Is the GMC Terrain more reliable than the KIA EV6?

Based on our data, the GMC Terrain is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 57/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the KIA EV6?

The GMC Terrain has more recalls (19) compared to the KIA EV6 (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Terrain or the KIA EV6?

Adjusted for sales volume, the GMC Terrain has a lower complaint rate at 4.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 48.9 for the KIA EV6. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

GMC Terrain vs KIA EV6: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

GMC Terrain

Good

KIA EV6

Mixed

Choosing between the GMC Terrain and the KIA EV6? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The GMC Terrain currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the GMC Terrain and KIA EV6 Generations Compare?

The Kia EV6 is currently in its first generation, which began in 2022. This model is relatively early in its generation cycle, which can sometimes mean first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial production kinks. However, a facelift is expected in 2025, which may address early concerns and improve reliability. In contrast, the GMC Terrain is in its second generation, launched in 2018, with a significant refresh in 2022. This places the Terrain in the latter part of its generation cycle, often indicating a more refined and reliable product as any early issues have typically been resolved. The upcoming third generation in 2025 may bring new challenges as it introduces another redesign.

Verdict

The GMC Terrain is more reliable than the KIA EV6, scoring 72/100 vs 57/100.

The GMC Terrain demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Kia EV6, with an average reliability score of 76/100 versus 43/100 for the EV6. The Terrain also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 4.8 per 10,000 sold, compared to 48.9 for the EV6. While the GMC Terrain has had more recalls over a longer period, the complaint rate and the estimated annual repair cost of $558 indicate better long-term reliability. The Kia EV6 faces more frequent issues with its electrical system and power train, making the GMC Terrain a more reliable option overall.

Key Differences

1GMC Terrain has 44.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2GMC Terrain scores 15 points higher in reliability
3KIA EV6 has 11 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

2GMC Terrain

—

1KIA EV6

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

GMC Terrain vs KIA EV6: Which Is More Reliable?

GMC Terrain vs KIA EV6 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	GMC Terrain	KIA EV6
Reliability Score	72/100	57/100
Years Tracked	9	5
Total Recalls	19	8
Complaints per 10k Sold	4.8	48.9
Year Wins	4	0

What Are the Common Problems With the GMC Terrain and KIA EV6?

The Kia EV6 primarily struggles with electrical system issues, accounting for 204 complaints, including 3 crash-linked incidents, which is a significant area of concern compared to the GMC Terrain. The GMC Terrain, however, experiences more widespread issues, with a notably higher number of service brake complaints at 146, including 8 crash-linked, and power train issues at 135 complaints. Both vehicles exhibit problems in the power train category, but the Terrain's service brake problems are more severe in terms of safety implications. While the Kia EV6 has fewer total complaints, it also has a higher percentage of crash-linked incidents related to unknown or other issues, highlighting potential safety risks.

GMC Terrain vs KIA EV6 common problem areas comparison
Component	GMC Terrain	KIA EV6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	28.4High
POWER TRAIN	1Very Low	7.8Above Avg
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	3.3Average
SERVICE BRAKES	1Very Low	1.8Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	1.3Low
STRUCTURE	—None	1Very Low
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	0.4Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	0.6Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.4Very Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	0.3Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.4Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.3Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None
SEATS	—None	—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC Terrain or KIA EV6?

The GMC Terrain has an annual repair cost of $558, with an average of 0.3 repair visits per year and a 17% risk of major repairs. In contrast, detailed repair cost data for the Kia EV6 is currently unavailable, but as an electric vehicle, it typically incurs lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts compared to traditional combustion engines like the GMC Terrain. Considering the Terrain's repair frequency and major repair risk, it suggests potential for more frequent and costly repairs over time. For cost-conscious buyers seeking long-term savings, the Kia EV6 may offer better value, assuming typical EV maintenance advantages hold true. However, the absence of specific data for the EV6 requires cautious optimism.

How Does GMC Terrain vs KIA EV6 Reliability Compare by Year?

GMC Terrain vs KIA EV6 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	GMC Terrain	KIA EV6	Edge
2025	78/1000R / 8C	69/1000R / 0C	GMC Terrain
2024	77/1001R / 29C	59/1002R / 38C	GMC Terrain
2023	75/1002R / 21C	52/1003R / 98C	GMC Terrain
2022	72/1004R / 65C	46/1003R / 215C	GMC Terrain
2026(predicted)	77/100(predicted)	60/100(predicted)	GMC Terrain

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 GMC Terrain scored 78/100 and the 2025 KIA EV6 scored 69/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the GMC Terrain vs the KIA EV6?

If you prioritize reliability and lower owner complaints, the GMC Terrain is a strong candidate. With a reliability score of 76/100, significantly fewer owner complaints at 4.8 per 10,000 sold, and an estimated annual repair cost of $558, it offers peace of mind for those who value dependable performance. The Terrain also has a relatively low repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, making it a suitable choice for those who want to minimize time spent on repairs. On the other hand, if you are drawn to innovative electric vehicle technology despite a lower reliability score, the Kia EV6 might appeal to you. While it has a reliability score of 43/100 and a higher rate of owner complaints at 48.9 per 10,000 sold, the EV6 is ideal for early adopters interested in electric vehicles. However, be prepared for potential issues with its electrical system and power train, as well as a higher number of recalls compared to the Terrain.

GMC Terrain vs KIA EV6: Common Questions

Is the GMC Terrain more reliable than the KIA EV6?: Based on our data, the GMC Terrain is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 57/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the KIA EV6?: The GMC Terrain has more recalls (19) compared to the KIA EV6 (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Terrain or the KIA EV6?: Adjusted for sales volume, the GMC Terrain has a lower complaint rate at 4.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 48.9 for the KIA EV6. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More GMC Terrain comparisons

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More KIA EV6 comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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