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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $18,760–$24,363 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.6/10, the 2013 GMC Terrain earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.3/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.4/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $18,760–$24,363, 14 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Terrain sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2013 GMC Terrain, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and reliability and technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2013 GMC Terrain ranks #2331 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 5% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.8 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $18,760 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 48%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Terrain model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $34,035 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $34,035 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $33,050 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $32,065 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $31,080 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $30,095 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $29,110 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $28,125 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.1/10 | $27,140 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $26,155 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $25,080 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $24,090 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Motor 04/08/2016 · 16V582000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the… |
|---|---|
| Electrical system / Ignition 05/07/2016 · 16V502000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore,… |
| Exterior lighting / Headlights 08/03/2022 · 22V137000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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