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Compact Crossover SUV
GMC Terrain
✓ Buy
Among the best in its category
The Terrain is GMC's attempt to give you Yukon swagger in a compact crossover body, and the 2025 redesign nails the boxy styling, but straps a wheezy 1.5L turbo to 3,700 pounds of truck cosplay, so highway merges feel like a negotiation. The 2010-2017 four-cylinders have a PCV valve design flaw that blows rear main seals in cold climates, a $1,500 repeat failure; the 2018-2024 2.0L turbo (now discontinued) was the sweet spot for power, though some transmissions hunt gears. Buy it if you value the upscale cabin and truck aesthetic over Honda-grade efficiency and proven reliability, it's comfortable, well-priced, and solid with maintenance, just not the rational choice in a segment full of them.
The generation that matters
This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.
2010–2017 (2nd generation)
2010–2017
Mixed
The 2.4L Ecotec 4-cylinder had oil consumption and PCV system issues (frozen ports causing blown seals). The V6 is consistently recommended over the 4-cylinder. Owners report the V6 models are solid if maintained.
2018–2024 (2nd gen refresh)
2018–2024
Solid
Infotainment freezing issues reported on 2018s. The 1.5T turbo-four is criticized as underpowered but adequate for daily use. Owners with 80k–125k miles report no major issues with proper maintenance. Push-button shifter is polarizing.
2025–2026 (3rd generation)
2025–2026
Solid
Redesigned with boxy styling, improved interior tech, and column shifter. Praised for comfort and value but criticized for bland dynamics, unimpressive fuel economy, and the same 175-hp 1.5T engine. Ranks mid-pack in its class.
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Common complaints6 issues−2025-2026 models use underpowered 1.5L turbo (175hp), owners and reviewers note lack of acceleration
−2010-2017 models: systematic PCV valve failures in 2.4L 4-cylinder causing rear main seal leaks, especially in cold climates
−Heavier than competitors (500lbs more than CR-V) with less interior cargo space
−Fuel economy disappointing, struggles to meet EPA estimates, worse than CR-V/RAV4
−Transmission issues reported: valve body failures, gear hunting, lag in some 2018-2024 models
−Factory audio system weak in 2025-2026 models, significant downgrade from previous generation
✓
What owners praise7 strengths✓
2025-2026 redesign praised for boxy styling that mimics larger GMC trucks
✓
Comfortable, spacious cabin with good tech integration (15-inch touchscreen)
✓
2.0L turbo engine (discontinued after 2024) provided strong performance with 253hp
✓
Competitive pricing, especially Elevation trim offers good value
✓
Several owners report trouble-free ownership at 40k-80k miles with routine maintenance
✓
AWD system performs well in snow and ice conditions
✓
Interior quality step above Chevy Equinox sibling
📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric
Moderate confidence▼
319 sources analysed — limited long-term owner data
319 sources analysed — moderate data quality
Reliability & Durability(22%)5.0
No long-term owner data available — score is provisional
User Sentiment(22%)9.6
1,247 positive upvotes vs 47 negative upvotes
Complaint Severity(16%)7.7
Complaints: 8 cosmetic, 12 functional, 2 systematic, 0 safety
Consensus Strength(8%)2.9
15 strongly positive, 2 strongly negative, 35 mixed/neutral
Value for Money(15%)7.4
8 'worth it', 0 'overpriced', 4 mention better-value alternatives
Owner Advocacy(17%)10.0
1 repurchased/gifted, 12 unprompted recommendations, 0 regrets
Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.
Specifications2026
▼Pricing
Starting MSRP
$32,195
Range
$32,195 - $43,895
Capability
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
Fuel economy
24-26 city / 26-28 hwy MPG
Drivetrain
FWD / AWD available
Dimensions & capacity
Seating
5 passengers
Cargo
29.8 cu ft (seats up) / 63.5 cu ft (seats down)
Powertrains
1.5L Turbo I-4
FWD models
175 hp · 184 lb-ft
1.5L Turbo I-4
AWD models
175 hp · 203 lb-ft
Trim pricing
Elevation FWD
Base trim with heated seats, remote start, adaptive cruise
$32,195
Elevation AWD
Eight-speed automatic transmission
$34,195
AT4
Off-road trim with increased ride height, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, red recovery hooks
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Denali
Top luxury trim with heated rear seats, 19-inch wheels, comfort-tuned suspension
$43,895
🏆
How it ranks in Compact Crossover SUV
10 products compared
1
GMC Terrain you are here
8.0/10
✓ Buy
2
Mazda CX-50
7.3/10
→ Consider
3
Toyota RAV4
7.0/10
→ Consider
4
Honda CR-V
6.9/10
→ Consider
5
Mazda CX-5
6.8/10
→ Consider
6
Chevrolet Equinox
6.5/10
→ Consider
7
Kia Sportage
5.8/10
⚠ Caution
8
Hyundai Tucson
5.7/10
⚠ Caution
9
Subaru Forester
5.7/10
⚠ Caution
10
Ford Mustang Mach-E
5.2/10
⚠ Caution
If you're buying
Know what others paid before you walk in.