18 MPG combined, that’s what buyers of the 2017 GMC Terrain AWD with the 3.6L V6 will likely experience, a figure that requires careful thinking. This isn’t a vehicle bought for fuel sipping; it’s a choice to value capability and a refined driving experience over pure efficiency. Terrain owners often value the V6’s smooth power, the added certainty of all-wheel drive in bad weather, and the Terrain’s slightly more upscale look compared to some competitors. They know these things cost more at the pump, and they’re usually okay with that. The Terrain isn’t trying to win any fuel economy contests; it’s focused on giving a certain mix of comfort, power, and practicality.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway show what daily driving is really like. The 16 MPG city rating reflects the engine’s size and the wastefulness of stop-and-go traffic. The 23 MPG highway figure suggests the Terrain can get decent efficiency on longer trips, but you must keep consistent speeds and watch traffic to avoid speeding up and braking too much. The six-speed automatic transmission, while reliable, also plays a role. Newer transmissions with more gears can often improve gas mileage, but the Terrain’s proven unit values smooth shifts over maximizing MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 GMC Terrain AWD 3.6L is $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an estimated fuel cost based on national averages when the data was collected. Remember that your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and fuel prices where you live. This $2,450 figure is a good benchmark, letting buyers compare the Terrain’s running costs with other vehicles in its class and include those costs in their overall budget.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates give a standard way to compare, real-world fuel economy often differs. Driving hard, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads can all greatly reduce the Terrain’s MPG. Drivers who value smooth acceleration, watch traffic, and keep consistent speeds may get close to, or even slightly beat, the EPA estimates. Making sure the vehicle is well-maintained, with properly inflated tires and regular servicing, can also affect fuel efficiency. Many online forums for the Terrain offer good information from owners sharing their experiences and giving a more detailed picture of what to expect in everyday driving. You can also find TERRAIN MPG across all years to see if there are more efficient model years that will work for your needs.

How it compares

The 2017 GMC Terrain AWD 3.6L is about in the middle for fuel economy compared to its rivals. For example, the Toyota RAV4, especially the non-hybrid versions, usually gets around 25 MPG combined, a big advantage in fuel efficiency. The Honda CR-V also has better fuel economy, with estimates around 26 MPG combined. However, these vehicles often lack the V6 engine’s power and may not offer the same level of refinement that some Terrain buyers want. On the other hand, the Jeep Cherokee with its available V6 engine, gets fuel economy similar to the Terrain. However, the Cherokee values off-road ability, attracting a different buyer. This shows that the Terrain buyer accepts the 18 MPG as a necessary trade-off for certain things they value more than fuel efficiency. Before buying, you can see all Gmc fuel economy data to help you see how the Terrain compares to other models offered by GMC.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Avoid speeding up and braking hard. The Terrain’s V6 engine responds quickly, but speeding up too much burns extra gas. Accelerating smoothly and gradually will lower fuel use, especially in city driving. Watch traffic and keep a consistent speed when you can.

Make sure tires are properly inflated. Tires with not enough air increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and lowering fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended levels, usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Correct tire pressures can improve mileage noticeably.

Don’t idle too much. Idling uses fuel without going anywhere. If you expect to stop for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern starters are made to handle frequent starts and stops without causing wear and tear.

Carry less weight. Carrying extra weight in the Terrain lowers fuel economy. Remove anything from the vehicle that isn’t needed, especially heavy things in the cargo area. Even small weight reductions can help improve efficiency over time.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, which is important for getting the best fuel economy on long highway trips. By lowering changes in the throttle, cruise control can help the Terrain get its best possible highway MPG.