Model research hub
GMC Terrain
USA Today says the 2026 GMC Terrain uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce 175 horsepower, after spending a week driving it for USA Today Cars. MotorTrend says GMC equips the 2026 Terrain with a large 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in technology, and that GMC has yet to announce full information on the 2026 Terrain, but MotorTrend anticipates that most of its cosmetics and features will carry over for existing trims, offering the rugged styling and upscale appointments it needs to differentiate itself in the highly competitive compact SUV class. Car and Driver reviews the 2026 GMC Terrain alongside rivals like the redesigned Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine output
USA Today (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 GMC Terrain uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce 175 horsepower, after spending a week driving it for USA Today Cars.
A large Google Built-In display
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says GMC equips the 2026 Terrain with a large 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in technology, and that GMC has yet to announce full information on the 2026 Terrain, but MotorTrend anticipates most of its cosmetics and features will carry over for existing trims, offering the rugged styling and upscale appointments it needs to differentiate itself in the highly competitive compact SUV class.
Compared against rivals
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) reviews the 2026 GMC Terrain alongside compact SUV rivals like the redesigned Volkswagen Tiguan, which blasts into the new year with a new 268-hp engine option.
Questions buyers ask
How much horsepower does the 2026 GMC Terrain have?
USA Today (opens in a new tab) says 175 hp from its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Does the GMC Terrain have a large touchscreen?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says yes, a 15.0-inch display with Google built-in technology.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 GMC Terrain is built around 1.5L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 175 / 184 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2027 GMC Terrain is published to tow is Not rated for towing (Elevation); factory trailering package standard on AT4 and Denali.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 Terrain.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 GMC Terrain
The redesigned Terrain launched as a single Elevation trim for 2025; AT4 and Denali joined for 2026, and by 2027 all three are established. A standard 8-speed automatic replaces the previous base-trim CVT for 2027, with a torque bump, and Elevation loses its optional factory trailering package (still available on AT4 and Denali).
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed GMC Terrain model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 GMC Terrain | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 GMC Terrain | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 GMC Terrain | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the GMC Terrain.
The GMC Terrain is a crossover SUV by American manufacturer General Motors under its GMC marque. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, the first-generation Terrain was built on GM's Theta platform, while subsequent generations are built on the Delta platform. The Terrain is the smallest GMC vehicle, slotted below the Acadia.
- Recalls and problems
- In March 2022, General Motors recalled over 740,000 GMC Terrain models made from 2010 to 2017 for headlights being excessively bright. In October 2022, General Motors issued a fix for the recall by thoroughly cleaning the headlights and applying a translucent decal on the headlight.
Source: GMC Terrain (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
GMC Terrain at a glance
- Production
- August 2009 – present
- Model years
- 2010–present
- Class
- Mid-size crossover SUV (2010–2017), Compact crossover SUV (2018–present)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
- Predecessor
- GMC Envoy, Pontiac Torrent, GMC Terrain (for variant of Opel Antara, Middle East), Isuzu Ascender 5-passenger
GMC Terrain generations
The GMC Terrain has been redesigned in 2018, gaps of 8 years, an average of 8.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation) began in 2018.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | n/a | 2010–2018 | The 2010 Terrain debuted in April 2009 at the New York International Auto Show, introduced as a replacement for the Pontiac Torrent, which ended production after GM shut down the Pontiac brand in 2010. |
| Second generation | n/a | 2018–present | On January 8, 2017, the second-generation GMC Terrain was unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show as a 2018 model. |
Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)
- February 2026, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 GMC Terrain, most often about power train (4), electrical system (4), service brakes (3).
Year by year
The GMC Terrain across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 GMC Terrain | 25–26 | $2,500–$2,600 | 3 | |||
| 2026 GMC Terrain | 25–27 | $2,300–$2,500 | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2025 GMC Terrain | 25–27 | $2,300–$2,500 | 2 | 13 | ||
| 2024 GMC Terrain | 25–26 | $2,400–$2,500 | 2 | 1 | 49 | 5 stars |
| 2023 GMC Terrain | 26 | $2,400 | 2 | 2 | 38 | 5 stars |
| 2022 GMC Terrain | 26–27 | $2,300–$2,400 | 2 | 2 | 85 | 5 stars |
| 2021 GMC Terrain | 26–27 | $2,300–$2,400 | 2 | 2 | 34 | 5 stars |
| 2020 GMC Terrain | 23–27 | $2,300–$3,350 | 4 | 2 | 194 | 5 stars |
| 2019 GMC Terrain | 23–32 | $2,250–$3,350 | 6 | 3 | 181 | 5 stars |
| 2018 GMC Terrain | 23–32 | $2,250–$3,350 | 6 | 5 | 219 | 5 stars |
| 2017 GMC Terrain | 18–25 | $2,500–$3,450 | 5 | 1 | 133 | 4 stars |
| 2016 GMC Terrain | 18–26 | $2,400–$3,450 | 5 | 2 | 152 | 4 stars |
| 2015 GMC Terrain | 19–26 | $2,400–$3,300 | 5 | 3 | 4 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the GMC Terrain, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 26.0 to 25.5 | Labels: Terrain AWD Denali/AT4 | Labels: Terrain AWD Denali/AT4; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios) | |
| 2025 to 2026 | 2 to 3 | Labels: Terrain AWD Denali/AT4 | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 25.5 to 26.0 | Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 8-spd | Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd | |
| 2023 to 2024 | 26.0 to 25.5 | |||
| 2022 to 2023 | 26.5 to 26.0 | |||
| 2020 to 2021 | 4 to 2 | 25.0 to 26.5 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Fuels: Premium | |
| 2019 to 2020 | 6 to 4 | 27.5 to 25.0 | Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic 6-spd; Fuels: Diesel | |
| 2017 to 2018 | 5 to 6 | 21.5 to 27.5 | Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl SIDI, 1.6L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd; Fuels: Diesel, Premium | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI; FFV, 3.6L 6-cyl SIDI; Fuels: Gasoline or E85 |
| 2016 to 2017 | 22.0 to 21.5 | |||
| 2015 to 2016 | 22.5 to 22.0 |
Buying used
What the GMC Terrain recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | equipment (other) | None |
| 2024 | 1 | structure (body) | None |
| 2023 | 2 | air bags (sensor); child seat (vehicle latch anchor) | None |
| 2022 | 2 | seats; child seat (vehicle latch anchor) | None |
| 2021 | 2 | tires; child seat (vehicle latch anchor) | None |
| 2020 | 2 | power train (automatic transmission); child seat (vehicle latch anchor) | None |
| 2019 | 3 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); seats; power train (automatic transmission) | None |
| 2018 | 5 | power train (driveline); air bags (air bag/restraint control module); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); 2 more | None |
| 2017 | 1 | exterior lighting (headlights) | None |
| 2016 | 2 | equipment (other); exterior lighting (headlights) | None |
| 2015 | 3 | air bags (side/window); exterior lighting (headlights); visibility (windshield wiper/washer) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 348 | 31% | 2017 (77) |
| service brakes | 235 | 21% | 2018 (81) |
| power train | 203 | 18% | 2019 (50) |
| unknown or other | 157 | 14% | 2018 (34) |
| electrical system | 152 | 14% | 2019 (38) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 99 | 9% | 2022 (32) |
| Model year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2022 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2021 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2017 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2016 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2015 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 GMC Terrain trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | AWD | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 175 | 203 | 3,598 | – | 25 | $32,395 |
| AT4 | AWD | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 175 | 203 | 3,687 | – | 25 | $41,095 |
| Denali | AWD | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 175 | 203 | 3,728 | – | 25 | $44,195 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every GMC Terrain model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 3 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 175 | 3,598–3,728 | – | 15.6 |
| 2026 | 3 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 175 | 3,598 | 1,500 | 15.6 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 175 | 3,598 | 1,500 | 15.6 |
| 2024 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 175 | 3,419–3,695 | 1,500 | 14.9–15.6 |
| 2023 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 175 | 3,419–3,695 | 1,500 | 14.9–15.6 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 170 | 3,449–3,659 | 1,500 | 14.9–15.6 |
| 2021 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 170 | 3,449–3,487 | 1,500 | 14.9–15.6 |
| 2020 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 170–252 | 3,449–3,801 | 1,500–3,500 | 14.9–15.6 |
| 2019 | 6 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder / 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo Diesel) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 137–252 | 3,449–3,815 | 1,500–3,500 | 14.9–15.6 |
| 2018 | 6 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder / 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo Diesel) / 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 1.6L +1 | 137–252 | 3,449–3,815 | 1,500–3,500 | 14.9–15.6 |
| 2017 | 5 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder / 3.6-liter V6 | 182–301 | 3,792–4,068 | 1,500–3,500 | 18.8 |
| 2016 | 5 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder / 3.6-liter V6 | 182–301 | 3,792–4,068 | 1,500–3,500 | 18.8 |
| 2015 | 6 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder / 3.6-liter V6 | 182–301 | 3,853–4,049 | 1,500–3,500 | 18 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the GMC Terrain.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2026 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | 100 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2025 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2023 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | 0W-20 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2020 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2019 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2018 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2017 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2016 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2015 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
GMC Terrain: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2018 GMC Terrain : 5 recalls on file, most commonly affecting powertrain and airbags.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | not available | equipment |
| 2025 | 13 | ||
| 2024 | 1 | 49 | structure |
| 2023 | 2 | 38 | airbags, child seat |
| 2022 | 2 | 85 | seats, child seat |
| 2021 | 2 | 34 | tires, child seat |
| 2020 | 2 | 194 | powertrain, child seat |
| 2019 | 3 | 181 | brakes, powertrain, seats |
| 2018 | 5 | 219 | powertrain, airbags, brakes, fuel system |
| 2017 | 1 | 133 | exterior lighting |
| 2016 | 2 | 152 | equipment, exterior lighting |
| 2015 | 3 | not available | airbags, exterior lighting, visibility/wipers |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for GMC Terrain model years 2015, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a GMC Terrain?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2018 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which GMC Terrain model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2018 GMC Terrain has 5 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting powertrain, airbags, brakes. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the GMC Terrain by model year?
2026: equipment. 2024: structure. 2023: airbags, child seat. 2022: seats, child seat. 2021: tires, child seat. 2020: powertrain, child seat.
Q04Why do some GMC Terrain model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for GMC Terrain model years 2015, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Transmission and drivetrain, Brakes, tires and steering, Engine and cooling.
2018 GMC Terrain owners specifically: see Transmission and drivetrain and Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering and Engine and cooling.
Compared with
Models this GMC Terrain is most often compared with.
Nearest GMC models
Other GMC models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 Terrain come in?
The 2027 GMC Terrain (compact SUV) comes in 3 trims: Elevation, AT4, Denali.
Q02What are the 2027 Terrain trims?
The 2027 GMC Terrain trims are Elevation, AT4, Denali, listed from the entry Elevation up to the top Denali.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 Terrain use?
The 2027 GMC Terrain is built around 1.5L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 175 / 184 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 Terrain have?
The 2027 GMC Terrain is rated at 175 / 184 horsepower (1.5L turbo four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 Terrain?
The 2027 GMC Terrain is offered with FWD / AWD.