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2017 GMC Terrain

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$24,070

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

25

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

185.50” x 66.30”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(141 reviews)

The good:

  • Roomy backseat
  • Quiet interior
  • Highway stability
  • Comfortable ride
  • Large cargo area
  • Useful cabin storage

The bad:

  • Wide turning circle
  • Denali version isn't unique enough
  • Large blind spot
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • No keyless start/access
  • Touchscreen performance

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2017 GMC Terrain trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • Five-seat SUV
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • Denali luxury model available
  • Chrome-trimmed shifter

2017 GMC Terrain review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2017 GMC Terrain?

The 2017 GMC Terrain is a five-seat compact SUV that shares much of its DNA with the Chevrolet Equinox. Like the Equinox, the Terrain is larger than many other models in the class, almost to the point of being a mid-size SUV, though its price and features fall firmly in the compact category. It's available in Terrain SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT and Denali trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available with SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT and Denali trims.

What's New on the 2017 GMC Terrain?

The 2017 GMC Terrain adds the option of a Nightfall Edition appearance package.

How Does the 2017 GMC Terrain Compare to Other SUVs?

Much of the 2017 Terrain's appeal lies in the fact that it's much larger than most other compact SUVs, offering a generous cargo area and a spacious backseat. This size comes at a price: It simply doesn't accelerate as fast as other models in its class and it's also more difficult to park due to its size.

The 2017 GMC Terrain also lags its competitors in terms of multimedia features, which may force drivers to rely on their smartphone over the vehicle's built-in infotainment system. Competing models such as the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage also offer more advanced safety options than the Terrain.

What Features in the 2017 GMC Terrain Are Most Important?

The 2017 GMC Terrain is powered by a 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission; a 301-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 is optional. Significant standard features include 18-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a Wi-Fi hot spot (data subscription required), remote keyless entry, USB port, cruise control, a backup camera and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. As required on all new vehicles, the 2017 Terrain also includes anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability system and front airbags.

Significant available features include 19-inch wheels, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, remote start, a power sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats and a navigation system.

Should I Buy the GMC Terrain?

The spacious interior, comfortable ride and useful cabin storage spaces all merit at least a look, though the 2017 GMC Terrain falls far behind its rivals in terms of tech features, acceleration and maneuverability. If a roomy interior is your top consideration, the 2017 Terrain is worth considering.

Cars.com's Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com's long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don't accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com's advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Consumer reviews

(141 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.7
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.7
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Most recent consumer reviews

Expensive Engine Repair

The 2017 Terrains are known to have an excessive issue of excessively burning oil. (1qt per 1k miles). This caused our to blow an engine at only 150k miles. GMC is aware of this issue, but will not do any recalls. Would NOT recommend.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Expensive engine repair.

At 62000 miles the timing chain broke causing extensive damage that’s going to cost $3500 to repair. This is the second time it had to towed for problems. I won’t bash Ford owners anymore.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
4 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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An AWESOME Vehicle!

This wasn't the vehicle I'd gone to the lot to see... But it was parked 2 vehicles down, and the price was $3000 cheaper!! It even has more bells and whistles than the Toyota I'd initially planned on getting. Awesomeness!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
28 people out of 31 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 141 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2017 GMC Terrain base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
4
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
4
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
19.1%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
4
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by GMC
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Maintenance
24 months/24,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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