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GMC Terrain

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$18,634
Avg. listing price
Shop the 2021 GMC Terrain
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • FWD 4dr SL
    MPG
    25 City / 30 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Turbocharged Gas
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • FWD 4dr SLE
    Avg. price
    $17,958
    MPG
    25 City / 30 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Turbocharged Gas
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • AWD 4dr SLE
    Avg. price
    $17,958
    MPG
    25 City / 28 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Turbocharged Gas
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • FWD 4dr SLT
    Avg. price
    $19,200
    MPG
    25 City / 30 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Turbocharged Gas
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • AWD 4dr SLT
    Avg. price
    $19,200
    MPG
    25 City / 28 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Turbocharged Gas
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • FWD 4dr Denali
    Avg. price
    $21,562
    MPG
    25 City / 30 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Turbocharged Gas
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • AWD 4dr Denali
    Avg. price
    $21,562
    MPG
    25 City / 28 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Turbocharged Gas
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs

Notable features

  • Five-seat compact SUV
  • 170-hp, turbo four-cylinder engine
  • Nine-speed automatic transmission
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
  • Automatic emergency braking standard

The good & the bad

The good

  • Overall refinement
  • Firm but composed ride
  • 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

Expert 2021 GMC Terrain review

Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article

What Is the 2021 GMC Terrain?

The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five. It’s powered by a 170-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a nine-speed automatic transmission. 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 2021 GMC Terrain?

There are no significant changes this year. 

What Features in the 2021 GMC Terrain Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Push-button start
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot (data subscription required after trial)
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Forward collision warning 
  • Automatic emergency braking 
  • Lane-keeping assist 
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

Available features include:

  • Hands-free liftgate
  • Remote start
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Navigation
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control

2021 GMC Terrain Vs. 2021 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 the CR-V is more efficient: Its EPA rating is 30 mpg combined, while the Terrain is rated 27 mpg. Both small SUVs have relatively firm suspensions, but the Terrain’s ride quality feels more refined. With the Terrain’s addition of more active-safety features last year, the two SUVs are more similar in this all-important area. The CR-V does have standard adaptive cruise control, however, which is optional on the Terrain. 

Should I Buy the 2021 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. Last year’s addition of more  standard active-safety features enhances its overall value in the very crowded small SUV class. 

2021 GMC Terrain review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 GMC Terrain?

The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five. It’s powered by a 170-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a nine-speed automatic transmission. 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 2021 GMC Terrain?

There are no significant changes this year. 

What Features in the 2021 GMC Terrain Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Push-button start
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot (data subscription required after trial)
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Forward collision warning 
  • Automatic emergency braking 
  • Lane-keeping assist 
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

Available features include:

  • Hands-free liftgate
  • Remote start
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Navigation
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control

2021 GMC Terrain Vs. 2021 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 the CR-V is more efficient: Its EPA rating is 30 mpg combined, while the Terrain is rated 27 mpg. Both small SUVs have relatively firm suspensions, but the Terrain’s ride quality feels more refined. With the Terrain’s addition of more active-safety features last year, the two SUVs are more similar in this all-important area. The CR-V does have standard adaptive cruise control, however, which is optional on the Terrain. 

Should I Buy the 2021 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. Last year’s addition of more  standard active-safety features enhances its overall value in the very crowded small SUV class. 

Safety review

Based on the 2021 GMC Terrain base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5 out of 5
Combined side rating front seat
5 out of 5
Combined side rating rear seat
5 out of 5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5 out of 5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5 out of 5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5 out of 5
Overall side crash rating
5 out of 5
Rollover rating
4 out of 5
Side barrier rating
5 out of 5
Side barrier rating driver
5 out of 5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5 out of 5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5 out of 5
18.5%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5 out of 5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5 out of 5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5 out of 5
18.5%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

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  • 2022
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Consumer reviews

4.7 out of 5
Based on 26 reviews
Write a review
Comfort
4.7 out of 5
Interior
4.7 out of 5
Performance
4.4 out of 5
Value
4.4 out of 5
Exterior
4.8 out of 5
Reliability
4.7 out of 5

Most recent

  • READ PLEASE I love my Terrain.

    READ PLEASE I love my Terrain. DO NOT get the 1.5 L. My engine has barely made it over 100,000 I have had $6k of repairs in less than a year. Things keep going wrong now. I had NO issues before. Catalytic converter went out 75-85k miles. My turbo was just replaced. Just beware of this type of engine… every mechanic that worked on it shared this is not uncommon for this type. I would definitely get another terrain but not the 1.5!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    4.0 out of 5
    Value
    3.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    4.0 out of 5
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Our 2021 Terrain SLT is really a nice auto.

    Our 2021 Terrain SLT is really a nice auto. Gets great 30 MPG approximately, But, 0 to 60 is lacking horsepower. Great Little highway auto. Comfortable.....
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0 out of 5
    Interior
    4.0 out of 5
    Performance
    2.0 out of 5
    Value
    4.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    5.0 out of 5
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • One of the best looking suv's on the road. Highly

    Extremely happy. Ride comfort, controls, comfort, looks, quietness, Quality. They should've kept the 2.0 turbo. But this engine not bad at all. Can't wait to get another.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    4.0 out of 5
    Value
    5.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    5.0 out of 5
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Amazing SUV

    I’ve had an amazing experience with terrain Denali. I had it for 3 years and it was one of the best cars ever. Everything worked perfectly no issued at all! Loved it
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    5.0 out of 5
    Value
    5.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    5.0 out of 5
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Grea4 mileage and comfort

    Bought it used. The shifter on the dash takes getting used to. But after a month I no longer grab for the shifter arm. Have been happy with comfort. Driving. Gas mileage. Would recommend it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0 out of 5
    Interior
    4.0 out of 5
    Performance
    4.0 out of 5
    Value
    4.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    4.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    4.0 out of 5
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Stick to fresh tarmac

    Rented it for two weeks in Hawaii. Drives and handles well as long as the tarmac is perfect. As soon as you hit ANY imperfections, bumps, cracks or potholes - or heaven forbid an unpaved road - it becomes an absolute disaster. Never seen anything as bad as this one. My stiffened Civic Si is more comfortable. An F.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    3.0 out of 5
    Interior
    3.0 out of 5
    Performance
    3.0 out of 5
    Value
    2.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    3.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    3.0 out of 5
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Try this SUV before you buy another!

    Frank Kent in COrsicana, TX gave me a great deal on my trade-in and on my new Terrain! I was intending to by a VW Taos that morning but when I saw the Terrain AT4 and drove it a little, GAME OVER ! I came home in the stylish and comfortable AT4.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    5.0 out of 5
    Value
    5.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    5.0 out of 5
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • So far so good

    So far this vehicle is meeting all my expectations and I feel it will for years to come. Looking forward to many road trips in comfort and style
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    5.0 out of 5
    Value
    4.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    9 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Only had vehicle for a short time . Satisfied

    I love the vehicle. Only problem is I don’t have a cargo net in the trunk which I have had in all other vehicles I have owned. Very highly needed and recommend for grocery shopping or holding small packages in place
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    5.0 out of 5
    Value
    5.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    5.0 out of 5
    8 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great

    It’s great some more perks would be nice but great for what it is! Love all the update amenities, remote access as well as the app!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    4.0 out of 5
    Value
    3.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    4.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    3.0 out of 5
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most comfortable vehicle we have owned in years

    Our Terrain is really nice, ride, comfort, roomy, quiet. We just owned a Buick Envision and glad we bought a new Terrain. The controls as navigation, radio is really easy to use.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    5.0 out of 5
    Value
    5.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    5.0 out of 5
    7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Smooth ride

    Love the leg room in the back. Love the smooth ride all the bells and whistles included in the SLE. My family of 5 fits great inside.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0 out of 5
    Interior
    5.0 out of 5
    Performance
    5.0 out of 5
    Value
    5.0 out of 5
    Exterior
    5.0 out of 5
    Reliability
    5.0 out of 5
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest Terrain stories

See all GMC Terrain articles

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 GMC Terrain?

The 2021 GMC Terrain is available in 4 trim levels:

  • Denali (2 styles)
  • SL (1 style)
  • SLE (2 styles)
  • SLT (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 GMC Terrain?

The 2021 GMC Terrain offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 GMC Terrain?

The 2021 GMC Terrain compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 GMC Terrain reliable?

The 2021 GMC Terrain has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 GMC Terrain owners.

Is the 2021 GMC Terrain a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 GMC Terrain. 88.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 26 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.7

GMC Terrain history

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