Is the GMC Terrain more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?

Based on our data, the Toyota Corolla Cross is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the Toyota Corolla Cross?

The GMC Terrain has more recalls (19) compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross (12). 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 Toyota Corolla Cross?

Adjusted for sales volume, the GMC Terrain has a lower complaint rate at 4.8 per 10,000 sold versus 8 for the Toyota Corolla Cross. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

GMC Terrain vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Reliability Compared

GMC Terrain

Good

More Reliable

Toyota Corolla Cross

Good

Choosing between the GMC Terrain and the Toyota Corolla Cross? 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 Toyota Corolla Cross currently leads with an average score of 79/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the GMC Terrain and Toyota Corolla Cross Generations Compare?

The Toyota Corolla Cross is currently in its first generation, introduced for the 2022 model year, with a facelift expected for the 2026 model year. This makes it relatively early in its generation cycle, where newer platforms might experience initial teething issues. In contrast, the GMC Terrain is in its second generation, launched in 2018, with a facelift in 2022. Being later in its generation cycle, the Terrain benefits from a mature platform that tends to be more reliable as manufacturers have had time to address early issues. Buyers prioritizing reliability might lean towards the GMC Terrain due to its established platform.

Verdict

The Toyota Corolla Cross is more reliable than the GMC Terrain, scoring 79/100 vs 72/100.

The Toyota Corolla Cross demonstrates superior reliability with an impressive average reliability score of 95/100 compared to the GMC Terrain's 76/100. Despite having a higher recall count relative to its shorter market presence, the Corolla Cross maintains a lower owner complaint rate of 8 per 10,000 units sold versus the Terrain's 4.8. However, the Terrain benefits from a specific estimated annual repair cost of $558, while such data is unavailable for the Corolla Cross. Overall, the Corolla Cross stands out for its higher reliability score, making it the more dependable choice in the compact SUV segment.

Key Differences

1Toyota Corolla Cross scores 7 points higher in reliability
2Toyota Corolla Cross has 7 fewer total recalls
3GMC Terrain has 3.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1GMC Terrain

—

2Toyota Corolla Cross

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

GMC Terrain vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Which Is More Reliable?

GMC Terrain vs Toyota Corolla Cross at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	GMC Terrain	Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability Score	72/100	79/100
Years Tracked	9	5
Total Recalls	19	12
Complaints per 10k Sold	4.8	8
Year Wins	1	3

What Are the Common Problems With the GMC Terrain and Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Toyota Corolla Cross and GMC Terrain exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Corolla Cross showing a higher frequency of complaints in the Electrical System and Steering components, including a notable number of crash-linked incidents in Steering. In contrast, the GMC Terrain has a significantly higher total number of complaints, particularly in the Service Brakes and Power Train categories, with the Service Brakes also having a substantial number of crash-linked issues. The Corolla Cross has fewer overall complaints but shows concern in the Air Bags category with a relatively high crash-link ratio. The Terrain's issues are more concentrated in categories that can directly impact drivability and safety, such as Service Brakes and Power Train, suggesting different areas of reliability challenges between the two models.

GMC Terrain vs Toyota Corolla Cross common problem areas comparison
Component	GMC Terrain	Toyota Corolla Cross
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	1.6Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	1.5Low
POWER TRAIN	1Very Low	0.5Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	0.9Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	1Very Low	0.3Very Low
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	0.8Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.7Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.3Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	—None	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—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 Toyota Corolla Cross?

Independent repair cost data provides a clearer picture of the ownership experience for the GMC Terrain, with an annual repair cost of $558, translating to approximately $2,790 over five years. The Terrain's repair frequency is about 0.3 visits per year, with a notable 17% risk of major repairs. In contrast, specific data for the Toyota Corolla Cross isn't available, but Toyota vehicles are generally known for their reliability and lower maintenance costs. Given the Terrain's higher risk of major issues and consistent repair visits, the Corolla Cross may offer better long-term value for cost-conscious buyers prioritizing reliability and peace of mind in ownership.

How Does GMC Terrain vs Toyota Corolla Cross Reliability Compare by Year?

GMC Terrain vs Toyota Corolla Cross year-by-year reliability scores
Year	GMC Terrain	Toyota Corolla Cross	Edge
2025	78/1000R / 8C	86/1000R / 15C	Toyota Corolla Cross
2024	77/1001R / 29C	82/1002R / 37C	Toyota Corolla Cross
2023	75/1002R / 21C	69/1008R / 168C	GMC Terrain
2022	72/1004R / 65C	80/1002R / 37C	Toyota Corolla Cross
2026(predicted)	77/100(predicted)	79/100(predicted)	Toyota Corolla Cross

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 GMC Terrain scored 78/100 and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross scored 86/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the GMC Terrain vs the Toyota Corolla Cross?

If you prioritize reliability and want a vehicle with fewer headaches, consider the Toyota Corolla Cross. With a high reliability score of 95/100, it's a top choice for those who value peace of mind on the road. Despite having 12 recalls, the Corolla Cross has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold compared to the GMC Terrain. This suggests that while issues may exist, they are less frequently experienced by owners. It's a solid pick if you are willing to overlook some concerns regarding electrical and steering systems. On the other hand, if you are focused on lower upfront costs and don't mind a slightly higher risk of major repairs, the GMC Terrain could be suitable. It has a lower reliability score of 76/100 but boasts fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold. With an estimated annual repair cost of $558 and a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, it may appeal to budget-conscious buyers who can handle occasional repairs. However, be prepared for more frequent recalls and a higher major repair risk of 17%.

GMC Terrain vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Common Questions

Is the GMC Terrain more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?: Based on our data, the Toyota Corolla Cross is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the Toyota Corolla Cross?: The GMC Terrain has more recalls (19) compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross (12). 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 Toyota Corolla Cross?: Adjusted for sales volume, the GMC Terrain has a lower complaint rate at 4.8 per 10,000 sold versus 8 for the Toyota Corolla Cross. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More GMC Terrain comparisons

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More Toyota Corolla Cross 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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