2013 GMC Terrain review
GMC Terrain highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacious backseat that slides and reclines for added comfort
- Available V6 engine makes this crossover faster than even modern competitors
- Interior stays quiet at highway speeds
- Supple suspension soaks up impacts on rough roads
- Some advanced driver aids features available
Cons
- Four-cylinder engine feels sluggish
- Less cargo space than many rivals
- Touchscreen is hard to reach
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 23 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
A powerful V6 engine and new Denali trim headline the 2013 GMC Terrain
For the 2013 GMC Terrain, the company extended its more luxurious Denali trim to this compact SUV and added a more powerful V6 engine. Put together, they make for a satisfying combination for modern shoppers seeking comfort and power on a budget.
The V6 engine doesn’t make the Terrain a sports car, but it’s handily quicker than many modern compact SUVs, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. Inside are comfortable seats, plenty of sound deadening for on-road quiet, and a rear seat that slides forward and backward nearly eight inches to optimize rear legroom or cargo space. The Denali trim adds upscale exterior and interior styling, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and an even smoother ride thanks to special suspension upgrades.
While it’s true the 2013 Terrain is an older vehicle, a standard USB port and available Bluetooth® audio streaming at least help bridge the gap to newer vehicles with more modern smartphone integration. Driver assist tech is limited, but includes available forward-collision warning and lane-departure alert.
All GMC Terrain years
What is new for the 2013 GMC Terrain?
- The Terrain is available in a new trim called the Denali.
- Terrain trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Memory Seat(s), Parking Sensors, Sunroof(s), and Power Hatch/Deck Lid as standard equipment this year.
- Smart Key features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SLE trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Pioneer Sound System as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2013 GMC Terrain
What We Like
V6 Power: The powerful V6 engine first available in 2013 ups the game for this aging compact SUV. It has enough power to outpace newer compact SUVs, and it can also tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, not bad specs for this class even today.
Rear Seat Flexibility: The sliding rear seat of the 2013 Terrain, allows you to optimize cargo space with the seat all the way forward, or slide it back to enhance legroom. Surprisingly, it gives this older vehicle a bit of an advantage in legroom and cargo space than its successor (2018-present).
Interior Comfort: While all GMC Terrain models benefit from a comfortable, quiet interior and smooth ride, at this age it’s worth seeking out the Terrain Denali. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, and its interior is even nicer.
What Needs Improvement
Interior space: If you park a GMC Terrain between a Honda CR-V and a Ford Edge, you’ll see that it’s a “tweener” in exterior size. However, the interior is actually smaller than both. It’s plenty comfortable inside, but if you’re seeking maximum interior and cargo space, the Terrain comes up a little short.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.5 out of 5
66 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 43 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 17 |
| 3 Stars | 5 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
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
SLT 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Pioneer Sound System
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Bluetooth Technology
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Full Roof Rack
- Lane Departure Warning
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Entertainment System
- Remote Start
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
182
Torque (ft-lbs)
172
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18
Wheelbase
112.5"
Overall length
185.3"
Width
72.8"
Height
66.3"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 39.9"
Head room
F 39.8"/R 39.2"
Front tires
P235/60R17
Rear tires
P235/60R17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
225/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2013 GMC Terrain FAQ
The 2013 GMC Terrain is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SLT: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- SLE: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Denali: 22 MPG City and 32 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 2013 GMC Terrain has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2013 GMC Terrain, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2013 GMC Terrain Reviews.
The 2013 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 2013 GMC Terrain:
- Denali
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
- Memory Seat(s)
- Parking Sensors
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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.
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