2021 GMC Terrain
GMC Terrain highlights
Customer reviews
(not yet rated)
RepairPal reliability rating
4.5 out of 5
Pros
- Comfortable and upscale interior
- Infotainment touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use
Cons
- Complete package of driver aids remains optional
- 1.5-liter turbocharged engine disappoints with power, fuel economy and refinement
- Less cargo space behind the back seat than in most competitors
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 30 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Comfortable 2021 GMC Terrain has upscale appeal
The 2021 GMC Terrain aims for a slightly more upscale and premium feel in the compact SUV class, especially the upscale Denali trim. The ruggedly handsome exterior is complemented by an interior with plenty of creature comforts and easy-to-use technology.
The firm and supportive front seats and overall quiet ride make the Terrain a good pick for long road trips. We like the stitched dash and separate heating controls for the seat bottom and seatback, which help give the Terrain an upscale appeal. The cargo space is augmented by a hands-free power hatch and a front passenger seat that folds flat for long items. Unfortunately, the interior has some frustratingly located controls, especially the gear-selector buttons located low on the dash.
For 2021, GMC dropped the powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, leaving just the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This makes the Terrain one of the slower vehicles in its class, and its fuel economy can’t quite match many of its competitors.
All GMC Terrain years
New for 2021
- Terrain trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors as standard equipment this year.
- The SLE trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
Explore GMC Terrain details
SLE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
Optional Features
- Air Conditioning
- Automated Cruise Control
- DVD Video System
- Full Roof Rack
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Seat(s)
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive type
2WD
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
203
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14.9
Wheelbase
107.3"
Overall length
182.3"
Width
72.4"
Height
65.4"
Leg room
F 40.9"/R 39.7"
Head room
F 40"/R 38.5"
Front tires
P225/65R17
Rear tires
P225/65R17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
5 reasons to buy the 2021 GMC Terrain
What We Like:
Technology: It’s nice to see that every GMC Terrain comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, and even better that the touchscreen is so easy to use. It comes with USB ports, and that can be upgraded to six total in higher trims. The GMC comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert, lane keeping departure warning and assist, and even automatic high beams. However, we suggest looking for models with the optional Pro Safety Plus package, which adds adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Interior Comfort: If you’re a road tripper, the GMC Terrain interior is a comfortable place to spend time. The firm and supportive seats are good for the long haul, and the side cushions hold you in place without making it hard to get in or out. The low noise levels also contribute to overall comfort on road trips.
Cargo Flexibility: The Terrain doesn’t have quite the cargo capacity of some competitors, but it makes up for it with excellent flexibility. The hands-free power tailgate (SLT and up) is activated by sweeping your foot under the rear bumper. Inside, the flat-folding rear seatbacks are supplemented by a fold-flat front passenger seat to accommodate extra-long items, like a surfboard. It even has a hard plastic back to avoid damaging the upholstery.
What Needs Improvement
Engine and Transmission: We’re not sure why GMC decided to drop the 2.0-liter engine that was previously available, but we sure wish they hadn’t. The remaining 1.5-liter just isn’t very powerful, and it’s connected to a transmission that needs some refinement. Unfortunately, there’s not even a benefit to fuel economy, with the Terrain trailing many in its class. If you want a smoother and more powerful setup, we suggest looking at 2020 and earlier Terrain models, which had the larger engine available.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 GMC Terrain is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal reliability rating
RepairPal gave the GMC Terrain an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks GMC Terrain 9th out of 27 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC Terrain2021 GMC Terrain trims
More about the 2021 GMC Terrain
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.