“I love my GMC Terrain. I thought I was disappointed in pick up on the highway but now with high gas prices I am more satisfied.”
2017 GMC Terrain: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2017 GMC Terrain is that remote start became standard on the SLT trim. Otherwise, it is a carryover model and the final year of the first-generation Terrain.
About the 2017 GMC Terrain
1st generation (2010-2017), final year; one year after the 2016 mid-cycle exterior and equipment update
GMC positioned the Terrain as a smart, connected two-row crossover with substantial styling and useful SUV capability in a manageable footprint. Its main strengths were generous rear-seat space, a sliding and reclining second row, a quiet cabin, and a choice of four-cylinder or V6 performance on upper trims. Compared with smaller compact SUVs, it emphasized passenger room and a solid road feel; compared with larger SUVs, it offered easier maneuvering and better efficiency.
The 2017 range starts with the straightforward SL and progresses through SLE trims that add comfort and cabin technology. SLE-2 adds premium audio and automatic climate control, SLT brings heated leather-appointed seats, and Denali tops the range with memory settings, added driver alerts, and a comfort-focused suspension.
What changed, by category
Tech
Remote start changed from optional to standard equipment on the SLT trim. No lineup-wide infotainment changes were made.
2017 GMC Terrain specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD / FWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 17–21 mpg | 21 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 16–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 24–31 mpg | 31 mpg | 24–28 mpg | 23–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182–301 hp | 182 hp | 182–301 hp | 182–301 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2017 GMC Terrain compared with the 2016 model?
Remote start became standard on the 2017 Terrain SLT. Beyond that trim-level equipment change, the powertrains, styling, safety equipment, infotainment, and chassis carried over.
Was the 2017 GMC Terrain redesigned?
No, the 2017 GMC Terrain was not redesigned. It was the final model year of the first generation, and a fully redesigned second-generation Terrain followed for 2018.
Did the 2017 GMC Terrain still have a V6?
Yes, the 2017 GMC Terrain retained its 3.6-liter V6 in upper-trim configurations. The established 2.4-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic also carried over.
Which 2017 GMC Terrain trim had the most driver-assistance features?
The Denali had the broadest set of driver-assistance features. Its standard equipment included blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, rear-parking, forward-collision, and lane-departure alerts.
2017 GMC Terrain Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 GMC Terrain.
4.1
2017 GMC Terrain
(618 reviews)
“I love EVERYTHING about this car except the get up and go. Not much power for changing lanes etc.”
“My GMC Terrain isn't too big, sporty, comfortable, and feels safe. It is excellent for everyday use.”