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Types Of Gas A GMC Terrain Uses (All Generations)

By: Author Stefan K.

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Crossovers & SUV's

Types Of Gas A GMC Terrain Uses (All Generations)

Here on this blog, we carry out extensive research on topics that you are searching for. We aim to give you all the information in one place so you wouldn’t have to do all that grinding to find the correct answers. Today we are looking into the fuel requirement for all the generations of GMC Terrain. On top of fuel requirements, we will also be looking into the additives that you can and can not use. Furthermore, we will be looking into the cost of a full tank of fuel as well. Before we go deep into the details, here’s a quick overview.

All the engine options of GMC Terrain are compatible with a minimum of 87 rated-octane except for the 2.0 Turbocharged inline-4 which requires 93 premium. E85 compatible engines are available for models up to 2020. Only the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline or its alternative, Fuel System Treatment PLUS, should be used as an additive.  

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to know more about all kinds of fuels and additives that are available in the market, and the types that can damage your engine, plus the cost of the fuel you need, read on! We will get to the bottom of this.

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Infographic explaining the different fuel types for a GMC Terrain.
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Fuel Requirements Based On Engine Type

We have compiled all the data according to the engine type. The same engine in two different variants will have the exact fuel requirements. So to make things easy, we are going to look at all the engine options available in the Canadian/Mexican-made GMC Terrain’s lineup and see which fuel every engine needs.

First Generation 2009-2016

Some models are capable of running on E85. All three available engines have been tweaked to utilize E85 for these specified models. Most of the time, you can differentiate the flex-fuel-appropriate ones by looking at the gas cap. If the gas cap is yellow and has flex-fuel or E85 written on it, then it means that you can run it on E85.

EngineFuel Requirement
2.4L inline-4Regular 87 or higher
2.4L inline-4*E85/Flex Fuel*, Regular 87 or higher
3.0L V6Regular 87 or higher
3.0L V6*E85/Flex Fuel*, Regular 87 or higher
3.6L V6Regular 87 or higher
3.6L V6*E85/Flex Fuel*, Regular 87 or higher

Second Generation 2016-2017

EngineFuel Requirement
2.4L inline-4Regular 87 or higher
3.6L V6Regular 87 or higher
2.4L inline-4*E85/Flex Fuel*, Regular 87 or higher

Third Generation 2017-2021

EngineFuel Requirement
1.5L Turbocharged Inline 4Regular 87 or higher
1.6L Turbocharged Inline 4 (Diesel)1D for cold weather and 2D for hot weather, Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel, no more than 15ppm
2.0L Turbocharged inline-4Premium with 93 rated octane
2.4L inline-4Regular 87 or higher
2.4L inline-4* E85E85/Flex Fuel*, Regular 87 or higher
3.6L V6Regular 87 or higher

Fourth Generation 2021-Present

EngineFuel Requirement
1.5L Turbocharged inline-4Regular 87 or higher

Also read: How many miles a GMC Terrain can last?

What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?

Reformulated Gasoline

One of the recent developments in the fuel industry is the reformulated gasoline, also known as RGF. To make sure that the emission is kept as minimum as possible, RFG is of great benefit. This type of fuel can keep the emissions in check to give you better mileage numbers.

If you live in an area with strict emissions standards, then RFG would be your best bet.

Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85

There is a variety of options available in the market for the oxygenated blend. Before 2011 EPA only allowed 10% ethanol additive mixed with gasoline. Nowadays, we get up to 25% ethanol added into regular gasoline. Most of the manufacturers, however, have set a 15% ethanol limit for their vehicles, including GMC.

Another blend that is widely known is the 85% added ethanol with 15% regular gasoline. This type of blend is also known as Flex Fuel. As ethanol is obtained from corn mainly, it is regarded as a renewable resource.

The drawback of E85 is the low mileage per gallon. Race fuels are made to be one hundred percent ethanol as they can give you more horsepower compared to regular gasoline. However, you are not supposed to use this fuel in regular engines as it can cause corrosion. Only use 85% ethanol in those engines that are specially designed to utilize this fuel.

When you are running your vehicle on flex-fuel, the following necessary measures should be followed:

  • Make sure that while refilling, add no less than 5 gallons at a time.
  • Do not keep on changing to and fro between regular gasoline and ethanol.
  • Make sure that you drive the vehicle for a while, about 5 minutes before parking it.

Some problems might occur while using E85 mentioned below:

  • In temperatures at both extremities, too cold or too hot, some starting and idling problems occur.
  • Do not use any additive while you are running your vehicle on flex-fuel – doing so will cause more damage than good.

Gasoline With Added Materials

With the number of additives available in the market, one might get confused about which ones are good and which ones aren’t. To make things easy, manufacturers have recommended the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. All the other additives are not recommended. Some are advised against, which includes methanol, MMT, metal additives, etc., more than 15% ethanol is also advised against.

Suppose you cannot find the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. In that case, GMC advises using the Fuel System Treatment PLUS – One bottle of this additive can be used at every oil change if TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not being used regularly. 

Gasoline With MMT

All manufacturers strictly advise against methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). This metal additive was used way back in the day to reduce engine knocking. But after the EPA had implemented strict measures on emissions, the MMT additive could no longer remain in the market as it damages the emissions control system.

On top of damaging the emissions control system, it also hurts spark plugs.

Biodiesel

This is the type of additive made from waste cooking oil, grease, animal fat, etc. The oil is refined and made available to be used as an additive for diesel engines. The quantity, however, can not exceed 20% by volume. If more than 20% biodiesel is added, the filter will get clogged rather quickly, and debris will accumulate throughout the internals.

Biodiesel can help improve the mpg numbers and reduce toxic emissions. The only downside to using this additive is the frequent need to change the filters.

What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling

According to GMC, a faint knocking sound is nothing to worry about, but if the sound is alarming and it started right after refilling, then you should run your vehicle on mid-grade or premium. If you have premium, and still, you hear a loud knocking noise coming from the engine, then your engine needs service.

Also read: 10 Money-Burning Problems Of A GMC Terrain

Does the GMC Terrain Have Good Gas Mileage?

GMC Terrain doesn’t perform that well in terms of mileage numbers; however, the diesel engine, in particular, gives the best mileage compared to any other engine offered in this lineup.

First Generation 2009-2016

EngineLowest Combined MPGHighest Combined MPG
2.4L inline-42231
2.4L inline-4* E851420
3.0L V61724
3.0L V6* E851217
3.6L V61623
3.6L V6* E851116

Second Generation 2016-2017

EngineLowest Combined MPGHighest Combined MPG
2.4L inline-42028
2.4L inline-4* E851521
3.6L V61623

Third Generation 2017-2021

EngineLowest Combined MPGHighest Combined MPG
1.5L Turbocharged Inline 42528
1.6L Turbocharged Inline 4 (Diesel)2838
2.0L Turbocharged inline-42126
2.4L inline-42126
2.4L inline-4* E851521
3.6L V61724

Fourth Generation 2021-Present

EngineLowest Combined MPGHighest Combined MPG
1.5L Turbocharged inline-42528

What’s The Gas Tank Size Of A GMC Terrain?

First Generation 2009-2016

TypeQuantity
inline-418.8 gallon
V620.9 gallon

Second Generation 2016-2017

TypeQuantity
2.4L inline-418.8 gallon
3.6L V620.9 gallon

Third Generation 2017-2021

TypeQuantity
FWD14.8 gallon
AWD15.6 gallon

Fourth Generation 2021-Present

TypeQuantity
FWD14.8 gallon
AWD15.6 gallon

How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A GMC Terrain

In California, the gas prices are the highest per gallon at 4.537, while in Oklahoma and Arkansas, the gas price is the least per gallon at $3.015 and 3.027, respectively. If you happen to be driving in California and want to fill up your GMC Terrain, say about 17 gallons, the total cost to fill up would be approximately $77.

Now, if you were driving in Oklahoma and want to know the cost to fill up a GMC Terrain, a 17 gallon will cost you approximately $50. Overall if you have the smallest tank, the lowest price to fill that up would be about $45, and the maximum that it can go would be about $95.

Our research shows that gas prices are on the rise. In a nutshell, no matter where you are, you would be spending somewhere between $45-$95. These prices were calculated while writing this article, so you might have to pay a little more than this. 

Also, read: Difference between SLE & SLT trim levels.

Sources

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