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2015 GMC Terrain review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

GMC Terrain highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability 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 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

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Comfortable interior and upscale Denali are key 2015 GMC Terrain strengths

The 2015 GMC Terrain received an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, the only noteworthy change for this compact SUV, whose comfortable interior, smooth ride and powerful V6 engine remain strengths to this day. Wi-Fi hotspots require a data plan to activate and may also require a compatible device. See the owner's manual or manufacturer website for more information.

If fuel economy is a priority the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets the job done, but the available 3.6-liter V6 engine, which is powerful enough to outpace even modern compact SUVs, is hard to resist. The rear seats stand out in the quiet and comfortable interior thanks to the 8-inches they can move forward and backward. The dozens of infotainment and climate control buttons on the dash make the Terrain look dated, but might be preferable if you don’t like touchscreens.

It’s not realistic to expect modern tech like smartphone integration on a vehicle from 2015, but SLE-2 and higher trims feel a bit more modern thanks to Bluetooth® streaming audio in addition to the standard USB audio input. Available driver assist tech includes forward-collision warning and lane-departure alert, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert exclusive to the Denali trim.

All GMC Terrain years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each GMC Terrain generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2015 GMC Terrain?

  • The Terrain is available in a new trim called the SL.
  • Terrain trims have been upgraded with Power Hatch/Deck Lid and Tow Hitch as standard equipment this year.
  • Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SLT trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Memory Seat(s), Parking Sensors, and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.

What We Like

V6 Power: The powerful V6 engine available in the 2015 GMC Terrain manages to outpace even newer compact SUVs, thanks to its 301 horsepower. It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is quite good for this class.

Of course fuel economy trails more modern SUVs, but if you need extra oomph, the Terrain has you covered.

Rear Seat Flexibility: The sliding rear seat remains a strength of the GMC Terrain to this day. When the sliding seat is in its rearmost position, it actually has more rear seat room than its successor (2018-present). Slide it all the way forward, and cargo space is a bit better than newer Terrains, too.

Interior Comfort: The GMC Terrain’s comfortable and quiet interior remains unperturbed by rough surfaces, gliding over them seamlessly. The Terrain Denali is even smoother, befitting its luxury-level status.

What Needs Improvement

Interior Controls: First introduced for the 2010 model year, by 2015 the Terrain was getting on in years, as evidenced by its confusing climate control and infotainment interface. The small touchscreen is a long reach from the driver, and the dozens of physical buttons below it look and feel alike, making them hard to use without taking your eyes off the road. You can look at contemporary rivals for better solutions.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4 out of 5

23 customer reviews
Customers of the 2015 GMC Terrain have said that the car has a lot of space, is a good family vehicle, and has good fuel economy.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

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 Terrain

GMC Terrain features and specs

Curious how GMC Terrain trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SL 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Automatic Transmission
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • 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

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2015 GMC Terrain FAQ

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