The 2020 GMC Terrain generally uses a cartridge-style oil filter housed in a removable oil-filter housing, not a traditional spin-on canister. You replace the filter element inside the housing during an oil change, and you’ll typically replace the housing O-ring as part of the service. Always confirm exact part details for your engine by checking the owner's manual or a VIN-based parts lookup.
Understanding the filter design on the 2020 Terrain
GM’s Ecotec family in the Terrain often employs a cartridge-type oil filter arrangement. The cartridge sits inside a housing mounted on the engine, and service involves removing the housing cap, extracting the old cartridge, installing a new cartridge, and replacing the O-ring. This design is different from the traditional external spin-on oil filters found on older vehicles. Using oil that meets Dexos1 specifications and following GM’s service intervals is essential for proper engine protection.
Is it cartridge or spin-on?
For most 2020 Terrain models, the filter is cartridge-style inside a housing rather than a traditional screw-on spin-on filter. If you’re unsure, visually inspect the engine bay for a plastic filter housing with a cap—removing the cap reveals a replaceable cartridge. If you see a metal canister on the outside of the engine, it may be a different configuration and you should consult the manual or a dealer for your exact VIN.
What you’ll need to replace the oil filter
Before you start, gather the components and tools you’ll need for a cartridge-filter change. This helps ensure you have everything on hand when you begin.
- Cartridge-style oil filter element compatible with the 2020 Terrain (GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco equivalent)
- Oil filter housing cap O-ring (plus any additional seals the housing requires)
- Correct engine oil meeting Dexos1 specification (quantity per your engine code and manual)
- New drain plug gasket or washer if applicable
- Tools: socket set, torque wrench, drain pan, and any filter-housing tools required by your model
Note: Exact part numbers and the number of O-rings can vary by engine code and production date. Use your VIN to pull the precise kit from GM Parts or an authorized retailer.
How to replace the oil filter cartridge
Follow these general steps to service a cartridge-type filter on a 2020 Terrain. If you’re unsure, consider professional service to avoid leaks or improper torque on the housing.
- Warm up the engine, then safely lift the vehicle if needed and place a drain pan underneath.
- Drain the engine oil by removing the drain plug and replacing the gasket or washer if applicable; reinstall and tighten to spec.
- Remove the oil filter housing cap and pull out the old cartridge.
- Clean the housing, install the new cartridge, replace the housing cap O-ring, and reseal the cap to the specified torque.
- Refill the engine with the proper Dexos1 oil to the recommended level, start the engine, check for leaks, and reset the oil-life monitor if applicable.
Always consult the service manual for your exact engine code to obtain the precise torque specifications and any model-specific steps. The above provides a general workflow for cartridge-filter replacements.
Part numbers and where to buy
Because the Terrain uses different engines and production runs, part numbers can vary. For precise matches, use your VIN to pull the exact GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco filter cartridge and O-ring kit from an authorized retailer or GM Parts Online.
Summary
The 2020 GMC Terrain typically uses a cartridge-style oil filter housed in a removable cap, not a traditional spin-on filter. Replacing it requires a cartridge element, corresponding O-rings, and Dexos1 oil. Always verify the exact part numbers for your engine using your VIN and consult the owner's manual for service intervals and torque specs.
What oil filter does my 2020 GMC Terrain take?
ACDelco – Oil Filter: Ideal for Any Type Oil, Same Filter Installed From The Factory (Part No. PF2257G) ACDelco GM Original Equipment Engine Oil Filters are designed, engineered, and tested to rigorous standards, and are backed by General Motors.
What type of oil does a 2020 GMC Terrain take?
For the LYX 1.5L turbo engine, install SAE 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil in your GMC Terrain. If you have an LTG 2.0L turbo engine, use SAE 5W-30 full synthetic engine oil. Winter temperatures commonly fall below 20°F in IN. For improved starting in the winter, think about installing SAE 0W-30 full synthetic oil.
What oil filter does GMC recommend?
ACDelco Original Equipment and ACDelco Gold Engine Oil Filters help ensure a clean supply of oil to engine components, and they are designed, engineered and tested to rigorous standards and are backed by General Motors.
Where's the oil filter on a GMC Terrain?
Here just have a little bit more room to maneuver. Around our oil filter. Housing. So take our old filter take it off the housing. Prior to putting on our new filter.