DecodedCars2010 GMC Terrain
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- Sle/Slt 4dr SUV AWD, Sle/Slt 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,854–4,019 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2010 SUV - (20.7 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 GMC Terrain is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,019 lb (Sle/Slt 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 26% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 208 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sle/Slt 4dr SUV AWD | 185.4 in | 72.8 in | 66.5 in | 112.6 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 4,019 lb | 56/44 |
| Sle/Slt 4dr SUV FWD | 185.4 in | 72.8 in | 66.5 in | 112.6 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,854 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +26% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Terrain AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +26% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Terrain FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -3% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Terrain AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +9% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 GMC Terrain under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 GMC Terrain (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2010 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2010 Toyota 4Runner | 20 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2010 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2010 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Mar 8, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V137000 · 740,581 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
- Risk
- If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Not every 2010 GMC Terrain is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 GMC Terrain buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 94 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 38 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 38 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 87,091 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 GMC Terrain. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Terrain years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Terrain | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Terrain | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 33 |
| 2025 Terrain | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 13 |
| 2024 Terrain | 26 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 53 |
| 2023 Terrain | 26 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 41 |
| 2022 Terrain | 27 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 88 |
| 2021 Terrain | 27 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 36 |
| 2020 Terrain | 27 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 197 |
| 2019 Terrain | 32 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 187 |
| 2018 Terrain | 32 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 226 |
| 2017 Terrain | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 135 |
| 2016 Terrain | 26 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 153 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →