How Long Do GMC Terrains Last?

The GMC Terrain is a four-door crossover SUV that has been in production since 2010.

Thanks to its amazing design and great performance, it has been bought and loved by thousands of people.

It is durable and checks all the right boxes, so many people recommend it.

Although the Terrain has been designed to last through thick and thin, how long do GMC Terrains last often comes up.

I have got some good news for you! The GMC Terrain has been designed to last for 300000 miles, which is on the upper side of the spectrum for vehicles in the same class.

The GMC Terrain is a great vehicle, and it can last for a long time. But don’t you want to know how it stacks up against the rest of the competition or how durable its hardware is?

This in-depth guide will be covering all of that, so I suggest sticking around to find out. I will not be wasting any of your time and will get straight into it.

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A GMC Terrain?

The introduction already discussed the number of miles, 300000, for which this SUV is good.

I understand that you may want a breakdown of it, so you can decide if it is good for you or not.

Let me put it in a perspective that makes more sense.

If you drive your GMC Terrain for 15000 miles annually, it will last you for two whole decades. Now, that is simply impressive.

Does GMC Terrain Last Longer Than Other Similar Vehicles?

Putting a vehicle through a proper test is no better way than to compare it to its top competitors.

This section of the article will be discussing exactly that, so you can understand its place. Let me tell you; the results are going to be interesting.

1. GMC Terrain Vs. Honda CR-V

The CR-V is Honda’s offering in the crossover SUV segment. It is a great vehicle, and the results are unexpected when you put it against the Terrain.

• In terms of complaints alone, the CR-V dwarfs GMC’s offering. The Honda CR-V has more than 3000 complaints, while the GMC Terrain has close to 500. This data has been taken from CarComplaints.com
• In terms of reliability, the CR-V is a clear winner. Although it had more complaints, it does have fewer major issues, which can directly impact the vehicle’s lifespan.
• Although the Honda CR-V can be driven for 300000 miles, that is not its rated mileage. The GMC Terrain, however, has been designed to touch that number without breaking a sweat.

In the case of these two vehicles, the GMC Terrain is the clear winner. It has fewer complaints and can last longer than the Honda CR-V can achieve.

Related: Honda CR-V Life Expectancy

2. GMC Terrain Vs. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs. It also comes in the same category as the GMC Terrain.

So, let’s see how they compete with each other:

• The Terrain narrowly beats Tucson in terms of complaints. Although the number is pretty low for both of them, less than 1000 for all models, GMC’s vehicle still squeezes a win in this regard.
• Reliability is an arena in which the GMC Terrain has lost once again. Hyundai’s offering has proven to be more reliable, evident due to its maintenance costs, which are more than $100 less.
• The GMC Terrain pulls ahead once more when talking about longevity. The Hyundai Tucson has a maximum mileage of 200000 miles, which is 100000 miles shorter than the Terrain.

Although it was close, the GMC Terrain is the winner among the two vehicles. It has fewer complaints and can last longer too.

Related: How Many Miles Will A Hyundai Tucson Last?

3. GMC Terrain Vs. Chevrolet Equinox

If there is one vehicle that is a true competitor to the GMC Terrain, it is the Chevrolet Equinox. It goes head to head with GMC’s vehicle.

• The Chevrolet Equinox has more than 2500 complaints, while the GMC Terrain sits at a comfortable 600. The latter takes an easy lead in this area.
• In terms of reliability, both of these SUVs are the same. Both are decent in terms of being reliable in the long run.
• Once again, Chevy Equinox cannot defeat the GMC Terrain in terms of longevity. The Terrain lasts longer, and the difference is 100000 miles.

The GMC Terrain is once again a winner in this competition. It is a great vehicle and has defeated all vehicles in this competition, even though it came pretty close.

Life Expectancy Of GMC Terrain Car Parts

The longevity of the GMC Terrain is solely dependent on the quality of its hardware.

Although it has already been established that the vehicle is reliable in the long run, let’s see how its parts hold up during the same period.

It is recommended to read this section of the article in its entirety. Let’s get started!

Average Lifespan Of GMC Terrain Brake Pads

The brake pads on the GMC Terrain are nothing special. They are similar 99% of vehicles out there.

They are responsible for helping in slowing down the vehicle whenever the brakes are applied.

As brake pads are not designed to last forever, they have a limited lifespan.

In the case of the GMC Terrain, the OEM brake pads are designed to last anywhere between 30000 and 70000 miles.

Average Lifespan Of GMC Terrain Battery

Just like with the brake pads, the battery used in a GMC Terrain is something that is not out of the ordinary.

The OEM is a simple one that will be able to last anywhere between 3 and 5 years.

Now, the difference of two years can be due to many factors, such as the Terrain being driven in high temperatures, or it can be due to the type of battery too.

So, the battery works just like it would do in any other vehicle.

Average Lifespan Of GMC Terrain Tires

The factory-equipped tires in the GMC Terrain are pretty good. They have a lifespan on the upper end of the spectrum compared to other OEM tires in the market.

These tires are expected to last anywhere between 40000 and 60000 miles. The tires are also good enough for all four seasons, which means they provide decent traction.

Average Lifespan Of GMC Terrain Transmission

The transmission of the GMC Terrain is one part of the engine that will need major repairs before reaching the 300000-mile mark.

Although it is a solid transmission, owners reported that it would fail after the vehicle had anywhere between 130000 and 180000 miles on the odometer.

Transmission system repairs are expensive. They are so expensive that a replacement is recommended.

In the Terrain case, that replacement can cost you anywhere from $1800 to $3400. That is an expensive fix but is the only way to get your SUV back in usable condition.

Average Lifespan Of GMC Terrain Spark Plugs

A vehicle’s spark plugs allow it to burn fuel so energy can be produced for powering the engine.

In the case of the GMC Terrain, the plugs work in the same manner and don’t have any special properties.

These spark plugs have been designed to last for around 30000 miles, which is pretty less.

If the spark plugs fail, then your SUV will start to misfire. When you do get to the point of replacement, you must make sure to replace all of the spark plugs.

Average Lifespan Of GMC Terrain Key Fob

The key fob of the GMC Terrain is simple and durable. Owners have reported spending more than seven years on them, with them still working flawlessly.

I can safely say that the key fob on the GMC Terrain has been designed to last through thick and thin. Even the batteries will last you for at least two years.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used GMC Terrain?

The GMC Terrain can easily last for 300000 miles.

If you put it in years, it will be able to provide you with a satisfactory experience for two decades.

Many people ask about decent mileage for a used GMC Terrain.

Well, you should not buy one driven for more than 150000 miles. If you buy a GMC Terrain that has more than 200000 miles on the odometer, you will not be able to drive it for too long.

Another reason for not buying one that has been driven too much is that the transmission of the SUV lasts for only a maximum of 180000 miles.

So, it would be frustrating to find out that your new vehicle needs an immediate transmission replacement.

How To Increase How Long Your GMC Terrain Last

Although the GMC Terrain has been designed to last through thick and thin, there is no denying that something can always be done to improve its lifespan.

I will be discussing the most effective options, so you can squeeze out every single one of the 300000 miles that have been advertised.

• The first main step is to ensure that maintenance is done at the right times. This means that you should keep the oil and fluid levels in check at all times.
• The next step is to change the spark plugs every few thousand miles.
• You should check their condition at every oil change interval to ensure that you can catch any issues at the right time.
• Tire alignment is another thing that must be done twice every year. The reason for this is that if they are not aligned, it will result in them wearing out unevenly.
• You should also rotate the tires after every few thousand miles. This will slow down the wearing process.
• The final thing that one must do is to get the GMC Terrain repaired as soon as new issues arise.
• This will prevent the problems from affecting the longevity of other parts. You should also never use low-quality parts when replacing them.

These are some of the major tips that will help you in increasing the lifespan of the GMC Terrain. They should be followed, or major vehicle issues will arise over time.

Problems That Limit The Life Of Your GMC Terrain

There have been a few models of the GMC Terrain that have had problems that made the vehicle unusable. These problems can also reduce the lifespan of the engine.

The ones that are the most dangerous will be discussed here:

1. High Oil Consumption

High oil consumption results in the oil levels falling drastically. Now, how is this dangerous?

If the oil level is too low, the friction between the moving parts will increase, which will result in them wearing out faster.

2. Transmission Failure

Transmission failure is another problem that can significantly reduce the lifespan of the GMC Terrain.

Although it is bound to fail after the vehicle has been driven a lot, there are some models where the transmission failed early.

The most notable out of all was the 2010 model, which was also the first one.

3. Electrical Problems

Although these problems are rare on the GMC Terrain, they can still cause issues.

The most common issue that was reported by users was that the vehicle’s battery would die prematurely.

This means the load of the electrical system is too heavy for the battery to sustain. These are some of the common problems that can severely affect the lifespan of the GMC Terrain.

They should not be overlooked, and you should be extra careful about which model you are buying.

Related: GMC Terrain Starting Problems

What To Look For When Buying A GMC Terrain

If you have finally decided to buy a used GMC Terrain, which is actually a great decision, there are many things you should check to make sure that the vehicle is in usable condition.

Some of the main things you should check for are:

• Smoke coming from the exhaust system.
• Vibrations when driving.
• Rust on the frame.
• Condition of the transmission.

These are things that must be checked if you are adamant about buying a preowned GMC Terrain.

The reason for this is that you really don’t want to buy the vehicle just to park it at a mechanic’s, which will result in a hefty bill.

Frame rusting means that the vehicle will not last as long as advertised because the structural integrity of the vehicle will be compromised.

As for vibrations, this means that the engine mounting is messed up. As for the smoke, it could mean an exhaust leak.

So, these are things you should check to make sure that the vehicle is in usable condition.

Related: Best And Worst Years For GMC Terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

Although most of the information that is needed to know has been covered, this final section of the article will answer some of the common questions that have been asked by people over various forums.

I would suggest reading through it in order to clear up some confusion below:

Q1. Is The GMC Terrain A Reliable Car?

Although it is not as reliable as offerings from other competitors in the same class, the GMC Terrain still is a very reliable vehicle.

What this means is that it will not cause too many issues in the long run. So, you can rest assured that driving most of its 300000 miles will be a peaceful and delightful experience.

Q2. Does GMC Terrain Have A Lot Of Problems?

Just like any other vehicle, the GMC Terrain is prone to issues that can frustrate some owners. Although the probability of these problems happening is low, it is still possible.

Some of the common problems include faulty airbags, engine, and transmission issues.

They are not reported too much, so you should not change your decision to buy this vehicle just because of them.

Q3. Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Used GMC Terrain?

It is a great idea to get a used one. In fact, it is recommended to save some cash by purchasing a used GMC Terrain rather than a new one.

The reason for this is that you save on some cash while not compromising on anything.

If you are buying an old one, then you should stay away from the 2010 and the 2011 models. They were the ones with many issues.

Q4. Does GMC Terrain Rust Easily?

Although rusting is not common with the GMC Terrain, there have been reports of people complaining about the frame or the body being corroded.

This is serious because rust can severely reduce the lifespan of the vehicle while compromising its structural integrity too.

Most rust issues were found in the early models of the Terrain, which were already plagued with issues.

Q5. Is GMC Terrain Expensive To Maintain?

As this vehicle has been designed to last for a long time, I will be discussing its maintenance costs on a 10-year basis.

The average one decade cost of this vehicle is $7706, which is lesser than the industry average by more than $1000.

So, it can be classified as an SUV that is relatively cheaper to maintain and use. This is possible due to its reliable nature.

Conclusion

If you wanted the answer to the question, how long do GMC Terrains last, I can assure you that you will not find an article that discusses it in a more detailed fashion out there?

From comparisons with competitors to the lifespan of individual hardware, this article is the ultimate guide for people who are looking to buy the GMC Terrain but want to make sure that it is worth buying or not.

If you ask for my opinion, I think it is absolutely worth it. I hope this guide helped in making up your mind about choosing the GMC Terrain as your daily driver.