2023 GMC Terrain — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 GMC Terrain

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $32,065–$38,915
Fuel Economy 30 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,750/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 GMC Terrain

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$32,065–$38,915

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 GMC Terrain

Our scoring places the 2023 GMC Terrain at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.8/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.7/10 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. Tech rates a reasonable 7.4/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $32,065–$38,915, 30 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Terrain sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.8/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 GMC Terrain is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2023 GMC Terrain ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $32,065 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 11%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Terrain Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 GMC Terrain scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting 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 (this review) 7.5/10$32,065
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 →

Pros & Cons — 2023 GMC Terrain

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 GMC Terrain (2 on record)

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.

Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger
15/12/2022 · 22V929000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small…
Child seat / Vehicle latch anchor
11/05/2023 · 23V339000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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