A redesign of GMC's Terrain compact SUV for the 2025 model year has elevated the model to new technology heights. Nearly everything is new, but decidedly familiar to GMC brand devotees. The brand will launch the 2025 GMC Terrain first in the Elevation trim level later this year, followed by the 2026 GMC Terrain AT4 and 2026 GMC Terrain Denali in 2025.
"The 2025 GMC Terrain builds on GMC's strengths and offers our latest premium technology and safety features, while bringing a fresh, bold design to our two-row SUV," said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, and GMC, in a press release. "With the next-gen Terrain and updated 2025 Yukon both slated to launch later this year, the entire GMC SUV lineup will be refreshed by year end, giving customers the latest design, the best technology and the best driving experience we've ever offered in our SUVs." Its design enhancements include nods to current-generation GMC product like the Yukon and .
Its truck-like front end aesthetic can be complemented by a two-tone roof (black or grey), a first-time offering on Terrain, but something GM already offers on the Chevrolet Trailblazer. All Terrains in the GMC lineup will come equipped with the company's turbocharged 1.5-liter engine.
It is rated to deliver 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission in the Elevation grade. Terrain comes standard with all-wheel drive and has a maximum trailering capacity of 1,500 pounds. Terrain AT4 will come with specially-tuned trail-capable equipment and technology including a Terrain drive mode, lifted ride height, metal underbody protection, red front recovery hooks, all-terrain tires and hill descent control technology.
It will also feature animated headlamps and tail lamps. Terrain Denali will provide owners with an elevated experience that includes heated seats in both rows, animated headlamps and tail lamps, the buyer's choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels, smart dampers and hill descent control. GMC's new vehicle announcement highlights that Terrain is "packed with standard tech across all three trims.
" Technology enhancements come in the form of safety, driver assistance, and infotainment upgrades. Each GMC Terrain will now come with at least 15 safety and driver assistance features. Automatic emergency braking, including braking for pedestrians and bicyclists and at intersections when an incursion is detected, is standard.
Rear cross traffic and reversing automatic braking are included, as are oncoming cyclist alert, blind zone monitoring with steering assist. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also standard. Every model also gets a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen and 11-inch digital driver information center.
That infotainment screen allows for up to three applications to be viewed simultaneously. With the 2025 Terrain, GMC has smartly pulled from its General Motors parts bin to create a refreshed model that fits the brand’s revised identity and gives premium customers what they are looking for. Its more rugged exterior helps further differentiate the model from compact offerings from Cadillac and Buick, and from other premium automakers.
That’s a necessary and important step if the brand wants to build on Terrain’s previous successes. It also allows users to perform functions like replying to text messages, getting directions in and controlling vehicle functions using touch or Assistant. Owners can add their favorite apps to the system, including Spotify.
The new Terrain can be equipped with up to eight camera views, including a rear camera mirror, which was not available on the previous-generation model. Buyers can also add a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a heated windshield wiper area and a power liftgate that automatically opens when the key fob is nearby. Pricing for the 2025 GMC Terrain is not yet available.
The 2024 version of the SUV started around $30,000 for a front-wheel drive model and upwards of $31,500 for an all-wheel drive version, before were added in. The new model is expected to be priced higher than that, a common practice for new-generation vehicles. The new Terrain has luxury competitors in the ($40,795), the at $41,000 and the ($40,100).
On the non luxury side there's the Honda CR-V for right around the same price and the Chevrolet Equinox, similarly using the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine along with a handful of buttons and switches, costs a few thousand less than the Terrain..
