The 2025 GMC Terrain receives quite the redo with a completely redesigned exterior and interior, new technology, and a simplified lineup.
What’s new
Starting with the exterior, the 2025 GMC Terrain is now a few inches longer and 1 inch taller than the prior generation. It also has been styled to mirror the truck lineup and looks like a smaller version of the new 2024 GMC Acadia.
There is also a new two-tone option with either a black or gray roof for one of three trims: Elevation, AT4 or Denali. The SLE and SLT trims are discontinued.
Inside, borrowing from the GMC Acadia as well, it has a new dash layout including a 15-inch vertical infotaiment screen and an 11-inch digital driver information screen.. There’s also a variety of new softer touch materials, and the seats have been widened with softer materials for better comfort.
The new infotainment system utilizes an Android-based operating system while keeping Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a departure from GM’s strategy with EVs not having CarPlay.
Also, the Terrain will now come with new standard features like remote start, heated front seats and adaptive cruise control. A digital rear camera mirror and heated second-row seats are new optional upgrades.
There are also up to eight available camera views including an HD surround-vision view.
Then, there is a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-open power tailgate (like we see on the Acadia), wireless charger and more.
There’s also a host of new safety technology including 16 standard safety features such as:
- Enhanced automatic emergency braking
- Front pedestrian and bicyclist braking
- Intersection automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Reverse automatic braking
- Side bicyclist alert
- Blind zone steering assist
One trim for 2025 GMC Terrain
When Terrain launches in the later part of 2024, GMC decided to offer just the Elevation trim.
This trim will come with AWD, standard 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights. There’s a Black Edition with 19-inch wheels, gloss black accents for the grille, lamp bezels, roof rails and black Terrain emblems.
There will be a FWD version as well mated to a CVT.
All other Terrain models will come with the carryover 1.5-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed transmission. This powertrain produces 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Maximum towing is 1,500 pounds.
The GMC Terrain AT4 will debut as a 2026 model and features:
- Selectable AT4-exclusive Terrain Mode
- Lifted ride height
- Metal underbody protection shield
- Animated headlamps and taillamps
- Red front recovery hooks
- 17-inch All-Terrain tires
- AWD and Hill Descent Control
A Denali trim will also debut as a 2026 model with:
- Outboard front and rear heated seats
- Animated headlamps and taillamps
- 19-inch wheels (20-inch wheels available)
- Unique Smart Frequency Dampers for improved ride comfort
- AWD and Hill Descent Control
Pricing and fuel economy estimates will be announced closer to launch.
The bottom line
The 2025 GMC Terrain tossed out all my criticisms of the prior-gen model and improved on each one. Not only does it look better, the seats are definitely more comfortable, the Denali lives up to its name and the AT4 has some real capability. This was a solid redo for the compact SUV.
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