2021 GMC Terrain Oil Type & Capacity
The 2021 GMC Terrain oil type depends on the engine: the Denali, 4WD takes 0W-20 (5.3 quarts with filter); the Denali, FWD takes 0W-20 (4.2 quarts with filter); the SL takes 0W-20 (4.2 quarts with filter); the SLE, 4WD takes 0W-20 (5.3 quarts with filter); the SLE, FWD takes 0W-20 (4.2 quarts with filter); the SLT, 4WD takes 0W-20 (5.3 quarts with filter); the SLT, FWD takes 0W-20 (4.2 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Denali, 4WD: 0W-20, 5.3 quarts with filter
- Denali, FWD: 0W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- SL: 0W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- SLE, 4WD: 0W-20, 5.3 quarts with filter
- SLE, FWD: 0W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- SLT, 4WD: 0W-20, 5.3 quarts with filter
- SLT, FWD: 0W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denali, 4WD — 4WD | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| Denali, FWD — FWD | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.20 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| SL — FWD | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.20 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| SLE, 4WD — 4WD | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| SLE, FWD — FWD | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.20 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| SLT, 4WD — 4WD | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| SLT, FWD — FWD | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.20 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Terrain
2021 GMC Terrain factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.0 quarts (6.62 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 2021 GMC Terrain take?
It depends on the engine: Denali, 4WD uses 0W-20; Denali, FWD uses 0W-20; SL uses 0W-20; SLE, 4WD uses 0W-20; SLE, FWD uses 0W-20; SLT, 4WD uses 0W-20; SLT, FWD uses 0W-20.
How much oil does a 2021 GMC Terrain take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Denali, 4WD holds 5.3 quarts with filter; Denali, FWD holds 4.2 quarts with filter; SL holds 4.2 quarts with filter; SLE, 4WD holds 5.3 quarts with filter; SLE, FWD holds 4.2 quarts with filter; SLT, 4WD holds 5.3 quarts with filter; SLT, FWD holds 4.2 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2021 GMC Terrain?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2021 GMC Terrain. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.