Buying a used car can be stressful, especially since many cost more than some new sedans. Times have changed, however, and many potential buyers are trying to come to terms with the fact that they are paying more for a used vehicle than they would have three years ago. U.S. News has released a survey based on 140 SUVs and their prices. It may come as a shock to some that the 2014 GMC Terrain is in the top eight.

There are several used SUVs for under $15,000

U.S. News released a survey called “Best Used Compact SUVs under $15K for 2023.” The top eight vehicles include the 2010 Honda CR-V, 2012 Toyota RAV4, 2011 Honda CR-V, 2010 Subaru Forester, 2010 Toyota RAV4, 2014 GMC Terrain, 2012 Kia Sportage, and 2011 Kia Sportage.

Of the vehicles on the list, the 2010 Subaru Forester has the lowest price of $6,196. The most expensive vehicle is the 2014 GMC Terrain, with a price of $14,745. Considering it is the newest vehicle, that price isn’t all that expensive. 

The 2014 GMC Terrain was a major surprise

Most of the top eight vehicles were from Asian Automakers, such as Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Kia. This isn’t that shocking, as each of these vehicles is often found on lists featuring the best price or most reliable vehicles, such as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, or the Subaru Forester. 

Out of the list, the only one which was American-made is GMC. To find another American-made vehicle, you have to go to 16th place, which the 2012 GMC Terrain claimed. 

The Terrain isn’t a bad vehicle by any means, but it’s also not one which comes to mind first when many consider the best-used compact SUV. Yet, U.S. News found enough to be impressed with about the 2014 GMC Terrain to award it sixth place.

Here’s how the 2014 GMC Terrain drives

Some of the factors that helped the 2014 GMC Terrain stand out in a survey that had 140 vehicles on the list were cabin comfort, price, and reliability. In fact, it has won a lot of awards from U.S. News.

U.S. News stated,

“The 2014 GMC Terrain’s #1 ranking is based on its score within the 2014 Affordable Compact SUVs category. It is the winner of our 2017 Best Used Cars for Teens award and the winner of our 2018 Best Used Cars for Teens award. Currently, the GMC Terrain has a score of 8.9 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 61 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.”

The 2014 GMC Terrain comes equipped with an inline 4-cylinder engine, which produces 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 22 city and 32 MPG hwy. For a compact SUV, that’s a very good rating. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is available for some trim levels.

It has a max towing capacity of 1,500 lbs and a max payload capacity of 1,146 lbs. There is 31.6 cu.ft. of cargo space with all seats in place. With the back row laid flat, this increases to 63.9 cu.ft.

Some safety features available on the 2014 Terrain include backup camera, cruise control, and traction control. As for the entertainment, the satellite radio, a USB connection, and AM/FM radio. 

Even though the 2014 GMC may seem costly with a price range of $12,114 – $14,745, that’s not a bad price for the current market. If you can hold off on buying a vehicle, then the prices will eventually drop. In the meantime, there’s no doubt that the 2014 Terrain is a solid vehicle.