The 2024 GMC Terrain FWD, equipped with the 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy rating of 26 MPG. This is a reasonable figure for a compact SUV designed for urban and suburban commutes, light family use, and occasional weekend trips. It places the Terrain in a competitive segment where practicality and ease of use often matter more than outright fuel efficiency for buyers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Terrain FWD will get 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city rating reflects urban driving’s stop-and-go conditions, where the 1.5L engine spends more time idling or accelerating from a standstill. The 9-speed automatic transmission works to keep the engine in its most efficient rev range, but repeatedly accelerating a vehicle this size requires energy. The highway figure of 29 MPG is better for those who frequently take longer trips. The Terrain’s aerodynamics and the transmission’s ability to shift to a high gear help improve efficiency. Owners will appreciate the engineers’ work to maximize fuel savings here.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 GMC Terrain FWD at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that your fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the types of roads you drive on, and the price of gasoline where you live. Frequent hard acceleration, consistent short trips in cold weather, and using premium fuel can all increase your annual fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a helpful comparison, real-world fuel economy often differs. Terrain FWD owners should expect their actual MPG to change based on driving style, load, and the weather. Drivers who accelerate gently, maintain consistent speeds on the highway, and minimize idling will likely see numbers closer to the EPA estimates, or even slightly better. Drivers who accelerate harder or often carry passengers and cargo may find their fuel economy is a little lower than the official ratings.

How it compares

The Terrain’s fuel economy is similar to others in the compact SUV segment. For instance, the Honda CR-V offers up to 30 MPG combined in its FWD configuration, giving it a slight advantage. The Toyota RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined in its standard gasoline FWD version. The Nissan Rogue gets 30 MPG combined for its FWD models. Understanding all Gmc fuel economy data in comparison with competitors is important when considering the overall cost of ownership. The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox shares many parts, including the 1.5L engine, and has similar fuel economy. The TERRAIN MPG across all years is well-documented. Buyers focused on saving money over the life of the vehicle will notice these small differences.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Correct tire inflation improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and make sure it matches the recommended levels on the sticker inside your driver’s side door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. The 1.5L engine in the Terrain is not made for quick starts or sudden stops. Smooth acceleration and predicting traffic to reduce hard braking will help improve fuel efficiency.

Reduce extra cargo. Carrying extra weight in your Terrain affects fuel consumption. Remove items you don’t need, like sports equipment or tools, to reduce weight and increase MPG, especially on routes you drive often.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly, preventing wear and tear from frequent restarts.

On the highway, use cruise control. Cruise control helps keep a speed steady, preventing speeding up and slowing down that hurts fuel economy. Set your speed and let the system control the throttle for better efficiency on long drives.