Used GMC Terrain Buying Guide

• The best model for driving long distances on the highway is a first generation with a 2.4L I4.
• If you want to tow, then you’ll need to look for something that comes equipped with the towing package.
• The passenger seat can be laid down flat to be able to transport things up to 8 feet long.

When the Terrain debuted, it was available in the SLE and SLT trims, with both sporting a backup camera and a CD/MP3 radio. In 2013, this generation saw the Denali trim added to the line, bringing some luxury with it. In 2015, the SL trim was also added, fleshing out the line even more.

While the addition of the trims brought some new features with them, 2016 is when the first set of changes hit the line as a whole. In the more modern times, the CD player was dropped, and in its place is a storage shelf. New wheels, as well as a new gear selector, were added to all trims.

The 2017 Terrain saw the addition of a new edition. This being the “Nightfall,” it provided blacked-out accents that are paired with a black paint that further adds a darker look to it, Summit White to contrast the accents, and Graphite Gray or Crimson Red to compliment them.

This generation also saw a handful of engines that can be found depending on the year and trim. The engine that was released with it was the 2.4L Ecotec LAF I4. This was 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. This engine came with a new tuning, now able to take E-85 fuel, but the specs remain the same.

The next two engines were optional, the first one being available from 2010-2012. This was the 3.0L High Feature V6. I was able to produce 264 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. This was dropped in favor of the 3.6L High feature V6, able to produce 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque.

The fuel-efficient one, according to the EPA, is the 2.4L I4, which can go a combined 26 MPG. It goes up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

This generation flipped the previous styling on its head. Featuring a folding front passenger seat, allowing you to carry items that are up to 8 feet long. It is a good vehicle for handymen who need to haul around materials in a pinch. This generation started with a 1.5L turbo I4, a 2.0L turbo I4, and an optional 1.6L I4, the diesel was dropped in 2019.

Some standard tech for this generation includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with phone connectivity, keyless open and start, and second-row HVAC.

2019 added some new tech, including adaptive cruise control, a higher-resolution backup camera, and 360-degree cameras. If you find a Denali from this year, you also get access to wireless charging.

2020 added some new safety features as standard for the entire lineup. These were automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-centering, and lane-departure warning. The Denali saw some trim-specific safety features added, these being front and rear parking sensors.

2021 dropped the 2.0L I4 due to low demand, leaving the 1.5L I4 as the sole engine. This is likely due to the 1.5L getting good mileage, with the EPA estimating that it will get a combined 27 mpg, getting up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Being that this engine was dropped, so was the towing package, which was only available with the 2.0L I4. It was able to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

For 2022, a refresh hit the scene, and with it came a new trim to the lineup. Now available are the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The AT4 is aimed to be an off-road capable trim, coming with steel skid plate, black-painted rims, and off-road tires.

The 2023 model saw an upgrade to the 1.5L I4, now producing more horsepower but coming with the same mileage. The 2024 model came with the last model for this generation, which resulted in the vehicle seeing no major change.