The 2019 GMC Terrain AWD with the 2.0L turbo engine gets 23 MPG combined. While it won’t win any hypermiling awards, it’s a reasonable choice for buyers who want a comfortable, capable, and stylish crossover with all-weather traction. This isn’t a Prius competitor. It’s for suburban families and empty-nesters who want something more refined than a basic economy car, and they’re willing to trade some MPGs for the Terrain’s specific features.

City and Highway Performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Terrain AWD 2.0L are 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure is expected, as the Terrain’s weight and stop-and-go driving reduce efficiency. The 26 MPG highway rating is respectable, and drivers who frequently take longer trips should see numbers close to this on the open road. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps on the highway, allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs and save fuel. However, frequent short trips and aggressive acceleration will quickly decrease fuel economy.

Annual Fuel Cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 GMC Terrain AWD 2.0L is $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and driving type (city versus highway). For example, driving more or less than 15,000 miles per year, or paying higher fuel prices, will change the actual cost. $2,500 per year is a benchmark for what the average owner can expect to spend on fuel, even if individual experiences may differ.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many Terrain owners of the 2019 Terrain AWD 2.0L report MPG figures that fluctuate around the EPA estimates, often arriving slightly below. Factors like driving style, terrain, weather conditions, and tire pressure influence fuel consumption. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and driving in hilly areas will reduce fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, consistent speeds on flat roads, and proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy, potentially bringing it closer to the EPA’s highway rating. To consistently achieve or exceed the EPA’s combined MPG, focus on efficient driving habits.

How It Compares

In the compact SUV segment, the 2019 Terrain’s fuel economy isn’t the best or worst. A comparable 2019 Honda CR-V AWD, for example, achieves an EPA-rated 29 MPG combined, but it offers less horsepower (190 vs 252 in the Terrain 2.0L). The 2019 Toyota RAV4 AWD gets around 27 MPG combined, providing slightly better efficiency while sacrificing some of the Terrain’s upscale interior. A 2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD with the 2.5L engine sees around 24 MPG combined, positioning it closely to the Terrain in terms of fuel consumption. For buyers who prioritize space and towing capacity, the Terrain’s 2.0L engine and AWD system provide more power than some competitors, justifying the slight fuel economy tradeoff. These buyers will likely cross-shop Gmc fuel economy data against the competition, so understanding the broader landscape is critical. For more specific data, consider consulting the TERRAIN MPG across all years.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The 2.0L turbo engine in the 2019 Terrain responds well to a smooth driving style. Avoid sudden bursts of acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Regularly check tire pressure, especially with changes in temperature.

Minimize the use of accessories that place a load on the engine, such as air conditioning, especially during short trips. On the highway, using cruise control can help maintain a constant speed and improve fuel efficiency, provided the terrain is relatively flat.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Excess cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight and reduces fuel economy. Clean out the trunk and rear seats regularly to remove any items that aren’t needed.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine runs efficiently. A well-maintained engine consumes less fuel and operates closer to its optimal performance level. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for the best results.