2020 GMC Terrain

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$25,000

starting MSRP

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Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV: Body style
27: Combined MPG
5: Seating capacity
182.3” x 65.4”: Dimensions
Front-wheel drive: Drivetrain

View all 2020 GMC Terrain specs .

Overview

(83 reviews)

The good:

Overall refinement
Firm but composed ride
Powerful 2.0-liter engine
Extra versatility with standard fold-flat front passenger seat
Easy-to-use multimedia system

The bad:

Nine-speed transmission sometimes in too high a gear
Front seats may be a little narrow for some
Oddly shaped rear-seat backrest
Gets expensive with options

SLT
$0
SLE
$0
SL
$25,000
Denali
$38,300

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 GMC Terrain trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2025

More standard active safety features
Five-seat compact SUV
Choice of two turbocharged engines
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hot spot

2020 GMC Terrain review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 GMC Terrain?

The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that seats up to five. It runs on a standard 170-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. A 252-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a nine-speed automatic is available. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Competitors include the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

What’s New on the 2020 GMC Terrain?

GMC Pro Safety is now standard and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. Denali versions gain front and rear parking sensors and unique suspension tuning. Meanwhile, the Black Edition has been renamed the Elevation Edition.

What Features in the 2020 GMC Terrain Are Most Important?

The standard fold-flat front passenger seat increases the Terrain’s cargo versatility, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity lets you easily connect your phone to the multimedia system. Built-in 4G LTE connectivity and a Wi-Fi hot spot (data trial included) mean portable devices can still be connected on-the-go.

2020 GMC Terrain Vs. 2020 Honda CR-V: How Do They Compare?

The GMC Terrain and Honda CR-V have similar starting prices for base front-wheel-drive models, but between them the CR-V is more efficient: Its EPA rating is 30 mpg combined, while the Terrain is rated 27 mpg. Both small SUVs have firm suspension tuning, but the Terrain’s ride quality is more refined. With the Terrain’s addition of many new active safety features for 2020, the two SUVs are more similar in this area, though the CR-V has standard adaptive cruise control, which is optional on the Terrain.

Should I Buy the 2020 GMC Terrain?

If you’re looking for a refined, versatile compact SUV with an easy-to-use multimedia system, the Terrain is worth a look. Its additional standard active safety features enhance the GMC’s value in the crowded small SUV class.

Consumer reviews

(83 reviews)

88% of drivers recommend this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.5
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.5

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Most recent consumer reviews

Bought it 2 months ago and it’s been in the shop for 1

June 15, 2024

By Joe

Owns this car

Bought it 2 months ago and it’s been in the shop for 1 month of that. First was evap emissions issue, now the fuel pump is bad. The vehicle has 28k miles it should have no issues. It’s also extremely underpowered. It handles very nicely and is a nice looking, comfortable vehicle. But I would not recommend buying it. We are in the process of selling it back to the dealership for a loss.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 2.0
Value 2.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 1.0

Does not recommend this car

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

Great Reliability

January 10, 2024

By CJ from Columbus,OH

Owns this car

Great vehicle, 65,000 miles and not a single issue, hoping to get atleast another 100k miles out of it. Extremely reliable. A family member of mine bought a Honda that broke down at 16,000 miles and got stranded. Would absolutely recommend a 2018+ terrain

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 3.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

Run away

March 11, 2023

By Cr8n from Cincinnati, OH

Owns this car

Fell in love with this car as soon as we saw it. Unfortunately it has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Frequent breakdowns resulted in weeks long waits for parts. At 61k miles the car started falling apart. Dash lights quit. Brake pedal broke. Cruise doesn't work. The car is two years old and had cost almost $7000 in repairs this year.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 3.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 1.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Commuting
Does not recommend this car

33 people out of 43 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

See all 83 consumer reviews

NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings (scores out of 5)

Based on the 2020 GMC Terrain base trim.

Combined side rating front seat: 5
Combined side rating rear seat: 5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver: 5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger: 5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating: 5
Overall rating: 5
Overall side crash rating: 5
Risk of rollover: 18.5%
Rollover rating: 4
Side barrier rating: 5
Side barrier rating driver: 5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat: 5
Side pole rating driver front seat: 5

New car program benefits

Bumper-to-bumper: 36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion: 36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain: 60 months/60,000 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