2021 GMC Terrain review
GMC Terrain highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Comfortable and upscale interior
- Infotainment touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use
Cons
- Complete package of driver aids remains optional
- 1.5-liter turbocharged engine disappoints with power, fuel economy and refinement
- Less cargo space behind the back seat than in most competitors
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 28 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Comfortable 2021 GMC Terrain has upscale appeal
The 2021 GMC Terrain aims for a slightly more upscale and premium feel in the compact SUV class, especially the upscale Denali trim. The ruggedly handsome exterior is complemented by an interior with plenty of creature comforts and easy-to-use technology.
The firm and supportive front seats and overall quiet ride make the Terrain a good pick for long road trips. We like the stitched dash and separate heating controls for the seat bottom and seatback, which help give the Terrain an upscale appeal. The cargo space is augmented by a hands-free power hatch and a front passenger seat that folds flat for long items. Unfortunately, the interior has some frustratingly located controls, especially the gear-selector buttons located low on the dash.
For 2021, GMC dropped the powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, leaving just the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This makes the Terrain one of the slower vehicles in its class, and its fuel economy can’t quite match many of its competitors.
All GMC Terrain years
What is new for the 2021 GMC Terrain?
- Terrain trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors as standard equipment this year.
- The SLE trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2021 GMC Terrain trims
SL:
- 170-hp, 203-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
- Cloth Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Cruise Control
- Rear Defroster
- View our GMC Terrain SL inventory
SLE:
- Includes all features available on the SL
- Satellite Radio Ready
- 4WD/AWD
- View our GMC Terrain SLE inventory
SLT:
- Includes all features available on the SLE
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- View our GMC Terrain SLT inventory
Denali:
- Includes all features available on the SLT
- Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Monitor
- BOSE Sound System
- Navigation System
- View our GMC Terrain Denali inventory
GMC Terrain photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 GMC Terrain
What We Like:
Technology: It’s nice to see that every GMC Terrain comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, and even better that the touchscreen is so easy to use. It comes with USB ports, and that can be upgraded to six total in higher trims. The GMC comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert, lane keeping departure warning and assist, and even automatic high beams. However, we suggest looking for models with the optional Pro Safety Plus package, which adds adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Interior Comfort: If you’re a road tripper, the GMC Terrain interior is a comfortable place to spend time. The firm and supportive seats are good for the long haul, and the side cushions hold you in place without making it hard to get in or out. The low noise levels also contribute to overall comfort on road trips.
Cargo Flexibility: The Terrain doesn’t have quite the cargo capacity of some competitors, but it makes up for it with excellent flexibility. The hands-free power tailgate (SLT and up) is activated by sweeping your foot under the rear bumper. Inside, the flat-folding rear seatbacks are supplemented by a fold-flat front passenger seat to accommodate extra-long items, like a surfboard. It even has a hard plastic back to avoid damaging the upholstery.
What Needs Improvement
Engine and Transmission: We’re not sure why GMC decided to drop the 2.0-liter engine that was previously available, but we sure wish they hadn’t. The remaining 1.5-liter just isn’t very powerful, and it’s connected to a transmission that needs some refinement. Unfortunately, there’s not even a benefit to fuel economy, with the Terrain trailing many in its class. If you want a smoother and more powerful setup, we suggest looking at 2020 and earlier Terrain models, which had the larger engine available.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the GMC Terrain an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks GMC Terrain 11th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC TerrainGMC Terrain features and specs
SLE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Air Conditioning
- Automated Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Entertainment System
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
203
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14.9
Wheelbase
107.3"
Overall length
182.3"
Width
72.4"
Height
65.4"
Leg room
F 40.9"/R 39.7"
Head room
F 40"/R 38.5"
Front tires
P225/65R17
Rear tires
P225/65R17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 GMC Terrain FAQ
The 2021 GMC Terrain is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 26 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- 26 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- 26 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- 26 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
The GMC Terrain received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the GMC Terrain as 10 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2021 GMC Terrain has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 GMC Terrain, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 GMC Terrain Reviews.
The 2021 GMC Terrain has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 GMC Terrain:
- Parking Sensors
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.