The GMC Terrain is a compact crossover SUV produced from the 2010 model year onward with multiple gasoline engine options across two generations. This guide covers engine oil capacity, type, and viscosity for all GMC Terrain model years. Using the correct oil specifications is critical for engine performance, wear protection, and proper operation of the oil life monitoring system.
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2024 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Approx. 5.0 qt (4.7 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Approx. 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Up to about 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check service manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
The 2024 GMC Terrain uses a 1.5L turbo I4 engine that requires approximately 5.0 qt (4.7 L) of full synthetic 0W-20 oil. Using this viscosity and GM dexos1 approved oil balances protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
2023 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Approx. 5.0 qt (4.7 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Approx. 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Up to about 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check service manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
The 2023 GMC Terrain also requires around 5.0 qt (4.7 L) of 0W-20 synthetic oil for the 1.5L turbo engine, maintaining reliable engine performance.
2022 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Approx. 5.0 qt (4.7 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Approx. 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Up to about 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check service manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
The 2022 model likewise requires 5.0 qt (4.7 L) of full synthetic 0W-20 oil, aligning with the requirements for this engine type.
2021 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4; 2.0L Turbo I4 (some variants) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Approx. 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 1.5L; ~6.0 qt (5.7 L) for 2.0L |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 for 1.5L; SAE 5W-30 for 2.0L |
| Oil Change Interval | Up to about 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check service manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
In 2021, the 1.5L turbo engine needs 5.0 qt (4.7 L) of 0W-20, while the larger 2.0L turbo requires about 6.0 qt (5.7 L) of 5W-30 oil.
2020 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Approx. 5.0 qt (4.7 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Approx. 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Up to about 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check service manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
This year uses similar oil capacity and viscosity as surrounding years for the 1.5L turbo engine.
2019 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Approx. 5.0 qt (4.7 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Approx. 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Up to about 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check service manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
The 2019 GMC Terrain 1.5L engine uses about 5.0 qt (4.7 L) of 0W-20 full synthetic oil.
2018 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Approx. 5.0 qt (4.7 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Approx. 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Up to about 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check service manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
2018 models align with the same oil requirements as later second-generation vehicles.
2017 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I4 or 3.6L V6 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | About 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 2.4L; ~6.0 qt (5.7 L) for 3.6L |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic or synthetic blend, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Refer to service manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
First generation models with the 2.4L and V6 engines use 5W-30 oil with capacities ranging based on engine size.
2016 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I4 and 3.6L V6 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 2.4L; ~6.0 qt (5.7 L) for 3.6L |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic or synthetic blend, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
Oil specs for 2016 models correspond to other first generation Terrains with similar engines.
2015 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I4 and 3.6L V6 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | About 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 2.4L; ~6.0 qt (5.7 L) for 3.6L |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic or synthetic blend, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco and major aftermarket brands |
2015 oil requirements align with similar preceding and following first generation models.
2014 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I4 and 3.6L V6 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Approximately 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 2.4L; 6.0 qt (5.7 L) for 3.6L |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic or synthetic blend, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Approximately 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
2013 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I4 and 3.6L V6 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | About 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 2.4L; 6.0 qt (5.7 L) for 3.6L |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic or synthetic blend, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
2012 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I4; V6 option |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | About 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 2.4L; higher for V6 |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic or synthetic blend, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
2011 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I4 and V6 options |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | About 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 2.4L; higher for V6 |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic or synthetic blend, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
2010 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I4 and V6 options |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | About 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for 2.4L; ~6.0 qt (5.7 L) for V6 |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Slightly lower |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic or synthetic blend, GM dexos1 approved |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Check manual |
| Recommended Filters | OEM AC Delco or equivalents |
Oil Maintenance & Service Tips
Check engine oil regularly on the GMC Terrain by measuring the level on level ground with the engine off. Replace the oil filter with every oil change and use the recommended synthetic oil viscosity and type. Many GMC Terrain models use an Oil Life System that signals when an oil change is due, typically around 7,500 miles or 12 months.
Normal vs. Severe Driving Conditions
| Condition type | Typical usage description | Suggested maintenance interval impact |
|---|---|---|
| Normal driving | Mixed city and highway, moderate loads, temperate climate | Follow Oil Life System or standard interval |
| Severe driving | Short trips, towing, extreme temps, dusty roads | Shorten oil change intervals and monitor regularly |
Synthetic oil and OEM equivalent filters support reliable operation in all conditions.
FAQs
What kind of oil does a GMC Terrain use?
Most GMC Terrain models use GM dexos1 approved full synthetic oil. Recent turbo engines require SAE 0W-20, while earlier engines commonly use 5W-30 synthetic or synthetic blends.
How much oil does a GMC Terrain take?
Oil capacity ranges from about 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for smaller engines up to around 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) for larger V6 or turbocharged engines.
What is the recommended oil type for a GMC Terrain?
The recommended oil type is GM dexos1 approved synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil, with viscosity depending on the engine: 0W-20 for newer turbos and 5W-30 for earlier naturally aspirated engines.
What is the oil change interval for a GMC Terrain?
Oil changes are generally recommended every 7,500 miles or 12 months as guided by the Oil Life System, with shorter intervals advised for severe driving.
Conclusion
The GMC Terrain engine oil capacity ranges from about 5.0 qt (4.7 L) to 6.0 qt (5.7 L), using viscosities of 0W-20 in later turbo engines and 5W-30 in earlier gasoline engines. Using GM dexos1 approved synthetic oil and following the oil change intervals ensures reliable engine performance and longevity. Regular oil and filter changes are essential for proper engine maintenance.
