DecodedCars2019 GMC Terrain
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- 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
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-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
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2019 small SUV (23.8 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 26 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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 all-wheel drive and front-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), 34% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 23.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 187 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Terrain — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Terrain →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,483 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,327 lb | 58/42 |
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 AWD Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +34% | $3,000 | 319 |
| Terrain FWD Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +27% | $3,000 | 321 |
| Terrain FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 30 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Terrain AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 28 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 339 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | -4% | $3,400 | 369 |
| Terrain AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -3% | $3,550 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 GMC Terrain SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
| 2019 GMC Terrain SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 GMC Terrain (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Seats · Mar 7, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V184000 · 120 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.
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.
Not every 2019 GMC Terrain is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 GMC Terrain buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 70 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 65 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 53 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 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 2019 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 |
| 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 |
| 2015 Terrain | 26 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 299 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →