2025 GMC Terrain First Look: This Popular SUV Got a Fresh Makeover To Match Its Siblings
The GMC Terrain has long been a popular SUV for its AWD capability, comfort and tech, all derived from its larger, heavier-lifting siblings the GMC Acadia and GMC Sierra. As GMC revamps the lineup, it’s Terrain’s turn for a makeover. Part of the renovation is to simplify the lineup of this 5-passenger SUV, add more standard features and upgrade driver assist tech. Added to that are distinctive touches that make each trim fun, versatile, and tailored to a buyers who want the GMC lifestyle at a more affordable price point.
Featuring a glam, rugged look, the 2025 GMC Terrain ushers in a new age with boldness, better tech, and a heavy dose of functional style.
A Refreshed Lineup, Simplified with Only 3 GMC Terrain Trims
All GMC Terrains are equipped with a standard 1.5L turbocharged engine that generates 175 HP, front or all-wheel drive, and 8-speed automatic transmission. They all can tow up to 1,500 pounds. Each trim builds upon the others in smart ways. The new lineup includes Elevation, AT4, and Denali.
The Elevation is a blend of two lower trims from the previous model year. It comes with 17’’ wheels, all LED lighting, a beautiful 15’’ multimedia center that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, built-in Google voice assistance and a 5G hotspot.
AT4 is a trim aimed at a more rugged lifestyle. It features a distinctive grille, red tow hooks, 17-inch wheels amped up with All-Terrain tires, a lifted body that brings greater ground clearance, a special AT4 exclusive interior, and an off-road-tuned suspension.
The top-tier Denali is dressed in the same opulent luxury as its bigger GMC cousins, the Acadia and Yukon. It gains larger 19-inch wheels, chrome accents, tailored embossed badging, animated LED lighting, surround-view cameras, and a decadent ride experience with the luxuriously tuned suspension.
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Improved Technology For All in the GMC Terrain
The new wireless charging pad in the GMC Terrain has been moved to a more intuitive spot, near the armrest, while the dash has been angled to provide a cleaner sight line for the front seat passenger.
GMC heard its loyal buyers and equipped the Terrain with 15 standard safety features across all the trims, a larger, more crisp multimedia center with up to 8 camera views, and the rear camera mirror, which is new for the Terrain.
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Safety Features Add More Confidence on the Road
The safety suite now includes enhanced automatic braking, bicyclist alerts, and steering assists for hard-to-see spots. The GMC Terrain also brings a more seamless connectivity experience with built-in Google. It lets you access Google Assistant, which helps with directions through Google Maps and controls basic functions like volume on the sound system and replying to text messages.
Designed to Look Like its GMC Siblings
With a design similar to its GMC truck and SUV siblings, the Terrain looks sharp and has a better space layout. The new grille is bolder with etched lines. It is also trim-specific—so the AT4 grille looks a little different than the distinctive Denali grille—but each is anchored by the carmaker’s iconic C-shaped LED headlights and the fresh GMC badging.
The 5-seater’s interior feels larger and more spacious due to the sweeping lines and chrome details that draw the eye in and out. Textures are elevated throughout the vehicle, and chargers and cupholders are now within easy reach of every passenger.
Comfort and Space are Optimized
The rear seat is spacious and has two full sets of LATCHes for child car seats. There is a pull-down arm rest with cup holders, air vents and USB ports.
The GMC Terrain Features Tons of Cargo Space
The thoughtful details extend to the cargo space as well. The trunk is spacious and well-designed with built-in folding and tie-down anchors and 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
A new proximity control, called Auto Sense, lets you open the power liftgate with ease due to a sensor that detects the presence of the key fob and opens the liftgate without kicking around looking for the sensor.
GMC will Deliver Elevation Models Soon; Denali and AT4 Next Year
GMC is staggering the introduction of the GMC Terrain. In 2025, the Elevation trim will be the sole new trim available in the Terrain. Look for the special Black Edition, which includes larger 19-inch wheels and high-gloss black accents for the roof rails, grille, emblems, and lamps. The highly anticipated AT4 and Denali will be added to the lineup in 2026.
GMC hasn’t announced pricing on the 2025 Terrain yet, but as a perennial favorite for a budget-friendly price that makes capability and comfort affordable, expect it to creep up only a little from 2024 pricing which starts at about $28,000 for the base model and about $38,000 for Denali. Final pricing will be announced closer to the Terrain’s on-sale date.
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