The 2020 GMC Terrain FWD with the 2.0L turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined. This makes it suitable for buyers who want practicality, comfort, and upscale styling more than maximum fuel efficiency. This small SUV, designed for daily driving, errands, and road trips, offers a balanced performance in all areas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Terrain FWD 2.0L at 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure is most relevant for those who drive frequently in stop-and-go traffic. The highway MPG shows decent gas mileage on long trips, where the 9-speed automatic transmission helps improve engine speed and reduce fuel consumption. However, remember that highway MPG can drop significantly above 70 mph, especially with a full load or strong headwinds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 GMC Terrain FWD 2.0L at $2,400, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and national average fuel prices. To estimate your own fuel costs, factor in your specific driving habits and local gas prices. If you drive less than 15,000 miles per year or live in an area with lower gas prices, your fuel costs will likely be less. Heavy commuters facing frequent congestion may find their costs are higher. This EPA estimate is a useful starting point, but individual results will vary.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates serve as a useful guide, real-world fuel economy varies depending on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. Fast acceleration, frequent braking, and heavy loads will all decrease fuel efficiency. Smoother driving, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you reach or even beat the EPA estimates. Owners should use the EPA numbers as a guide and track their personal fuel consumption to develop a realistic baseline. You can view TERRAIN MPG across all years on our website.

How It Compares

In the competitive compact SUV market, the 2020 Terrain’s fuel economy is generally competitive, but not the best. For example, the Toyota RAV4 FWD gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, making it more fuel-efficient. The Honda CR-V FWD also provides better fuel economy with an EPA combined rating of 30 MPG. However, the Ford Escape with its 1.5L EcoBoost engine and FWD achieves EPA ratings close to the Terrain. Some Terrain owners may value styling, interior features, or brand reputation more than maximizing miles per gallon, factors that could make the Toyota and Honda less appealing. Therefore, understanding these trade-offs is important for making a good purchase. Be sure to explore all Gmc fuel economy data before making a decision.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. The 2.0L turbo engine provides plenty of power, but using that power often wastes fuel. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic allow the Terrain’s 9-speed transmission to run better, keeping the engine in its ideal RPM range.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires raise rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level, usually located on a sticker on the driver’s side doorframe.

Reduce weight in the vehicle. A heavier load requires the engine to burn more fuel. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment to reduce weight and improve fuel economy.

Keep idling to a minimum. Modern engines are quite efficient when running, but idling wastes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Terrain’s starting system can quickly restart the engine when needed.

Plan trips efficiently. Combining errands into a single trip reduces cold starts, which consume more fuel. Use navigation apps to find the shortest route and avoid congested areas, which will reduce fuel consumption.