The 2022 GMC Terrain AWD with the 1.5L 4-cylinder engine gets a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. This positions it as a reasonably efficient compact SUV, though not a class leader. This is an acceptable number for buyers who want a comfortable ride, some premium styling, and available all-wheel drive more than ultimate fuel savings. It’s the MPG that the Terrain’s target demographic is willing to accept for the features they value.

The EPA estimates that the 2022 GMC Terrain AWD 1.5L will get 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These numbers show fairly consistent fuel economy across different driving environments. The small difference between city and highway MPG suggests that the nine-speed automatic transmission is well-optimized for both stop-and-go traffic and sustained cruising speeds. Also, the 1.5L turbocharged engine has a small displacement, allowing for better fuel economy in city environments compared to larger displacement engines in some other competitors. Owners can expect to see numbers that may fluctuate around these ratings, depending on driving habits and conditions.

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 GMC Terrain AWD 1.5L at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Remember that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on how much you drive, the type of driving you do, and the price of gasoline in your area. Someone who mainly drives short distances in the city might see costs over $1,700, while someone who does mostly highway driving could potentially see something lower.

The EPA provides a standardized baseline, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Terrain owners should expect figures somewhere in line with the EPA estimates, but this is not guaranteed. Factors like aggressive acceleration, carrying heavy loads, or driving in hilly terrain can all impact fuel consumption. Similarly, conservative driving, good weather, and mostly highway miles can help you get close to or even slightly exceed the EPA highway figure. The 26 MPG combined rating serves as a reasonable expectation for most drivers under average conditions. It also provides insight when comparing the TERRAIN MPG across all years.

The Terrain’s 26 MPG combined fuel economy places it in a competitive, but not class-leading, position compared to other compact SUVs with AWD. The Honda CR-V AWD gets 29 MPG combined, showing that the Terrain sacrifices some fuel efficiency for its available interior and exterior features. The Toyota RAV4 AWD offers a similar 28 MPG combined. The Mazda CX-5 with its standard AWD gets around 26 MPG combined, directly competing with the Terrain. The Ford Bronco Sport, with its focus on off-road capability, manages around 26 MPG combined in its base configuration. These comparisons are important for Terrain buyers who are cross-shopping various compact SUVs to find their perfect match. Then can also compare all GMC fuel economy data.

Use cruise control when you can on the highway. The Terrain’s nine-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy at steady speeds, so using cruise control will allow the vehicle to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration or deceleration. This can be effective on long highway trips, helping to keep your fuel consumption closer to the EPA’s 28 MPG highway estimate.

Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking. The Terrain’s 1.5L turbocharged engine is responsive, and also sensitive to throttle inputs. The more aggressively you drive, the more fuel you’ll consume. Smooth, gradual acceleration and awareness of traffic conditions will help you conserve fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. This small effort can make a difference over time.

Consider using the Terrain’s available drive modes carefully. If you’re mainly driving on paved roads, the “Normal” mode will generally offer the best balance of fuel economy and performance. The “AWD” mode should be used only when needed for better traction in slippery conditions, as it can slightly reduce fuel efficiency because of the increased drag.