Against 261 other 4-cyl cars rated 2025–2027, the Terrain sits right on their 26.2 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2010, the 1.6L 4-cyl (2018–2019), does 32 mpg and the thirstiest, the 6.2L 8-cyl (2022), 16: $1,200 a year apart.
Every GMC Terrain engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 28 / 38 | 2018–2019 | $1,200 | |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 25.1 / 28.9 | 2020–2027 | $1,444 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 21.9 / 31.1 | 2010–2017 | $1,483 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 19.4 / 23.6 | 2010–2026 | $1,794 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 16.8 / 23.8 | 2013–2017 | $1,939 | |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 15 / 19 | 2023–2026 | $2,259 | |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 14 / 18 | 2022–2022 | $2,400 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 43 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2027 Terrain.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2027) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2025–2027 | +$11 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,914 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2027 GMC Terrain gives up 3 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 25 in the city, $165 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2027) | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3 mpg (12%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Terrain changed over the years
The Terrain peaked in 2019 at 32 mpg (28 city, 38 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2022 at 21.3 — 10.7 mpg apart, or $603 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2027 car does 26. The 2027 model gains 3.7 mpg against 22.3 for the 2026, with 1 version instead of 3. The biggest single-year change came in 2018: 22.5 to 32 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 25 / 28 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2026 | 20.7 / 23.7 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2025 | 20.7 / 23.7 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2024 | 20 / 23.7 | 3 | $1,770 | |
| 2023 | 20 / 23.3 | 3 | $1,770 | |
| 2022 | 19.7 / 23.7 | 3 | $1,803 | |
| 2021 | 25 / 30 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2020 | 26 / 30 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2019 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2018 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2017 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2016 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 19 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2014 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2013 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2012 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2011 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2010 | 19.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 36 EPA ratings of the GMC Terrain — 7 engines across 2010–2027. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,914. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2027 GMC Terrain get?
26 mpg combined, 25 city and 28 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2010 the Terrain has averaged 23.3 mpg.
Is the 2027 Terrain more efficient than the 2026?
Yes: 26 against 22.3 mpg combined, about $245 a year less to run.
Which Terrain year has the best gas mileage?
The 2019, at 32 mpg combined (28 city, 38 highway).
Does the Terrain get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 26 mpg for the 2027 Terrain against 43 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $584 a year more to run.
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