Makes›GMC›Terrain›2023

2023 GMC Terrain

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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 AWD Denali, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 24 city / 29 hwy
Length
183.1 in
Curb weight
3,448–3,801 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 GMC Terrain is a small SUV offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine 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 3,622 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 29 highway), 5% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

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

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

What changed for 2023

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Terrain — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Terrain →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.5L turbo 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD

Trims

SLTAT4DenaliSLE

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: San Luis Potosi, Mexico

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Terrain configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD183.1 in72.4 in65.4 in107.5 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,622 lb57/43
4dr SUV AWD Denali183.1 in72.4 in65.4 in107.5 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,801 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD183.1 in72.4 in65.4 in107.5 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,448 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 FWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26-5%$2,600338
Terrain AWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive24 / 28 / 26+4%$2,600347
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2023 GMC Terrain SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2023 GMC Terrain SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning

Similar 2023 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2023 GMC Terrain (this car)26 MPG★★★★★2
2023 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★3
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPG★★★★★2
2023 Honda CR-V40 MPG★★★★★8
2023 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2023 Hyundai Tucson38 MPG★★★★★2
2023 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★1

Recalls (2)

Child Seat › Vehicle Latch Anchor · May 11, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V339000 · 668,187 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk
The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Dec 15, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V929000 · 9 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.
Risk
In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2023. 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 N222388911.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2023 GMC Terrain is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

41Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
27,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Fuel/Propulsion System16
Engine15
Power Train8
Unknown Or Other7
Electrical System7
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection3
Air Bags2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/10: 124/01: 124/02: 124/04: 124/08: 224/11: 124/12: 125/01: 225/03: 225/06: 125/07: 225/08: 225/11: 126/01: 226/02: 226/03: 226/04: 426/05: 626/06: 126/08: 226/09: 226/10: 223/1024/0424/1225/0625/1126/0326/0626/10max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 GMC Terrain buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Fuel/Propulsion System — 16 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  3. Engine — 15 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,000 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 2023 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
2022 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★488
2021 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★236
2020 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★2197
2019 Terrain32183.1 in★★★★★3187
2018 Terrain32183.1 in★★★★★5226
2017 Terrain25185.4 in★★★★★1135
2016 Terrain26185.4 in★★★★★2153
2015 Terrain26185.4 in★★★★★3299

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