2011 GMC Terrain Oil Type & Capacity

The 2011 GMC Terrain oil type depends on the engine: the SLE, 2.4 C, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the SLE, 2.4 C, FWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the SLE, 3.0 5, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the SLE, 3.0 5, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the SLT, 2.4 C, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the SLT, 2.4 C, FWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the SLT, 3.0 5, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the SLT, 3.0 5, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

SLE, 2.4 C, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
SLE, 2.4 C, FWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
SLE, 3.0 5, AWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
SLE, 3.0 5, FWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
SLT, 2.4 C, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
SLT, 2.4 C, FWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
SLT, 3.0 5, AWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
SLT, 3.0 5, FWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter

Oil capacity by engine

Engine	Oil Type (viscosity)	Capacity w/ Filter	Capacity w/o Filter	Notes
SLE, 2.4 C, AWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
SLE, 2.4 C, FWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
SLE, 3.0 5, AWD — 3.0L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
SLE, 3.0 5, FWD — 3.0L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
SLT, 2.4 C, AWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
SLT, 2.4 C, FWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
SLT, 3.0 5, AWD — 3.0L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
SLT, 3.0 5, FWD — 3.0L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.

Buy the right oil

Buy 5W-30 motor oil on Amazon 2011 GMC Terrain oil filter on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.

More specs & repair guides for your Terrain

2011 GMC Terrain factory service manual All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Coolant capacity

8.2 quarts (7.76 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level. Recheck the fluid level after filling.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2011 GMC Terrain take?

It depends on the engine: SLE, 2.4 C, AWD uses 5W-30; SLE, 2.4 C, FWD uses 5W-30; SLE, 3.0 5, AWD uses 5W-30; SLE, 3.0 5, FWD uses 5W-30; SLT, 2.4 C, AWD uses 5W-30; SLT, 2.4 C, FWD uses 5W-30; SLT, 3.0 5, AWD uses 5W-30; SLT, 3.0 5, FWD uses 5W-30.

How much oil does a 2011 GMC Terrain take?

Capacity depends on the engine: SLE, 2.4 C, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLE, 2.4 C, FWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLE, 3.0 5, AWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; SLE, 3.0 5, FWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; SLT, 2.4 C, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLT, 2.4 C, FWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLT, 3.0 5, AWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; SLT, 3.0 5, FWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 GMC Terrain?

Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 GMC Terrain. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.

Other GMC Terrain years

2025 Terrain 2024 Terrain 2023 Terrain 2022 Terrain 2021 Terrain 2020 Terrain 2019 Terrain 2018 Terrain 2017 Terrain 2016 Terrain 2015 Terrain 2014 Terrain 2013 Terrain 2012 Terrain 2010 Terrain