Used 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Transmission Jerks when putting it in reverse
AF, Jonesville, NC, 07/20/2015
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
I have the 2012 GMC Terrain and for the last few years it sporadically jerks/kicks/slips when I first put it in reverse to drive out of the garage. It's not consistent so the dealer can't diagnose it and it never does it when I try to show it to someone. I've been told that this isn't a problem, but it still makes me nervous. Other than that, I love the Terrain!
7 Years in and Happy
Coldwaterite, Fort Wayne, IN, 10/07/2018
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
We bought this new in 2012. We now have 102,000 miles on it. Out side of normal servicing the only problem we've had is the Key fob broke and had to be replaced. Love it's comfort, love the adjustable back seat, it's easy to get into and out of. Mileage is "great" if we keep under 65 mph we can get over 32 mpg; once you hit 70 mph it drops to 27 mpg; in town it'll drop to 23 mpg. … It has served us well and hope to keep it for another 4 years. Like the looks of the new 2018 but it looks like the mileage has dropped off substantially, so why trade down when she's still purring like a kitten. Wish we had the automatic lift gate, that'd be nice now that were getting older. October, 2019: Due to the generosity of an old friend we traded our beloved 2012 in for a new 2019 Terrain SLT this past April. He left the dealer a check paying for 20% of the 2019. Along with that and other incentives we were able to get the 2019 for less than half price. Surprisingly gas mileage on the 2019 is much better (as long as the A/C is not on). After the first 9000 miles we have saved over $120 in fuel cost. I'll post a review of the 2019 Terrain shortly.
Junk Parts in Car and Junk Manufacture
exec17, Las Vegas, NV, 08/15/2013
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
do not buy this vehicle. I am over 60 and have had over 30 cars in my life. this one is the WORST as to mechanical problems. I bought two of these, one for me and one for my educator daughter. Bottom line: this car gets terrible gas mileage, lucky to get 19 on the interstate. It loses oil that "vanishes"; such as all oil gone after 4,000 miles- bone dry. and out of oil after oil change … and 1500 miles. Brake job after 20K miles. Replace S belt after 20K miles. I have NEVER had a car that has lost oil like this, even "oil burners"; never a brake job after 20K miles, should go 40K. and NEVER EVER loss of the sperpentine belt. and I am absolutely certain that problems will continue and more come
I love my 2012 Terrain SLT-1 AWD
RandiRN, Philadelphia, PA, 07/25/2016
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
I no longer own the Terrain. I traded the Terrain in when I purchased a 2021 Subaru Ascent Touuring.
I was asked to update my review of the Terrain, Well, my issue at this time is with GM and specifically Mary Bara. I had an issue with the sun roof drain, the drain tube broke. This caused water to seep into the passenger cabin and finally caused mold to grow in carpet. The vehicle was … covered by a GMPP, yet GM and yes Mary Bara refused to cover the cost of the $1400 repair. The selling dealer even offered to cover my insurance deductible (auto insurance covered the repair) but I turned down the offer. It was up to GM to pay for the repair. Since GM was a bunch of jerks, my Terrain will be the last GM vehicle in my driveway. As much as I do enjoy owning the Terrain, I cannot continue to do business with a company who has forgotten where the revenue comes from. I told the dealer principle that if he obtains another brand, I will do business with him. I was actually trying to find out about an oil separator for the Terrain. I came across this forum. I must say that the issues other spoke of I have never experienced. My biggest issue with this vehicle is the power drivers seat. It has now failed twice since I own the vehicle, however the repairs were performed under the warranty and the GMPP. As far as the fuel mileage, well the 32mpg advertised is not an SLT-1 or with AWD. The AWD alone is 300 lbs. I purchased the 4cyl and found out that between the SLT trim (extra sound deadening) and the AWD, that little engine is just overworked from a standing start. However for my purposes the vehicle is just fine. I do not pull a trailer, or carry heavy loads. I go supermarket shopping and just short trips. The vehicle is very comfortable and I totally enjoy the Pioneer sound system. I have not had any issues with oil consumption, but that maybe due to my personal maintenance program. I have the oil changed 3 months/3k miles, not 7500 miles as recommended. I have had the vehicle dealer serviced 100%, and the dealer is just wonderful. I do not drive the vehicle hard. But I took delivery on April 30th, 2012, and currently have about 23k miles on it. My daily driver is a 2015 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5i. The Subaru's 175 hp 4 cyl has way more low end torque than the 185 hp 4 cyl in the Terrain. Other than my error in ordering the 4cyl, I love the Terrain. It has performed as I expected and hoped.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Quiet and attractive cabin
- Pro:sophisticated ride
- Pro:strong crash test scores
- Pro:roomy backseat
- Pro:plenty of standard and optional features
- Pro:good fuel economy.
- Con:Cargo space could be more generous
- Con:compromised visibility
- Con:numb steering.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 GMC Terrain SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 GMC Terrain in California is:
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