The 2018 GMC Terrain AWD with the 1.5L 4-cylinder engine gets a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. This isn’t a groundbreaking number in the compact SUV segment, but it balances utility and fuel efficiency for buyers who want a comfortable, well-equipped vehicle with available all-wheel drive, rather than prioritizing saving every dollar at the pump. Terrain owners often value the GMC brand’s reputation for refinement and appreciate the vehicle’s styling, accepting the MPG figure as a reasonable trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Terrain AWD 1.5L at 24 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. The city MPG, while seemingly low, is achievable in real-world driving, especially with a light foot. The engine’s modest output encourages a relaxed driving style, which helps fuel economy. On the highway, the 9-speed transmission allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, contributing to the 28 MPG rating. Drivers who consistently drive on the highway will likely see results close to, or slightly above, this estimate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 GMC Terrain AWD 1.5L at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing the fuel costs between different vehicles, though individual expenses will vary based on driving habits, location, and current gasoline prices. Consider it a typical cost for typical usage, and adjust your expectations based on your own driving. Those who drive considerably less than 15,000 miles per year will see a significantly lower cost, while those who drive more should expect a higher annual expense.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a standardized comparison, real-world fuel economy often differs from the official numbers. Terrain drivers report varying results based on driving conditions, traffic, and driving styles. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and prolonged idling will hurt fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, consistent speeds, and highway driving will lead to better results. The Terrain’s onboard computer provides real-time and average fuel economy data, so drivers can monitor their consumption and adjust their driving. Many owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates with conscious driving.

How it compares

The 2018 Terrain’s fuel economy is competitive with other compact SUVs with all-wheel drive. The Honda CR-V AWD, for example, achieves a combined 29 MPG, a slight edge over the Terrain. The Toyota RAV4 AWD typically achieves around 25 MPG combined, placing it in a similar range. The Nissan Rogue AWD often sees a combined MPG of around 27. The Subaru Forester, known for its standard all-wheel drive, achieves around 28 MPG. These differences can add up over time. Terrain buyers are often less focused on squeezing every last mile per gallon and more interested in the vehicle’s styling, features, and the GMC brand experience. You can explore TERRAIN MPG across all years to compare models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation is critical for maximizing fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure against the recommended settings listed on the driver’s side doorjamb and inflate them, especially before long trips.

Avoid aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and hard braking. The Terrain’s 1.5L engine responds best to smooth, gradual acceleration. Anticipate traffic flow, maintain a consistent speed, and avoid unnecessary braking to save fuel and avoid strain on mechanical parts.

Minimize idling time. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This simple habit can significantly improve your overall fuel economy, especially during frequent stops in city traffic. You can find all Gmc fuel economy data on this website.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight and increases the engine’s workload, reducing fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area to lighten the load and improve efficiency.

Schedule regular maintenance to keep your Terrain running its best. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements. Maintenance ensures the engine is operating at peak performance.