2026 GMC Terrain: Price, Safety & Specifications
— NHTSA, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 GMC Terrain scores well for fuel cost among value SUVs. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $30,100 - $41,800
- EPA Combined MPG
- 25-27 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,200 - $2,400 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $250 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 11 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,315 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- United States
The 2026 GMC Terrain is a SUV priced from $30,100 to $41,800 with 4 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- 5-year ownership cost $29,291 above value SUVs average
2026 GMC Terrain at a Glance
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2026 GMC Terrain. Within the currently available data, the clearest positive signals are lower estimated fuel cost.
- fuel cost
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $2,200. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
- Among the 11 NHTSA complaints on file, at least one involves a fire. This does not confirm a defect, but it flags the complaint history as worth reviewing.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $29,291 above the similar-vehicle average.
Similar vehicles to compare
NHTSA focuses on how the vehicle protects occupants in government-standard crashes. IIHS also evaluates crash avoidance technology and headlight performance, which matter for preventing collisions in the first place.
A strong crash test result tells you the vehicle was well-engineered for collisions. The recall record tells you whether any defects have been found after production began.
Does the 2026 GMC Terrain Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 GMC Terrain, affecting EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. This is fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs. Recalls address safety-related defects identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Repairs for recalled vehicles are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Most recent: February 2026
What Do 2026 GMC Terrain Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on file for the 2026 GMC Terrain. The average for 2026 SUVs is 9 complaints. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
6 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-03-24
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes fire reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Tires2
- Brakes2
- ADAS / Safety Tech2
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2026 GMC Terrain's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.
What Is the 2026 GMC Terrain Fuel Economy?
The 2026 GMC Terrain achieves up to 27 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,200. That is $308 more per year than the $1,892 average for value SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 25 to 27 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 28 | $2,200 per year |
| Elevation AWD GAS | 25 MPG | 24 | 28 | $2,400 per year |
| AT4 AWD GAS | 25 MPG | 24 | 28 | $2,400 per year |
| Denali AWD GAS | 25 MPG | 24 | 28 | $2,400 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $11,000 to $12,000 depending on trim.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 13% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
What Does the 2026 GMC Terrain Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 GMC Terrain ranges from $106,020 to $118,470 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows all 4 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 GMC Terrain Trims Compare?
With 4 trims priced from $30,100 to $41,800, the 2026 GMC Terrain offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
Elevation FWD GAS
| Base MSRP | $30,100 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,200 per year |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 175 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $106,020 |
Elevation AWD GAS
| Base MSRP | $32,100 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 175 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $108,770 |
AT4 AWD GAS
| Base MSRP | $39,300 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 175 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $115,970 |
Denali AWD GAS
| Base MSRP | $41,800 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 175 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $118,470 |
The GMC Terrain lineup has contracted from 6 trims in 2024 to 4 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $1,400 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2025
- Elevation (FWD, AWD)
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- SLE (FWD, AWD)
- SLT (FWD, AWD)
Price changes since 2024
- AT4 AWD GAS $35,495 (2024) → $39,300 (2026) +$3,805
- Denali AWD GAS $38,600 (2024) → $41,800 (2026) +$3,200
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLE FWD GAS | $28,700 26 MPG | — | — |
| SLE AWD GAS | $30,300 25 MPG | — | — |
| SLT FWD GAS | $32,700 26 MPG | — | — |
| SLT AWD GAS | $34,300 25 MPG | — | — |
| AT4 AWD GAS | $35,495 25 MPG | — | $39,300 25 MPG |
| Denali AWD GAS | $38,600 25 MPG | — | $41,800 25 MPG |
| Elevation FWD GAS | — | $30,000 27 MPG | $30,100 27 MPG |
| Elevation AWD GAS | — | $32,000 25 MPG | $32,100 25 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Once you have settled on a trim, long-term dependability becomes the deciding factor. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating currently available.
How Reliable Is the 2026 GMC Terrain?
RepairPal rates the 2026 GMC Terrain at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Reliability data tells you what to expect. Warranty coverage tells you what GMC will fix for free if something goes wrong within the covered period.
What Warranty Does the 2026 GMC Terrain Come With?
Here is what GMC covers at no cost for the 2026 Terrain. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1yr/1visit |
What Are the 2026 GMC Terrain Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 GMC Terrain. These figures are published by GMC and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size crossover SUV
| Engine | 1.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 175 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 101.6 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $172 - $239 |
| Torque | 184 - 203 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic, 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 14.8 - 15.6 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 400 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 181.0 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 74.5 in |
| Height | 65.8 - 66.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,446 - 3,598 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 GMC Terrain?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 GMC Terrain. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Data coverage & source links
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 GMC Terrain: NHTSA has not yet published crash test results for this vehicle. IIHS has not yet tested this vehicle for crashworthiness. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
Verify this data
2026 GMC Terrain FAQ
Which 2026 GMC Terrain trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 4 available trims, the Elevation FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $106,020, starting at $30,100 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $118,470. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 GMC Terrain?
In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 GMC Terrain are 2026 Subaru Forester (starting at $29,995, 5-star NHTSA, 29 MPG); and 2026 Mazda CX-5 (starting at $29,990, 26 MPG); and 2026 Mazda CX-50 (starting at $29,900, 5-star NHTSA, 25-38 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 GMC Terrain from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 4 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $1,400 for the GMC Terrain lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 GMC Terrain cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 GMC Terrain include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $183 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,315 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is GMC based?
GMC's headquarters are in United States. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.
What other GMC models are available for 2026?
GMC offers multiple models for 2026. Our GMC models page lists every available GMC vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.