The 2019 GMC Terrain lasts around 200,000 miles with some relatively minor sensor and paint issues reported. At $18,725 to $25,875, it’s a good value for a compact SUV with an upscale interior.
Is the 2019 GMC Terrain a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the GMC Terrain since there are upscale cabin features with low ownership costs. Owner reviews praise the advanced technology, smooth suspension, along with the upscale interior.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a compact SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space is a bit lower than some competitors.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical problems on the 2018 GMC Terrain. Stay away from models from 2010–2015 since there are engine problems. Models from 2016–2022 are much more reliable choices.
- Performance 8/10 – The most powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is reasonably quick for a compact SUV.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Terrain is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, as well as automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 32 MPG, giving 499 miles of range from the 15.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $54 cheaper than average at $154 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2019 GMC Terrain is cheaper than many other SUVs on the market, although it depreciates quickly, lowering its overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Terrain?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 GMC Terrain offers a premium alternative to other compact SUVs on the market, with decent owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Terrain at 3.3/5, praising the comfortable and upscale interior, but doesn’t like the weak diesel engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Terrain a 4.1/5, enjoying the powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, but owners don’t like the slow transmission.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 GMC Terrain Have?
Common problems reported on the 2019 GMC Terrain include forward automatic braking system issues, peeling paint, as well as a frozen infotainment screen. Overall, most of these problems are relatively minor compared to some other SUVs on the market, leading to low repair costs.
Forward automatic braking system issues are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Terrain owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates available for the safety system which improve the reliability of the forward braking sensors. Most dealers will install the update for free, while others charge around $50. If the front sensors are damaged they can cost up to $400 to replace.
Peeling paint, particularly on the hood and roof, has also been reported by Terrain owners at around 50,000 miles. Paint which is left in direct sunlight and not properly cared for will degrade faster than average. The only solution is repainting the affected areas, at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
A frozen infotainment screen is another problem mentioned by owners in the first 10,000 miles. There are a lot of software updates for GMC’s latest stereo system which improves its reliability. Dealers usually will install all these updates for free, while some charge around $50 for an hour of labor.
There are three recalls on the 2019 GMC Terrain, which is similar to some other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall cis for missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator which can cause the transmission to leak oil. GMC will replace the bolts on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2019 GMC Terrain Last?
A well-maintained 2019 GMC Terrain can last around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $650 per year.
As a used 2019 GMC Terrain reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the ABS control module for $600, stabilizer bushings costing $350, as well as the ignition coils which are $120 each.
Yes it is a very reliable vehicle. I have not had any problems or issues with the car other than having to have a spark plug replaced.
Very reliable, I have never had any problems! Under full warranty if I ever do though!. Everyone I know loves there's too, no complaints.
It is extremely reliable. I haven't encountered any problems since I have owned it. The car's assisted driving technology has many great features: it basically brakes to help you avoid a collision if the car senses another car too close ahead, just enough to slow the car down safely, it will not allow you to engage in drive or reverse if any door is open even slightly.
Currently the model does not have any problems. It is seems to drive well. I have yet to experience the all-wheel-drive in mode in our Chicago winters.
The terrain is very reliable I have yet to run into any issues with my terrain. I do not like that you cannot turn off the idle engine feature.
It’s reliable. I had one problem - a strut blew out within the first 3 months of my lease. And just recently I received a recall notice regarding a programming issue with the shifter. In both instances GMC fixed the issues satisfactory. I feel very comfortable and safe driving my Terrain.
No problems! A little hard to figure out radio and other little things. But so worth it once you try it
Yes it is very reliable. I have not had any issues with the vehicle. It rides well and tells you if something is wrong.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great on the 2019 Terrain since it has a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen as well as an improved Bose stereo system.
Safety technology is good with a standard rearview camera along with Teen Driver mode, which allows you to set speed and volume limits.
Optional advanced safety and driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Surround-view parking camera
- Lane depature warning
- Low-speed forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane change assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Safety alert seat
- Rear parking sensors
- Adaptive headlights
Is the 2019 GMC Terrain a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 GMC Terrain is a good value since you get a lot of nice features and decent reliability for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,725 to $25,875, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $25,00 to $39,500. Depreciation is worse than some competitors, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Terrain?
There are four models of the 2019 GMC Terrain offered, from the base SL all the way up to the well-equipped Denali. The 2019 Terrain is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the model.
SL is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Headlights
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Mirrors
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Rearview Camera
- Height-Adjustable Front Seats
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Sound System
SLE is a step up, adding:
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Compact Spare Tire
- Interior Trim Upgrades
- More Exterior Color Choices
SLT is next in the lineup with:
- Leather Upholstery
- Eight-Way Power Driver Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Roof Rails
- Remote Ignition
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Driver Alert Safety Package
- Hands-Free Power Liftgate
- Seven-Speaker Bose Stereo System
Denali is the flagship model which has:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- Unique Exterior Styling
- Upgraded Interior Trim
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Seats
- Wireless Phone Charging Pad
- Surround-View Parking Camera
- Panoramic Sunroof
What Engines Come In the GMC Terrain?
- The base engine is an average 1.5L 4-cylinder which produces 170 horsepower at up to 28 MPG. It comes standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- A step up is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which makes 252 horsepower while getting up to 24 MPG. This engine also features a nine-speed automatic transmission
- A more efficient option is the 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel, which generates 137 horsepower and gets up to 32 MPG. It’s offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.
What Colors Does the GMC Terrain Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Terrain?
The 2019 GMC Terrain is a comfortable compact SUV with seating for up to five passengers. It features a spacious and well-built cabin, with plenty of room for passengers in both the front and back seats.
The seats themselves are supportive and offer good comfort on long trips. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated, which helps to reduce road noise and make the ride more pleasant.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Terrain Have?
Cargo space is a bit lower than average in the 2019 GMC Terrain since it has a maximum cargo capacity of 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The cargo space behind the rear seats is 29.6 cubic feet, which is less than some other SUVs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the GMC Terrain came out in 2018.
2015: 4G WiFi hotspot added to every model.
2016: Lane departure warning system & blind spot monitoring on the SLE-2 and SLT models.
2017: Standard 18-inch alloy wheels across all models, nightfall appearance package offered.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new engines, interior, and exterior.
2019: Upgraded high-resolution rearview camera, new exterior appearance package.
2020: Diesel engine removed from the lineup, upgraded suspension on the Denali model.
2021: Turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine discontinued.
How Does the GMC Terrain Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 GMC Terrain is a nice compact SUV since it combines a lot of luxury and technology at a relatively affordable price, making it a good choice for shoppers on a budget.
The Chevy Equinox is another SUV available for around $1,500 less. Both the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox are built on the same platform, while the interior is much nicer in the GMC Terrain. We recommend the GMC Terrain since you get significantly more upgraded features for the extra money.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is another small SUV which costs about $1,000 more. Interior materials are a bit more luxurious in the Hyundai Santa Fe, while the GMC Terrain has more passenger room. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since it has a longer warranty with lower ownership costs.
Do Owners Recommend the GMC Terrain?
Yes, it is a good vehicle. It rides comfortably, is very reliable. I have not had any issues with this vehicle.
Yes, I love it! Excellent gas mileage, roomy, lots of whistles & bells, gives me detailed reports in my email.
Yes, handles well, fully equipped, very comfortable, great on gas. I love the sleek design and it has very quick response time when driving. The lane assist technology is helpful when driving in traffic.
Yes it is the perfect utility vehicle. Great on gas comes in available all-wheel-drive. There's plenty of extra modern amenities. Comfortable cabin and great leg room. Five adults can ride in this vehicle comfortably.
It is a great vehicle great SUV and good gas mileage. The all wheel drive helps me in the snow but sometimes just the power alone gets me out of any snowy or icy conditions. The seats are comfortable and the power in the engine is amazing.
Yes! I like it very much. I like how it handles. I generally use it in town to run errands and things. But we've also used it on road trips and it’s super comfortable and can fit all 4 of us plus our baggage.
Yes, perfect for us! Always carrying stuff to our son. Great ride. Quiet and smooth ride. Good on long rides! Last car was so noisy
Yes the Terrain is a good vehicle. It has a lot golf great options and it runs well. It has all the bells and whistles that I like to have in a car.