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 qt with filter); the SLE, 2.4 C, FWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLE, 3.0 5, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLE, 3.0 5, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLT, 2.4 C, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLT, 2.4 C, FWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLT, 3.0 5, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLT, 3.0 5, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt 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. |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Terrain
🛞 2011 GMC Terrain Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2011 GMC Terrain Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2011 GMC Terrain Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2011 GMC Terrain Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
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.
What is the oil capacity of a 2011 GMC Terrain?
Oil 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.
How often should I change the oil in my 2011 GMC Terrain?
Most 2011 GMC Terrain owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — GMC recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
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.
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