GMC Terrain Best Years to Buy Used

Searching for the GMC Terrain's best years to buy used? There are several factors to consider before buying a pre-owned compact SUV. From reliability scores to safety ratings and must-have features, it can be challenging to know where to start with models dating back decades.

Below is a complete guide on the best years for the GMC Terrain to ensure you invest in the right used vehicle.

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Best GMC Terrain Model Years to Buy Used

2016 GMC Terrain

The 2016 GMC Terrain is still widely recognized as one of the best model years to buy used for its reliability and affordability, even a decade later. For an average used price of $3,674 to $13,586, it has a solid 87 out of 100 Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power, ranked third on their best Compact SUV of 2016, and significantly repaired the transmission and electrical system issues from previous model years-showcasing its dependability in a pre-owned SUV.

2019 GMC Terrain

The 2019 GMC Terrain was part of the redesigned second generation, bringing an all-new model at a pre-owned price. For an average used price of $8,772 to $20,907, you get multiple class-leading fuel-efficient engine options from its much smaller body, adaptive cruise control with pedestrian detection, plus a revamped interior including flat-folding front passenger/rear seats, new underfloor storage areas, and a standard five-year OnStar Basic Plan.

2020 GMC Terrain

The 2020 GMC Terrain is highly rated by automotive publications and consumers alike. For an average used price of $10,785 to $23,040, it ranked in the top five on the Best Compact SUVs of 2020 by Kelley Blue Book, with the standard GMC Pro Safety suite and flexible cargo area as their favorite features, plus a 4.2 out of 5 average consumer rating on Edmunds from used Terrain owners, with many praising its fuel efficiency and quiet cabin.

2021 GMC Terrain

The 2021 GMC Terrain is another highly rated model year to buy pre-owned. For an average used price of $12,346 to $25,211, it also received a strong 87 out of 100 Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power and ranked second in their Best Compact SUV of 2021, praising its highly-insulated, quiet cabin, easier second-row access than competitors, and versatile daily driving or off-roading performance.

2024 GMC Terrain

The 2024 GMC Terrain is the newest used model year available that's designed for many driving lifestyles. For an average used price of $19,231 to $29,917, it ranked second on the Best Compact SUV of 2024 by J.D. Power, complimenting its spacious cabin for passengers and storage, packed infotainment and safety features, and off-roading and towing power as a "professional-grade compact SUV".

Best Used GMC Terrain Elevation Years

Since the GMC Terrain Elevation was originally released as a special edition package in 2022, below are its best model years to buy used and their differences.

The 2022 GMC Terrain Elevation Edition debuted as an appearance package with aesthetic-focused offerings on the SLE and SLT trims. For an average used price of $21,872, it included 19" Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels, a darkened front grille, black roof side rails, and black exterior styling.

The 2023 GMC Terrain Elevation Edition brought new package changes for this model year. For an average used price of $23,259, these included restyled 19" Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels with red GMC center caps, two new paint colors, plus the benefit of the stronger powertrain in the lineup.

The 2024 GMC Terrain Elevation Edition package is considered more affordability with value. For an average used price of $23,714, it lowered its starting MSRP, added two new paint colors, and part of the model year with increased standardized features across the lineup.

Best Used GMC Terrain AT4 Years

Since the GMC Terrain AT4 was introduced in 2022, below are its best model years to buy used and their differences.

The 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 debuted as the off-road trim for rugged compact crossover SUV drivers and part of a refreshed model year. For an average used price of $19,653 to $24,090, you get a revised exterior styling including a new grille, front bumper, headlamps/taillamps, wheel designs, and front fascia, plus newly standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and exclusive upholstery.

The 2023 GMC Terrain AT4 builds off the previous year's refresh with more valuable changes.  For an average used price of $20,277 to $25,654, it has a new, stronger 1.5L turbo engine that increases horsepower by five (175 hp total) and an improved braking system for better AWD performance.

The 2024 GMC Terrain AT4 is the newest used off-road model year available with more trim-exclusive enhancements. For an average used price of $23,814 to $27,047, the Pro Safety Plus package became standard on the AT4, including lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist, plus new paint colors.

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Best Used GMC Terrain Denali Years

The 2016 GMC Terrain Denali was part of a mid-cycle refresh with several valuable changes at a pre-owned price in a luxury trim. For an average used price of $5,401 to $13,586, it received a new power dome hood, new front/rear fascia designs, newly standard LED running lights, and a unique grille.

The 2019 GMC Terrain Denali builds off the previous year's redesign with additional upgrades.  For an average used price of $13,206 to $20,328, these included replacing the rearview camera with a new 360-degree camera system, newly trim-exclusive standard wireless charging, and increased infotainment system responsiveness.

The 2020 GMC Terrain Denali got several new safety and infotainment features in this model year. For an average used price of $14,998 to $23,040, it received a trim-exclusive upgraded suspension for a smoother ride, newly trim-exclusive standard wireless charging, and GMC Pro Safety became standard across the lineup.

The 2021 GMC Terrain Denali received trim-exclusive changes that are noteworthy in a top-level trim.  For an average used price of $15,432 to $25,211, these included upgraded shocks/struts for a better ride quality, new standard front parking sensors, and additional standard safety features such as Lane Change Alert.

The 2024 GMC Terrain Denali offers the most upscale used model available. For an average used price of $25,520 to $29,917, you get a trim-exclusive premium suspension, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, in-vehicle navigation, and two new paint colors.

Used GMC Terrain Years with the Best Interior

The 2018 GMC Terrain was a redesign year, with a heavy focus on its interior. For an average used price of $7,358 to $17,848, the center console size expanded for additional storage room, the front passenger seat became foldable for more cargo space, and upgraded premium cabin materials.

The 2021 GMC Terrain brought key interior design changes, even as a carryover model. For an average used price of $12,346 to $25,211, Active Noise Cancellation became standard for a much quieter cabin, the SLE received a new standard 4.2" color LCD driver information center, plus new safety features, including forward collision alert with following distance indicator, low-speed forward automatic braking, and safety alert seat.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was a refreshed model year that revamped its interior. For an average used price of $15,218 to $25,869, these changes included newly standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa integration, a newly available head-up display for upper trim levels (Denali standard), a new electronic shifter for more storage, and the GMC Pro Safety suite that became standard.

The 2023 GMC Terrain offered new packages that upgrade the interior design. For an average used price of $17,346 to $28,168, the Denali Black Diamond Edition debuted, featuring a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, French-stitched leather seats with heating/cooling, and HD Surround Vision.

The 2024 GMC Terrain should be your top choice if you want the best interior as the most modern used modern year available. For an average used price of $19,231 to $29,917, you get a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, a spacious cabin for small families, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for more cargo storage, and a user-friendly 8" infotainment system (SLE 7").

Should You Buy a Cheap Used GMC Terrain SUV Under $15,000? $10,000?

While buying a used GMC Terrain SUV offers the main benefit of affordability over new models, you should avoid listings priced under $10,000. This price typically means high mileage and rough condition, which can cost more to repair or maintain than purchasing newer pre-owned models.

As best practice, you can find a reliable used GMC Terrain for sale under $20,000 or $15,000 from a GMC dealership.

Shop Used GMC Terrains for Sale in Santa Fe, NM

Does a used GMC Terrain sound like the right SUV for you? At Octane GMC, we have an extensive inventory of used GMC Terrains for sale in Santa Fe.

We also offer certified pre-owned vehicles that undergo a 172-point inspection, a thorough reconditioning process, and two manufacturer-backed warranties for even more value-and a better peace of mind.

Browse our used Terrain inventory or contact us for recommendations on the best model year for you today!