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.
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 2010–2015, while models from 2016–2020 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
Negative Owner Reviews
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.
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.
It is very reliable. We have not had any problems so far. It pulls a trailer well with no problem as well.
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.
Yes it is a reliable truck. It will take me anywhere I need to go and back without any problems. Great.
It is still reliable. I had a few small mechanical issues but nothing major. The oil changes are frequent but easy.
Yes it is reliable. The only problems we have had since purchasing it are standard maintenance issues such as replacement of brakes, tires, etc.
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.
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
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.
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.
Do Owners Recommend the GMC Terrain?
Yes. It is comfortable and has many features. Sunroof, leather interior, power windows, plenty of cargo space.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.