2011 GMC Terrain — Full Specifications
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The 2011 GMC Terrain is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a GMC Terrain workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 GMC Terrain: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 31 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2010 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.4L 4-cyl · 3L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4707 mm |
| Height | 1684 mm |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 26 urban / 37 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 22 city / 31 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 212 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 6 configurations for the 2011 GMC Terrain across 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 26 mpg (US), or 23 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/31) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/23) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/23) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/23) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/24) | 276 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 GMC Terrain
Running Costs: 2011 GMC Terrain
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 GMC Terrain at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 GMC Terrain Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 GMC Terrain (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Electrical system (1), Seats (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 22V137000, reported 8 March 2022. Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 16V502000, reported 5 July 2016. Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Seats — campaign 14V447000, reported 23 July 2014. Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Seat belts — campaign 10V623000, reported 15 December 2010. Risk: THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) AS DESIGNED AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
Owners have filed 397 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 GMC Terrain. The most-reported areas are Engine (178), Power train (76), Unspecified (41). Complaints include 11 reported crashes, 8 reported fires, 24 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 185 complaints across the 17 GMC Terrain model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 GMC Terrain
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (178 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (76 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Fuel system (31 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the GMC Terrain compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 31 mpg figure is 4 mpg better than that average. Its 212 g/km CO₂ figure is 41 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
GMC models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 GMC Terrain's 31 mpg is 5 mpg above that make average. Its 212 g/km CO₂ figure is 60 g/km lower than the 272 g/km GMC average.
Of the 17 GMC Terrain model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 8th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined, against a high of 38 mpg). See every GMC Terrain year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 GMC Terrain
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 GMC Terrain have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2011 GMC Terrain: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 GMC Terrain?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2011 GMC Terrain cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 GMC Terrain have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2011 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 GMC Terrain (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Electrical system (1), Seats (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 GMC Terrain?
Among the 397 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (178 complaints), Power train (76 complaints), Unspecified (41 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the GMC Terrain's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.