Looking into getting a Terrain - looking for info

385 Views 20 Replies 12 Participants Last post by jackass, 2 h ago

Justlooking23

Discussion Starter · 5 d ago

I've been researching the Terrain for the past few weeks, but I'm unsure which direction to go. I've read about the issues with the 2.4L for model years ~ 2017 and thought I'd decided on a 2016/17 3.6L V6. However it seems there are issues with those as well. Specifically transmission and the center display/computer.

So I started looking at the 2018+ models, however it appears they got rid of the V6 in favor of the three 4 cyl turbo types. Of those, I had decided on the 2.0L since it was close to the V6 in terms of performance, not that I need it really. I have another rig for that, but I'm moving from a 2012 Corolla S as my grocery getter because I want to be higher off the ground and with more cargo space.

Reading through this forum, it seems like there are less transmission problems in the newer redesigned line, but maybe still an oil issue with the introduction of the turbo?

That all said, looking for recommendations and wisdom of which way you'd go given a do over. Stick with a Terrain, if so, which model year? Or look at something else like a Rav 4 that is similar

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

arcee

· #2 · 5 d ago

As with anything, proper maintenance is the key. I have a 2015 V6 Equinox with all-wheel drive. 68,000 miles. I drained and refilled the transfer case, rear differential, and transmission around the 60K mile mark. The oil in the transfer case and rear diff really needed it. The transmission fluid was definitely dark, but still felt "slick". It was easy preventative maintenance to do the work. GM days you can go a lot longer, but I wouldn't really want to.

All that being said, no issues.

Not sure what center display/computer issues you are referring to. There have been some sporadic issues with the infotainment systems but nothing that would be super common/frequent. There is no Android Auto/apple carplay in the 2010-2017 models so just keep that in mind. That feature wasn't available until 2018.

rbarrios

· #3 · 5 d ago

My 2013 3.6, now at 118,000.
No trans issues or center display.
Not sure what center display issues you saw.
Ive done a bunch of drain and refills on trans.

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[email protected]

· #4 · 5 d ago

My 2015 3.6 has 111000 miles and it has been absolutely reliable. I have never had a check engine light or any issues whatsoever other than having to replace the battery.

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rednox301

· #5 · 5 d ago

The 2013-2017 Terrain and Equinox, with the 3.6L V-6, has been super reliable.

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Justlooking23

Discussion Starter · #6 · 5 d ago

arcee said:
As with anything, proper maintenance is the key. I have a 2015 V6 Equinox with all-wheel drive. 68,000 miles. I drained and refilled the transfer case, rear differential, and transmission around the 60K mile mark. The oil in the transfer case and rear diff really needed it. The transmission fluid was definitely dark, but still felt "slick". It was easy preventative maintenance to do the work. GM days you can go a lot longer, but I wouldn't really want to.

All that being said, no issues.

Not sure what center display/computer issues you are referring to. There have been some sporadic issues with the infotainment systems but nothing that would be super common/frequent. There is no Android Auto/apple carplay in the 2010-2017 models so just keep that in mind. That feature wasn't available until 2018.

Good to know. Yeah it was mentions of the infotainment locking up is what I saw. There isn't any 16/17 V6's within 300 miles of me here in the PNW for the past few weeks

arcee

· #7 · 5 d ago

Justlooking23 said:
Good to know. Yeah it was mentions of the infotainment locking up is what I saw. There isn't any 16/17 V6's within 300 miles of me here in the PNW for the past few weeks

The V6s can be difficult to find. I did a quick search and only saw a couple in the Spokane and Boise areas of the PNW. There's also no way to really know if what is listed online is actually still available. Many times those listings go stale. Good luck with your search!

Colt Hero

· #8 · 5 d ago

@Justlooking23 : I know you're moving on from a 2012, but I'll vouch for the 3.0L Equinox Engines from 2010-2012 (before they started installing the 3.6L's). I've got 185,000+ on my 3.0L and it's been flawless: literally zero repairs! Maybe you could find a low mileage 2012 ... you know ... a little old lady's car. Price should be fairly low due to age ... plenty of space inside, and maybe you get 100,000 miles out of it.

chevy05

· #9 · 5 d ago

The Chevrolet Equinox with the 3.6 was only available with AWD in 2016 & 2017. Maybe it was in 2015 also. I learned on here last month that the Terrain with the 3.6 was available in both FWD and AWD. The 3.6 had a heavier transmisison than the 2.4. A handicap of the AWD was it was full time AWD. No way to disconnect it. There were a few transfer cases that failed on AWD units but I don't know what the service history was on them. I loved my 2016 Equinox with the 3.6 except for the full time AWD and a hard time getting decent mileage. Local driving averaged high 19's to low 20's for me but I'm in rolling hills. Don't be afraid of the 2018 plus until you drive one. I like my 26MPG average and only have 1300 miles on it. AWD can be disengaged. The concensus of the 2.0 was it pretty much needed a higher octane gas. Guys & gals ran lower octane but the engine adapted the fuel mapping for it which cut performance. I have a fellow worker that had a 2.0.

BandDirector

· #10 · 5 d ago

2013-2015 3.6 V6 was available with FWD or AWD. Yes, 2016 & 2017 went to AWD only for the 3.6…

182K on my 2015 V6. Didn’t start chasing problems until 150K, but here it is 32K miles later, still driving it with the same problems I’ve been chasing, so it’s durable even with minor problems!

I’d buy it again…

ricklack

· #11 · 5 d ago

My 2013 Nox with 3.6 was trouble free until @330,000km (206,250 miles) when the transfer case broke. In my case it literally broke apart and gear oil all over the ground. I fixed that and then @ 350,000km the front differential went and I traded it in. The engine still was strong and purred like a kitten, was getting up to 28mpg on the highway cruising @70 -75 mph. I never had display issues, other than an occaisional glitch such as the screen going wonky. Always resolved itself on a restart. Since I had a 2000 Venture there always seem to be minor electrical issues, but nothing that caused great concern or failure.

My 2022 has the 1.5T (170hp) and to be honest, it wasn't as tough to get used to it as I expected. The 1.5T is pretty peppy - I run premium as I tried it on a trip and noticed a jump in mpg and power, so I stayed with it. The inside of the engine has to be pristine. You mentioned you don't really need the power of the V6, the 4 bangers are not that bad and the fuel economy is nice.

Fingers crossed that the oil consumption/ turbo issues are resolved on this model. I just ordered a lower grill cover for next winter, only $23 from the dealer and it helps keep the intercooler from freezing in the winter.

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Colt Hero

· #12 · 5 d ago

chevy05 said:
The Chevrolet Equinox with the 3.6 was only available with AWD in 2016 & 2017. Maybe it was in 2015 also. I learned on here last month that the Terrain with the 3.6 was available in both FWD and AWD.

Yup! I very nearly bought a 2017 Terrain 3.6L "leftover" (in 2018) ... with FWD ... so ... for whatever reason ... GM made the Equinoxes AWD-only those last two years, but continued offering the FWD in the Terrains. Weird!

BTW: I would never buy an AWD vehicle ... don't need it, and it's just one more big/costly thing that can fail. Anyone buying a new vehicle that would come with AWD should think long and hard about whether they really need that feature. I'd bet 1/2 the people driving around with AWD don't really need it. It just "came with the car" ...

rbarrios

· #13 · 5 d ago

Actually knew someone with awd.
When i asked why she needed that (were in CA), she asked whats that?
I briefly explained, and she said she had no idea.
I think i said, you paid $4000 for that.
Blank stare.

Reactions: 1

JayTee2014

· #14 · 4 d ago

I've lived in the snow belt most of my life.
I've had three 4WD Chevy S-10 trucks "because they came with it ".
Other than play with it and engaged it a couple of times, I never really needed it even in the depths of winter snow in +54 years of driving.

There was one time in 2008 where I could have used 4WD or AWD, but managed to get home from work and into the driveway and garage anyway with 2WD.

I even took my 2015 Equinox up to the cabin on unpaved back woods forest roads in winter and parked in the snow covered freezing yard and got there and back home no problem.

Tire Snow Wheel Car Vehicle

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rednox301

· #15 · 4 d ago

JayTee2014 said:
I've lived in the snow belt most of my life.
I've had three 4WD Chevy S-10 trucks "because they came with it ".
Other than play with it and engaged it a couple of times, I never really needed it even in the depths of winter snow in +54 years of driving.

There was one time in 2008 where I could have used 4WD or AWD, but managed to get home from work and into the driveway and garage anyway with 2WD.

I even took my 2015 Equinox up to the cabin on unpaved back woods forest roads in winter and parked in the snow covered freezing yard and got there and back home no problem.
View attachment 19520

Great pic of your 2015 Nox.
Shows that a FWD can be capable if driven with common sense.

Is that really an outhouse in the background 😉

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JayTee2014

· #16 · 4 d ago

rednox301 said:
Great pic of your 2015 Nox.
Shows that a FWD can be capable if driven with common sense.

Is that really an outhouse in the background 😉

LOL .. . .. it is a "legacy" outhouse. Indoor plumbing has been the norm.

Not really used .. . much. If the cabins are winterized, though, it can come in handy. Deer hunters in the past and a few skiers.
Hey . . . it's in the middle of national forest in a designated wilderness area. The property has been in the family for 4 generations. There was no electric power into the nearby area until 1956. So there is that.

Reactions: 2

Urbansuburban

· #17 · 4 d ago

5 Models years in on the 18 redesign is not really enough time for a good evaluation. If you search this forum, in context not much comes up for either of two gas engines other than if the 2.0 is better to get than the 1.5 both have been sturdy engines so far. The one engine that seems to have drawn comments more in the 18 Re design is the 1.6 Diesel, that engine has drawn some comments and i think its mostly due to the emissions systems that are on it, just like all Diesels, the engine is sound but the EPA mandated cloak thats around them is not and this has given some grief. My wife still loves her 18 Terrain with SLT trim and 2.0 liter engine, it gets great mileage and other than probably the first tank from the dealer and thats doubtful its been run on regular gas. The only real problem which has been covered by me and others in the forum is the rear brakes. Take a read and you might find it interesting. Good luck on your search.

rednox301

· #18 · 4 d ago

Just as a FYI the 2024 Equinox is going to get a new 1.5 Turbo.
See link below, read the article to the end.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/01/heres-when-2024-chevy-equinox-production-will-end/

chevy05

· #19 · 4 d ago

rednox301 said:
Just as a FYI the 2024 Equinox is going to get a new 1.5 Turbo.
See link below, read the article to the end.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/01/heres-when-2024-chevy-equinox-production-will-end/

Actually, the 2023 received the revised 1.5T LSD engine and will be carried over to the 2024 models. Just slight refinements from what I can gather. The 2025 Twins will be a complete changeover.

ricklack

· #20 · 3 d ago

rednox301 said:
Just as a FYI the 2024 Equinox is going to get a new 1.5 Turbo.
See link below, read the article to the end.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/01/heres-when-2024-chevy-equinox-production-will-end/

I read an article where they road tested a 23 Nox with the LSD engine (funny name - makes it the hippie 1.5?) and the reviewer said it seemed more sluggish than the LYX, even tho it is rated 5 HP more than the LYX. That's just one person's opinion.

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