DecodedCars2017 GMC Terrain
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,854–4,019 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints135 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 404 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 GMC Terrain is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 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 (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 3% better than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 135 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Terrain — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Terrain →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 185.4 in | 72.8 in | 66.5 in | 112.6 in | 63 / 62.2 in | 4,019 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 185.4 in | 72.8 in | 66.5 in | 112.6 in | 63 / 62.2 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 | 21 / 31 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Terrain FWD FFV | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Terrain AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +1% | $2,900 | 381 |
| Terrain FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -18% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Terrain AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -21% | $3,700 | 489 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 GMC Terrain SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
| 2017 GMC Terrain SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 GMC Terrain (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2017 GMC Terrain is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 GMC Terrain buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 79 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 24 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 48,850 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 Terrain | 26 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 153 |
| 2015 Terrain | 26 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 299 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →