2017 GMC Terrain

2017 GMC Terrain Highlights

The 2017 GMC Terrain maintains its position in the compact SUV segment with subtle refinements and enhancements. While the model year doesn't bring sweeping changes, it does introduce some updates to help with the Terrain's appeal.

Most notably, GMC added an available Nightfall appearance package, following the automaker trend of charging a premium for black-themed exterior accents. Nonetheless, this option gives the Terrain a more aggressive and modern appearance. Another 2017 upgrade is making 18-inch alloy wheels standard across the lineup.

Terrain competitors include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Chevrolet Equinox. Other SUVs in the GMC lineup include the Acadia, Yukon, and Yukon XL.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row seating for five passengers
• Two engine options: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6
• Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (with V6 engine)

Benefits

• Spacious interior with ample passenger and cargo room
• Quiet and comfortable ride quality
• Available V6 engine
• Premium features are available, especially in the Denali trim
• Sliding rear seats for flexible interior configurations
• OnStar system with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability

Related: Here Are The GMC Terrain Years To Avoid

2017 GMC Terrain Overview

Performance

The 2017 GMC Terrain offers two engine options:

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine:

• 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on all trims
• Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission

3.6-liter V6 engine:

• 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque
• Available on SLE-2, SLT, and Denali trims
• Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission

Front-wheel drive comes standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive available for those seeking extra traction and stability.

The base 2.4L engine provides adequate power for daily driving, offering a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. For those needing more power, the optional 3.6L V6 delivers robust acceleration and increased towing capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Terrain a four-star overall safety rating out of five stars.

Standard safety features across all 2017 GMC Terrain models include:

• Six airbags (frontal, side-impact, and side curtain)
• Electronic stability control system
• Traction control
• Four-wheel anti-lock brakes
• Rearview camera

Safety technology available on select trims includes:

• Forward collision alert
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Driving

Drivers will find that the 2017 GMC Terrain emphasizes comfort and ease of use. The elevated seating position provides good visibility, while the well-tuned suspension delivers a smooth and composed ride.

The Terrain's steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in parking lots and tight spaces. However, some may find the setup a bit overboosted. While not sports-car agile, the Terrain handles well for a compact SUV, with minimal body roll in corners.

Interior

The 2017 GMC Terrain boasts a well-designed cabin with a thoughtful layout; controls are logically placed and easy to reach. The material quality is good, featuring soft-touch surfaces in key areas and durable plastics. Higher trims like the SLT and Denali offer premium touches such as leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, elevating the experience.

The front and rear seats offer ample headroom and legroom. The second row slides fore and aft, allowing passengers to maximize either legroom or cargo space as needed.

Cargo space is competitive for the compact SUV class. There are 31.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

2017 GMC Terrain interior features available on select trims include:

• Leather-appointed seating
• Heated front seats
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automatic climate control
• Pioneer premium 8-speaker audio system
• Power Liftgate

Technology

The 2017 GMC Terrain’s infotainment centerpiece is GMC's IntelliLink system, which is user-friendly and responsive. Key technology features available on select trims include:

• 7-inch color touch-screen display
• IntelliLink infotainment system with smartphone integration
• OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Navigation system
• Remote vehicle start

Fuel Economy

The 2017 GMC Terrain's fuel economy varies depending on the powertrain. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2.4-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined

3.6-liter six-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined
• AWD (mpg): 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined

2017 GMC Terrain Reviews

2017 GMC Terrain consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book have an average overall rating of 3.9 out of 5.0. Particularly good ratings come from the Terrain’s reliability, comfort, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Smooth and quiet ride
• Options for a V6 engine and all-wheel drive
• Flexible passenger/cargo space with sliding rear seat
• Upscale Denali trim option

Problems

• Base four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered
• Fuel economy lags behind some competitors
• Exterior styling may feel dated to some
• Higher trims can be expensive compared to some rivals
• Some advanced safety features are only available on top trims

Review: Which Years Of Used GMC Terrains Are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

The 2017 GMC Terrain presents a solid option in the compact SUV segment, offering comfort, versatility, and premium features. Its strengths lie in its spacious and well-appointed interior, smooth ride quality, and the availability of a powerful V6 engine option.

The Terrain's sliding rear seats are a notable feature, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo that many competitors lack. The quiet cabin and comfortable ride suit long trips and daily commutes well.

However, the Terrain isn't a home run. While the base four-cylinder engine is adequate for most driving, it may feel underpowered to some, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded. Fuel economy, particularly with the V6 engine, falls short of some more efficient competitors in the segment. Additionally, some more advanced safety features are only available on higher trims, which can push the price into luxury territory.

2017 GMC Terrain FAQs

How reliable is the 2017 GMC Terrain?

Among rating organizations, the 2017 Terrain has mixed reliability scores. J.D. Power gives this crossover a “great” quality and reliability score of 83 out of 100, while Consumer Reports provides a 36 out of 100 rating. This vast difference underscores the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection for any vehicle under consideration, especially the 2017 GMC Terrain.

What are the common issues with GMC Terrain 2017?

A review of records from NHTSA and carcomplaints.com reveals issues involving:

• Excessive oil consumption with the 2.4-liter engines
• Transmission shuddering or hesitation
• Electrical problems, particularly with the infotainment system

It's important to note that not all vehicles experience these issues, and many can be prevented or addressed through regular maintenance.

How many miles will a 2017 GMC Terrain last?

A 2017 GMC Terrain can last 200,000 miles or more with proper care. However, lifespan depends on maintenance history, driving conditions, and vehicle use. Regular servicing, including oil changes and following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, is critical to maximizing the Terrain's longevity.

What are the pros and cons of the 2017 GMC Terrain?

Pros:

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Smooth and quiet ride
• Available V6 engine
• Sliding rear seats for flexible cargo space
• Upscale features in higher trims

Cons:

• Base four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered
• Fuel economy is not class-leading
• Higher trims can be expensive
• Handling is not as sporty as some competitors
• Some advanced safety features are only available on top trims

What are the trims for the 2017 GMC Terrain?

The 2017 GMC Terrain comes in five grades:

• 2017 GMC Terrain SL
• 2017 GMC Terrain SLE-1
• 2017 GMC Terrain SLE-2
• 2017 GMC Terrain SLT
• 2017 GMC Terrain Denali

Check Out: How Long Do GMC Terrains Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan