The Good
The 2011 GMC Terrain offers a comfortable ride and distinctive styling, appealing to emotional buyers seeking a stylish SUV. Practically, it provides decent fuel efficiency with the four-cylinder engine. Good cargo space and available all-wheel drive enhance its utility. While not a performance leader, it provides adequate power for daily driving.
The Bad
The 2011 GMC Terrain has known issues. Watch out for excessive oil consumption, particularly with the 2.4L engine. Potential problems with the timing chain and variable valve timing systems exist. Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system and the electrical system. Consider a thorough inspection before purchasing.
2011 GMC Terrain: Quick Overview
Key Specs for the 2011 GMC Terrain:
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L Inline-4: Standard engine
- 3.0L V6: Optional engine
- Horsepower:
- 2.4L Inline-4: Approximately 182 hp
- 3.0L V6: Approximately 264 hp
- Fuel Economy (estimated):
- 2.4L Inline-4 (FWD): 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
- 3.0L V6 (FWD): 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times (estimated):
- 2.4L Inline-4: Around 9 seconds
- 3.0L V6: Around 7.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity (with V6): Up to 3,500 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Trim-Level Features:
- SLE: Base trim; features include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system.
- SLT: Upgraded trim; adds features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, heated front seats, and chrome exterior accents.
- Key Features available across trims: Available all-wheel drive, sunroof, navigation system, backup camera, and rear-seat entertainment system.
2011 GMC Terrain Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 2011 |
Make | GMC |
Model | Terrain |
Trim | - |
Style | - |
Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | Canada |
Manufacturing City | INGERSOLL |
Dimensions
Doors | 4-Door |
Curb Weight | 4049 pounds |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 5070 pounds |
Overall Height | - |
Overall Length | - |
Overall Width | - |
Wheelbase Length | - |
Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
Engine | LFW |
Engine Size | 2.4L |
Engine Cylinders | 4 |
Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | - |
Steering Type | - |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $31,400 |
Invoice Price | $29,830 |
Delivery Charges | $745 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2011 GMC Terrain Have?
How long will the 2011 GMC Terrain last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Entertainment:
Optional entertainment features included a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Driver-Assistance:
Basic driver-assistance features were available, such as traction control and stability control. A rearview camera was available on higher trims and as an option.
Safety Features:
Standard safety features included antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags (front, side, and curtain).
Crash-Test Ratings:
The 2011 GMC Terrain received good crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Specifically, it earned "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests and a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
Optional Features:
Optional tech features included a touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (for phone calls, but not audio streaming on lower trims), and remote start.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2011 GMC Terrain Prices and Market Value
2011 GMC Terrain Cost of Ownership
2011 GMC Terrain Fuel Efficiency
2011 GMC Terrain Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2011 GMC Terrain Recalls & Defects
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Electrical System:ignition
Exterior Lighting:headlights
2011 GMC Terrain Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2011 GMC Terrain Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
Ranks #1551 SUV
1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0β ) |
2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0β ) |
3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0β ) |
4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0β ) |
5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0β ) |
6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0β ) |
7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0β ) |
8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0β ) |
9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0β ) |
10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0β ) |
11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0β ) |
12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0β ) |
1551 | 2011 GMC Terrain | (5.0β ) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 GMC Terrain a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Terry on January 6, 2025
2011gmc Terrain SLT with V6, purchased new.2011gmc Terrain SLT with V6, purchased new. A great deprndable vehicle. 13 plus years, 160k kilometers. Routine maintenance, ie oil changes, 2 sets of tires, 2 set of brakes, 1 set plugs No major issues. Love the styling but also own a gmc truck.Pulls my 2500 lb boat easily. Sad to see only 1 engine choice for 2025 Terrain. Due like 2025 styling interior and exterior.
Robin Parker on December 13, 2024
I bought my Terrain used with 135,000 miles on it.I bought my Terrain used with 135,000 miles on it. Four months later the transmission needed to be rebuilt ( $3.438 ). Three months after that the oil sending unit had to be replaced ( $387.00 ). At a 168,000 miles the timing 'jumped', had to be towed in for timing chain replacement ( $ 1,800.00 ). When the shop put it back together, there was compression issues in at least two of the cylinders. Tore it back apart, send heads to be machined, replaced bent valves, found out that the exhaust manifold was cracked and catalytic converter was melted ( $ 3,897.00 ). I got it back and put 162 miles on it in 2.5 weeks. Engine started running rough, wouldn't idle, etc. Had it towed back to shop - no leaks, no smoking, timing was fine, but I burned through 2.5 quarts in that 162 miles and this is the 'normal' amount of usage for the Terrain due to it's known issues. Can't get a straight answer anywhere as to recalls, but the laundry list of issues are all related to oil clogging even with perfect oil change history and a lousy transmission. If you're thinking of buying a Terrain, run, don't walk, in the opposite direction. Had I known the lengthy history of the Terrain issues, I never would have bought it. Now I'm so upside down on it, I can't get out from under it. Don't buy none, seriously, GMC is not standing behind this model AT ALL.
Murphy on January 26, 2024
Love itBought this car in 2011 from New. My first one was in an accident and was a right off. I could of bought any vehicle I wanted but went back to the Terrain. Would still purchase this car again. I did 6 years of driving from Ontario to Florida without a single issue. Lots of space for luggage or any other stuff. Great millage.
Lynda Cox on February 16, 2023
Pretty body style rides good manyMotors in the 2011 Terrains have had to be replaced way to soon under 100000 miles for many who own a 2011 terrain should have a recall on this problem
Renee on January 2, 2023
Love it!I have a 2011 SLT2 package with the V6. I bought it used with 80k miles, it now has 176k. I bought it 8 years ago and Iβve only had your typical upkeep up until recently. Last year I had to replace the AC ( I live in Florida so to me it being 12 years old wasnβt a big deal) I now have some lights on where the sensors are needing to be replaced and the hydraulic arm for the trunk is starting to go out. Again, considering this car is up in miles and has been very well loved for 8 years I consider this your typical upkeep on a car. I LOVE my Terrain. It has been very reliable, it is comfortable and Iβm considering getting a new one but still keeping this one.
Sad and Angry Terrain Owner on November 9, 2022
xxx 'nuf saidPiece of crap. Period. Stay away, far far away. Totally unreliable, money pit. I can list the issues but they have all been brought up here. Believe us and listen to us. This vehicle sucks. GM doesn't care that they put out an awful auto.
Penny on August 9, 2022
Run as fast as you canI bought a 2011 terrain used in July of 2021 it is now August of 2022 I've already had stalling problems in the middle of traffic my transmission is blown excessive oil use during all kinds of noises coming out of the motor and there's still a $6,000 on the Terrain had it taken over to the dealer and they told me there's no recalls of anything on this car except for the headlights well guess what this morning I got a recall notice on the windshield wipers I wonder how many more recalls there are in this car that we don't know about and they're not saying because they don't care and they don't want to help the consumer dealers are just as bad they just tried to push me out the door this morning with my transmission don't buy one run as far away as you can and here I said is a car that don't run I owe 6000 Plus on it and I can't do a darn thing with it thanks GM way to take care of your customers never never again will I buy one GMC
VIRGINIA on April 21, 2022
excelenteCOMPRE MI VEHICULO GMC TERRAIN 2011 Y ES UNA EXCELENTE UNIDAD, ES MUY POCO DINERO EL QUE LE HE TENIDO QUE INVERTIR, COMODA, LUJOSA Y ECONOMICA EN GASOLINA.
Party Tent on March 2, 2021
Nice ride but paint chips a lotLove the ride but paint is horrible Γ°ΕΈΛβ’ really good until the paint started chipping. I would like another one but I've been traumatize. Please help
Melb on February 2, 2021
Car is complete trashI have been making repairs on this vehicle since I purchased it huge front end issues Iβm currently having a transmission rebuilt. I purchased it from CarMax and they have t been very helpful