2012 GMC Terrain
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 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
- FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,854–4,019 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints340 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 106 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 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 / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 340 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Terrain — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Terrain →
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 FFV | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | +24% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | +24% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Terrain AWD FFV | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +21% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Terrain AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +21% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Terrain FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -4% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Terrain FWD FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -4% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Terrain AWD FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | 0% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Terrain AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | 0% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 GMC Terrain.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 GMC Terrain (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (4)
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.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Risk
- If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
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.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 19, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V511000 · 33,964 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.
- Risk
- UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH. THE RESULTING CRASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN ALSO RESULT IN PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, POOR HANDLING, AND POOR FUEL ECONOMY.
- Fix
- GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Not every 2012 GMC Terrain is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 GMC Terrain buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 167 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Visibility/Wiper — 73 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Power Train — 35 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 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 2012 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 | ★★★★★ | 1 | 135 |
| 2016 Terrain | 26 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 153 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →