Makes›GMC›Terrain›2018

2018 GMC Terrain

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

GMC Terrain
Pictured: 2019 GMC Terrain Denali, front 2.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
Length
183.1 in
Curb weight
3,327–3,483 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2018 small SUV (24.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 GMC Terrain is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,483 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 29% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2018

  • New body dimensions: 2.3 in shorter, wheelbase −5.1 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • New diesel version
  • Engines added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Engines dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 25 to 32
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Terrain →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD183.1 in72.4 in65.4 in107.5 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,483 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD183.1 in72.4 in65.4 in107.5 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,327 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Terrain FWD Diesel1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32+29%$3,000319
Terrain AWD Diesel1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+38%$3,000319
Terrain FWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 30 / 28+12%$2,400316
Terrain AWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive24 / 28 / 26+12%$2,600339
Terrain FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24-4%$3,400369
Terrain AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23-1%$3,550386
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 GMC Terrain SUV FWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.5%
2018 GMC Terrain SUV AWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2018 GMC Terrain SUV AWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.5%
2018 GMC Terrain SUV FWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 GMC Terrain (this car)32 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Hyundai Tucson27 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (5)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 30, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 210,628 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 31, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 895 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · May 24, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V340000 · 88,503 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that senses a crash and deploys the necessary air bags may not power down correctly when the vehicle is shut off, causing it to be inoperative when the vehicle is restarted.
Risk
If the SDM becomes inoperative, it will not detect a crash or command the necessary air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18179.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Aug 22, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V516000 · 2,905 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Risk
If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 GMC Terrain is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

226Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
14Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
12Injuries reported
19,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes70
Engine55
Power Train41
Unknown Or Other35
Electrical System33
Air Bags13
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 424/09: 124/10: 424/12: 725/01: 225/02: 325/03: 125/04: 225/05: 225/06: 125/07: 325/08: 325/10: 425/11: 225/12: 226/01: 226/02: 326/03: 526/05: 326/06: 126/07: 226/08: 526/09: 426/10: 324/0824/1225/0325/0625/1026/0126/0526/08max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 GMC Terrain buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 70 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Engine — 55 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 GMC Terrain. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Terrain years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Terrain26–Not rated01
2026 Terrain27181.1 inNot rated133
2025 Terrain27181.1 inNot rated013
2024 Terrain26183.1 in★★★★★153
2023 Terrain26183.1 in★★★★★241
2022 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★488
2021 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★236
2020 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★2197
2019 Terrain32183.1 in★★★★★3187
2017 Terrain25185.4 inNot rated1135
2016 Terrain26185.4 inNot rated2153
2015 Terrain26185.4 inNot rated3299

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →