2012 GMC Terrain Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 GMC Terrain oil type depends on the engine: the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 3.0L takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 3.0L takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 3.0L takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 3.0L takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.4L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 3.0L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 2.4L — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.0L — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.0L — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.0L — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.0L — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
Buy the right oil
Buy 5W-30 motor oil on Amazon2012 GMC Terrain oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Terrain
2012 GMC Terrain factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site 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 2012 GMC Terrain take?
It depends on the engine: 2.4L uses 5W-30; 2.4L uses 5W-30; 2.4L uses 5W-30; 2.4L uses 5W-30; 2.4L uses 5W-30; 2.4L uses 5W-30; 2.4L uses 5W-30; 2.4L uses 5W-30; 3.0L uses 5W-30; 3.0L uses 5W-30; 3.0L uses 5W-30; 3.0L uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2012 GMC Terrain take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 3.0L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 3.0L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 3.0L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 3.0L holds 6.0 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 GMC Terrain?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 GMC Terrain. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.