How Long Do GMC Terrains Last? (Miles & Years)

The GMC Terrain is great for going on road trips with your family.

This comfortable 5-seater has a large cabin and a slew of infotainment and safety systems that will give your family an enjoyable travel experience even on bumpy roads.

If you are thinking of buying a GMC Terrain, you might want to know how durable the vehicle is.

We cover everything you need to know about the GMC Terrain’s longevity in this article.

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Here is the short answer to how long the GMC Terrain lasts:

You can expect a GMC Terrain to last 300,000 miles with no serious issues. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles a year, that means the vehicle can serve you for about 20 years. Regular maintenance and fair usage are vital for achieving this level of longevity.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a GMC Terrain?

If you are a careful driver, your GMC Terrain should last for 300,000 miles before needing major repairs.

That said, it hugely depends on the year. Here are the best years for GMC Terrain.

Servicing your Terrain regularly at a licensed GMC service shop will also do your car a lot of good.

Take your vehicle to a service technician after every 7,500 miles.

After your car has hit the 300,000-mile mark, it may develop serious faults. Because major repairs are quite expensive, it might be better to get a new car than to fix its defects at such an old age.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on Your GMC Terrain?

Several GMC Terrain users claim that rust appears on the vehicle about two years after production. Older models like the 2010 and 2011 GMC Terrains often start rusting earlier than new models.

If you live in a salt-belt area like Illinois, you may also notice your GMC Terrain rusting faster than usual.

The roads in salt-belt areas contain a lot of salt to make them motorable during the heavy winter season. The excessive salt on these roads accumulates on your wheels and forms moisture.

This moisture reacts with your vehicle’s metallic frame and causes rusting in your wheel wells. The rust later spreads to other parts of the vehicle.

You can delay rust on your car by applying wax to the vehicle at least every 12 months. GMC Terrain drivers who live in salt-belt areas may also need to spray powder coating on their vehicles.

How Long Do GMC Terrains Last Compared to Similar Cars?

With an average lifespan of 300,000 miles, the GMC Terrain is undoubtedly a durable car. Still, you may want to know how the GMC Terrain fares in longevity when compared to its peers.

GMC Terrain vs. Honda CR-V

The GMC Terrain and Honda CR-V are both compact SUVs. The two vehicles have similar levels of durability.

With regular maintenance, both the GMC Terrain and Honda CR-V will probably last for 300,000 miles. However, RepairPal estimates that it costs an average of $407 per year to maintain and repair the CR-V while the GMC Terrain requires an average annual maintenance fee of $558.

With a difference of $151 in maintenance expenses per year, we believe owners will hold on to the CR-V for longer because of its lower maintenance costs.

GMC Terrain vs. Chevrolet Equinox

GMC Terrains have longer lifespans than Chevrolet Equinoxes.

Your GMC Terrain can easily travel for 300,000 miles without developing severe issues. On the other hand, most Chevrolet Equinoxes require significant repairs after 200,000 miles.

However, the Chevrolet Equinox has a lower annual maintenance cost of $537.

GMC Terrain vs Mazda CX-5

Just like the GMC Terrain, the Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV. You can expect your GMC Terrain to last for the same time as a Mazda CX-5. Both cars should last for 300,000 miles if you take good care of them.

However, we are of the opinion the CX-5 will outlast the Terrain because of its $447 average annual maintenance cost, which is $111 cheaper than the Terrain’s maintenance expenses.

The comparison above shows that the GMC Terrain is just as durable as its competitors. If vehicle longevity is a priority for you, you should definitely consider the GMC Terrain when buying cars.

How Reliable Is a GMC Terrain?

Recent models of the GMC Terrain are very reliable.

For example, J.D. Power scored the 2020 GMC Terrain an 82/100 in reliability. In addition, the model also got a 4/5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports.

That said, previous GMC Terrain models, especially those produced before 2013, were not so reliable. Several users complained that the faults that occur in these older models are severe and expensive to repair.

The Best and Worst Model Years for GMC Terrain

The worst model year of the GMC Terrain is 2011. CarComplaints.com received the highest number of reports about the most severe issue experienced in the vehicle from 2011 Terrain users.

Drivers often had to refill their engine oil after every 400 to 500 miles, instead of the usual interval of 7,500 miles. According to CarComplaints.com, fixing this issue costs about $5,160 for the average Terrain user.

The 2020 and 2021 GMC Terrains are the best model years for the car. No user has reported negative issues about the model years on CarComplaints.

In addition, both model years received the highest overall rating across all GMC Terrain model years from J.D. Power.

Since 2020, GMC has added advanced safety features like:

parking sensors,
following-distance alerts,
and automatic emergency braking

What About Recalls for These Model Years?

The GMC Terrain has been recalled 14 times. The recall actions affect almost of the model years. Some recalls were issued to rectify problems with faulty seats, service brakes, fuel systems, air bags, and the power train.

GMC recalled some 2011 Terrains to fix the faulty bolts in their front seats. These bolts may fall out, thus forcing the seat to drop. As a result, occupants in the seats may sustain injuries.

GMC also recalled certain 2020 Terrains to install bolts in their accumulator end-cap. There are no recalls for the 2021 GMC Terrain.

You should also be reading our article which talks about How Long Do GMC Acadias Last?

GMC Terrain Model Year List

Here is a list of all the GMC Terrain model years:

2010 GMC Terrain
2011 GMC Terrain
2012 GMC Terrain
2013 GMC Terrain
2014 GMC Terrain
2015 GMC Terrain
2016 GMC Terrain
2017 GMC Terrain
2018 GMC Terrain
2019 GMC Terrain
2020 GMC Terrain
2021 GMC Terrain

Are GMC Terrains Expensive to Maintain?

GMC Terrains are expensive to maintain. The average maintenance cost for compact SUVs is $521 per year. In contrast, you may need to spend as much as $558 to service your GMC Terrain every year.

In addition, most of the faults found in the GMC Terrain cost a fortune to repair. For instance, it may cost about $5,160 to fix the issue of heavy oil consumption in the GMC Terrain.

How Long Do GMC Terrain Brake Pads Last?

Most GMC Terrain brake pads last between 30,000 and 40,000 miles. That said, your Terrain brake pads will last longer if you rarely drive on city roads.

City roads have many traffic lights, which often require drivers to stop their vehicles continuously over a short period. Constant stopping can wear out your brakes.

Smooth braking can also earn you an extra hundred miles on your GMC Terrain brake pads. According to repairpal.com, replacing your GMC Terrain brake pads will cost between $307 – $328.

How Long Do GMC Terrain Tires Last?

Your GMC Terrain tires will probably last for 40,000 miles. Change your tires immediately you notice the sidewalls are ripping apart.

Maintain the air pressure of your tires regularly to increase the lifespan of your GMC Terrain tires. In addition, rotating your tires after every 5,000 miles can keep them in shape.

Wheel alignment and balancing are other ways to maintain your GMC Terrain tires.

How Long Do GMC Terrain Transmissions Last?

The average GMC Terrain transmission lasts between 130,000 to 180,000 miles. That said, you can make your transmission more durable with regular maintenance.

We have more here on the most-common problems with GMC SUVs.

How Long Do GMC Terrain Spark Plugs Last?

GMC Terrain spark plugs can last for 30,000 miles. If your car suddenly begins to move sluggishly, you may need to change your spark plugs.

Repairpal.com states that new replacement spark plugs for GMC Terrains cost between $133 to $154.

What About Insurance Cost for GMC Terrains?

The average insurance policy for a GMC Terrain costs an average of $123 per month and $1476 per year, according to finder.com. That said, certain factors may influence the actual insurance rate for a specific vehicle insurance policy. These factors include:

Gender: Many U.S. insurance companies require male customers to pay higher costs than females for the same coverage. This is because men often engage in dangerous driving more than women do.
Age: Car insurance policies for teenagers are more expensive than coverage for older drivers. Due to their lack of experience, young drivers are more likely to cause accidents than their older counterparts. In addition, most insurers grant discounts on vehicle coverages to customers above 60 years of age.
Location: If you live in a secure area, your insurance rates may be cheaper than GMC drivers who reside in areas with low security.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain is not a cheap vehicle. So, you probably want it to last as long as possible before you replace it. The following tips might help you increase the lifespan of your ride:

Inflate your GMC Terrain tires immediately you notice a decline in their air pressure.
Align your vehicle’s wheels at least once in two years.
Rotate your tires each time you hit the 5,000-mile mark.
Always service your car at a licensed GMC service shop
Never buy low-quality replacement parts for your vehicle.
Refill your engine oil after every 7,500 miles.

Resources

2020 GMC Terrain | jdpower.com

GMC Terrain Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost – RepairPal

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