January 24, 2021
Great option for buying a new car!
Drives super well, remote start is a life saver in the winter and can be used from a reasonable distance away. Heated seats are also a great asset and comfort. Great storage room in the back and plenty of room for seating in the second row. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is interested!
accountCircle Rachel G on January 19, 2021
This a great vehicle for long drives with a family!
It can be a bit of a gas guzzler. My personal preference allows me to have an emergency break in a vehicle but this one does not. However, for the size of the vehicle the drive is smooth, and it is spacious. The reliability of this vehicle has been well thus far. It's been 4 years and still counting!
accountCircle Cheryl D on January 16, 2021
The family car that everyone loves.
The terrain has more room than it looks like. It is one of the smaller SUV but has plenty of room. It has a backup camera that is very good for safety. I have put 40, 000 miles on it and have had no problems at all. It rides smooth and quite. The stereo is great. It came with hands free talking and on star both great safety features.
accountCircle Shannon L on January 16, 2021
Great stylish and affordable vehicle.
The GMC terrain sle package is not only comfortable, reliable and affordable- but it is stylish. It is also large enough to move bigger pieces of furniture, pets, boxes etc which comes in handy!I’d recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a midsize SUV.
accountCircle Christina F on January 10, 2021
These vehicles have an oil leak that cannot be found.
This vehicle has an oil leak that is hard to find. It rides well and is very comfortable for my family of 4. It has cloth seats which are comfortable but had to clean. The radio system is very nice with a touch screen for changing the radio, making phone calls, adjusting features, etc. It does not allow bluetooth connection from my android phone.
accountCircle Eden H on January 10, 2021
GMC terrain: versatile & practical.
Great car overall. Good size, low maintenance, versatile, and decent miles per gallon for the size. Only problem is it is glitchy. Sometimes the radio will not work. Sometimes the charging port acts broken. Sometimes I roll the windows down and they will not roll back up. One week, the car alarm went off every time I tried to lock it. However, these problems are irregular enough for me to still rate it with 4 stars. It always bounces back.
accountCircle Sarah C on January 8, 2021
Overall I love the car it is comfortable and reliable.
This car burns oil. I have to check the oil weekly to make sure that it is still full. I also feel like the engine of the car is not powerful enough for the size of the car, so I have trouble merging and increasing speed quickly in some situations.
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.