GMC Terrain 2025: A First Look at the Compact SUV’s Evolution
You press the start button, the 15-inch screen blazes to life with Google Maps, and you realize the headlight switch isn’t where it used to be—it’s buried three menus deep in the glass now. The cabin is silent, the ride is buttery, and the 1.5-liter four-cylinder under the hood is… well, it’s trying. The 2025 GMC Terrain is the most stylish, most technologically advanced, and most frustratingly compromised compact SUV GMC has ever built.
TL;DR:
The 2025 GMC Terrain is a complete redesign that’s simultaneously impressive and irritating. It wears a bold new Yukon-inspired face, ditches the old SLE/SLT trims for a single Elevation model (for now), and stuffs a massive 15-inch vertical touchscreen into every dashboard . The 11-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, the safety tech is generous, and the ride is pillow-soft . But under the sheet metal, it’s the same 175-horsepower 1.5L turbo from the old truck, paired with a droning CVT (FWD) or a sleepy 8-speed automatic (AWD) that seems allergic to kickdowns . The Elevation’s audio system is genuinely awful, the handling is squishy, and the upcoming AT4 and Denali trims won’t arrive until 2026 . It’s a luxury compact SUV with a rental-car powertrain. Whether that trade-off works for you depends entirely on how much you value the screen over the drive.
Key Takeaways:
- The big screen is standard and it’s excellent. Every 2025 Terrain gets a 15.0-inch Google Built-In touchscreen and an 11.0-inch digital cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay fills the entire display. Physical knobs for volume and climate survive .
- Same engine, two transmissions, one disappointment. The 1.5L turbo makes 175 hp across the board. FWD: 184 lb-ft, CVT, 800 lbs towing. AWD: 203 lb-ft, 8-speed auto, 1,500 lbs towing. 0-60 mph: 9.3 seconds .
- The AT4 and Denali are 2026 models, not 2025. If you want the lifted off-road Terrain with red tow hooks or the luxury Denali with ventilated seats and animated lighting, you’re waiting until mid-to-late 2025 for delivery as a 2026 model .
- The audio system in the Elevation is atrocious. Six speakers, no upgrade path, terrible clarity. Multiple reviewers called it “astonishingly bad” and “simply awful” . Wait for the Denali if you like music.
- Pricing starts at $31,395 (FWD) and $33,395 (AWD). A loaded Elevation with Premium and Technology packages touches $40,910–$41,060 . That’s Equinox money with a fancier badge.
- Handling is soft; ride is divine. The Terrain wanders in its lane, steering is numb, and there’s no Sport mode. But it absorbs potholes like a $60,000 luxury SUV. GMC tuned it for comfort, not cornering .
- Third-gen dimensions are a mixed bag. It’s 2 inches wider and slightly taller, but overall length is actually 1.3 inches shorter. Cargo space holds steady at 29.6/63.3 cubic feet .
The Evolution: From Wallflower to Yukon Jr.
Let’s be honest: the old Terrain was invisible. It was the crossover you rented at Hertz because they ran out of Corollas. It wasn’t bad—it just wasn’t memorable.
The 2025 model fixes that.
GMC’s design team clearly raided the Yukon parts bin. The new Terrain wears an upright, truck-like grille, C-shaped LED headlamps, and a squared-off greenhouse that looks substantial rather than stubby . The kicked-up rear roofline of the previous generation is gone, replaced by a clean, horizontal beltline that improves rear visibility.
The two-tone roof is a first for Terrain—black or gray paint on the pillars and roof cap, contrasting with the body color . It’s an $895 option on the Elevation Black Edition, and it genuinely transforms the profile.
What’s missing: The old Terrain’s quirky, C-clamp taillights are history. The new units are slim J-shaped LEDs. They’re less distinctive but more mature .
Interesting fact: Despite the redesign, the 2025 Terrain is actually 1.3 inches shorter overall than the 2024 model. It’s wider, taller, and rides on a 0.2-inch longer wheelbase, but GMC trimmed the overhang for a cleaner stance .
The Tech Interior: Best in Class, Except for the Radio
The screen: 15.0 inches. Vertical. Standard on every Terrain Elevation .
This is the same display unit from the Acadia and Hummer EV, and it’s genuinely excellent. The Google Built-In operating system is fast, intuitive, and supports over-the-air updates. The home screen tiles are customizable. Voice recognition via Google Assistant actually understands “navigate to the nearest pharmacy with a drive-through” .
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Wireless, full-screen, and glorious. GM has not removed them from the Terrain (unlike the Blazer EV). The CarPlay view occupies the entire 15-inch vertical space—it’s the biggest CarPlay screen in the segment .
Physical controls: This is where GMC deserves genuine credit. Below the screen lives a row of tactile toggle switches for climate temperature, fan speed, and drive modes. The volume knob is embedded in the glass at the bottom of the display. It’s the perfect balance of modern and functional .
The digital cluster: 11.0 inches, fully reconfigurable. It’s not as customizable as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, but it displays navigation, driver assist status, and trip data cleanly. No complaints .
The headlight controls: Buried in the touchscreen. This is baffling and mildly infuriating. You cannot adjust your headlights without taking your eyes off the road and navigating through menus. GMC, why? .
The audio system: Catastrophic.
Every reviewer who has spent time in the 2025 Terrain Elevation agrees: the six-speaker stereo is shockingly bad . It lacks bass, distorts at moderate volume, and has zero soundstage. There is no premium audio upgrade available on the Elevation trim. Not even an option.
“The only downside to the Terrain’s tech is its astonishingly bad audio system, which has terrible playback quality. … the sound system in the Elevation is simply awful.” — Cars.com .
The fix: Wait for the Denali. GMC has confirmed the 2026 Denali will offer an upgraded sound system, likely Bose. If music matters to you, do not buy the Elevation.
Chart: 2025 GMC Terrain — Key Specifications by Drivetrain
This chart shows the mechanical split between FWD and AWD. Notice the torque and transmission differences—and the towing penalty for choosing front-drive.
Data sources: Carsforsale.com, Cars.com, GMC .
The Powertrain: Carryover With Consequences
Here’s the uncomfortable truth the Terrain’s stylish sheet metal tries to hide: underneath, it’s the same truck.
The 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder (codenamed LFV) produces 175 horsepower—the exact same output as the 2018 Terrain. Torque varies by drivetrain, but the engine block, head, and turbocharger are carryover components .
Front-Wheel Drive:
- 184 lb-ft torque
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- 26/28/27 MPG (city/hwy/combined)
- 0-60: ~9.3 seconds
- Towing: 800 lbs
All-Wheel Drive:
- 203 lb-ft torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- 24/28/25 MPG (city/hwy/combined)
- 0-60: ~9.3 seconds
- Towing: 1,500 lbs
The driving experience:
“Lackluster is the best word to describe this powertrain. Acceleration is tepid; the power band is narrow; and the transmission is slow to kick down when you want more power.” — Aaron Bragman, Cars.com .
The 8-speed automatic is the same transmission GM has used across its transverse-engine lineup for years. It’s not unreliable—it’s just unwilling. In Normal mode, it upshifts early and holds gears too long. There is no Sport mode. The drive mode selector offers Normal, Off-Road, and Mud/Snow. That’s it .
What the Terrain does well: Ride quality. The suspension tuning is genuinely excellent. Impacts are absorbed, not transmitted. The cabin remains quiet at 70 mph. If your commute involves potholes, expansion joints, or poorly maintained asphalt, the Terrain will coddle you .
Safety reminder: *The Terrain’s 1,500-pound max tow rating is for *light* loads only—a small utility trailer, two jet skis, or a teardrop camper. Exceeding it compromises braking and transmission cooling. Do not attempt to tow a travel trailer or boat with this vehicle.*
The Trim Timeline: Why You Can’t Buy the Good Ones Yet
Here’s where GMC’s launch strategy gets weird.
2025 Model Year (on sale now):
- Elevation only. FWD or AWD.
- MSRP: $31,395 (FWD) , $33,395 (AWD) .
- Available packages: Black Edition ($895), Premium Package ($2,700), Technology Package, Convenience III Package.
- Fully loaded Elevation: $40,910–$41,060 .
2026 Model Year (arriving mid-to-late 2025):
- AT4 — Off-road trim. Lifted ride height, all-terrain tires, red recovery hooks, front steel skid plate, AT4-exclusive Terrain drive mode. Animated front/rear lighting .
- Denali — Luxury trim. Unique grille, premium suspension dampers, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, animated lighting, upgraded audio (expected), available 20-inch wheels .
Why this matters:
If you want the AT4 because you actually need ground clearance and underbody protection for trail access, you cannot buy it until 2026. Same for the Denali if you want ventilated seats and a sound system that doesn’t make you wince.
GMC expects 70% of sales to be Elevation, with the remaining 30% split evenly between AT4 and Denali .
Interior: Space, Comfort, and the Missing Third Row
Seating capacity: 5. No third row. The Terrain remains a strict two-row compact crossover .
Front seats: 42.6 inches headroom, 44.3 inches legroom. Massive. The seats themselves are wide and supportive. Available heating, ventilation, and 8-way power adjustment on Premium Package .
Second row: 39.7 inches legroom (contradictory reports; some sources cite slight reductions for 2025). The floor is flat, which helps center passengers. Outboard seats are available with heating. Headroom is adequate for adults up to 6 feet, but taller passengers will brush the headliner .
Cargo:
- Behind second row: 29.6 cubic feet
- Seats folded: 63.3–63.5 cubic feet
This is mid-pack for the segment. The Honda CR-V offers more (39.3/76.5). But the space is usable—square, flat load floor, wide opening. The available hands-free power liftgate (Auto Sense) opens when it detects the key fob stationary for a few seconds; no foot-waving required .
The materials story:
The Elevation’s interior is a genuine upgrade over the Chevrolet Equinox. GMC uses soft-touch materials on the dash and door uppers, and the standard seating surface is CoreTec—a simulated leather that looks and feels premium .
Lower touchpoints (center console sides, lower door panels) are hard plastic, but the texture matching is well executed. White stitching and subtle chrome accents break up the monotony.
“The interior of my Elevation trim felt a bit more upscale than the last Equinox I tested thanks to more premium materials on the dash, doors and seats.” — Cars.com .
Chart: 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation — Pricing and Packages
This visual shows the price climb from base Elevation to a fully optioned example.
Data sources: Cars.com, Carsforsale.com, Capital One . Pricing includes $1,395 destination charge.
Safety: Generous Standard Kit, Unrated Crash Status
Standard safety equipment (15+ systems):
- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian/bicyclist braking
- Intersection automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist with lane departure warning
- Blind spot collision mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control (stop-and-go)
- Reverse automatic braking
- Blind zone steering assist
- Rear seat reminder
- Following distance indicator
- IntelliBeam auto high beams
Available (Technology Package):
- HD Surround Vision (360-degree camera)
- Rear pedestrian alert
- Rearview camera mirror
Crash testing: The 2025 Terrain has not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS as of publication. The 2024 model earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA, but the new generation is structurally different .
Safety reminder: Adaptive cruise control works well on highways but hesitates in heavy stop-and-go traffic. Lane keeping assist is mild—it nudges, it doesn’t center. You are still the driver.
The AT4 and Denali: What We Know So Far
Since you can’t buy them yet, here’s what’s coming.
2026 GMC Terrain AT4:
- Raised ride height (specific lift amount not announced)
- All-terrain tires (likely 17-inch)
- Red front recovery hooks
- Front steel skid plate
- AT4-exclusive “Terrain Mode” drive calibration
- Unique interior trim with AT4 badging
- Animated headlamps and taillamps
- Available AWD with Hill Descent Control
2026 GMC Terrain Denali:
- Unique grille with additional brightwork
- 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels
- Premium suspension dampers for improved ride
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Upgraded audio system (Bose expected)
- Animated lighting
- Available panoramic sunroof
The waiting game: GMC expects these trims to arrive in mid-2025 as 2026 models. If you order one, delivery may slip into late 2025.
Comparison Table: 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation vs. Key Competitors
| Model | Starting Price | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 | Max Towing | Cargo Max | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation | $31,395 | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 175 hp | 184/203 lb-ft | 9.3 sec | 1,500 lbs | 63.3 cu-ft | 15″ screen, ride comfort, style |
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT | $29,995 | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 175 hp | 203 lb-ft | 8.9 sec | 1,500 lbs | 63.0 cu-ft | $2,000 less, identical powertrain |
| 2025 Ford Escape Active | $29,495 | 1.5L EcoBoost I3 | 180 hp | 199 lb-ft | 8.5 sec | 3,500 lbs | 65.4 cu-ft | More power, double towing |
| 2025 Honda CR-V LX | $31,450 | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 190 hp | 179 lb-ft | 7.9 sec | 1,500 lbs | 76.5 cu-ft | Resale, reliability, acceleration |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S | $30,300 | 2.5L NA I4 | 187 hp | 186 lb-ft | 7.5 sec | 2,000 lbs | 59.3 cu-ft | Driving dynamics, premium feel |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE | $29,825 | 2.5L NA I4 | 203 hp | 184 lb-ft | 8.1 sec | 1,500 lbs | 69.8 cu-ft | Hybrid option, resale value |
Data sources: Manufacturer websites, Cars.com, Car and Driver. Competitor 0-60 times are approximate for comparable trims.
FAQ: 2025 GMC Terrain — What Buyers Are Actually Asking
Is the 2025 GMC Terrain all-new?
Yes, it’s a third-generation redesign. New exterior styling, new interior architecture, new standard 15-inch screen and 11-inch digital cluster. The engine and basic platform carry over from the previous generation .
When will the 2025 GMC Terrain be available?
It is on sale now in Elevation trim with FWD or AWD. The AT4 and Denali trims are 2026 models arriving mid-to-late 2025 .
How much does the 2025 GMC Terrain cost?
$31,395 for FWD Elevation, $33,395 for AWD Elevation, including destination. A fully loaded Elevation with Premium and Technology packages approaches $41,060 .
Does the 2025 Terrain have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, wireless. It fills the entire 15-inch screen. GMC has not removed CarPlay/Android Auto from the Terrain .
Is the Terrain reliable?
Too early to say. The engine and transmissions are carryover, which is encouraging. The 1.5L has been used across GM products for years without major issues. The new electrical architecture is unproven .
What is the towing capacity?
FWD: 800 lbs. AWD: 1,500 lbs. This is class-average for Honda/Toyota, but half of what Ford Escape offers (3,500 lbs) .
Is the Terrain good for off-roading?
The current Elevation is not. It’s a pavement commuter with modest ground clearance and all-season tires. The upcoming AT4 will offer lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and a skid plate. Wait for that if you need trail capability .
How is the fuel economy?
FWD: 26/28/27 MPG. AWD: 24/28/25 MPG. Real-world testing of an AWD model in winter conditions returned 24.8 MPG combined . That’s competitive but unremarkable.
What are the common complaints?
Slow acceleration, unresponsive transmission, headlight controls in touchscreen, and abysmal audio quality. Ride comfort, interior space, and the large screen are universally praised .
Should I buy the Terrain or the Equinox?
The Equinox is the better value. Same powertrain, similar features, about $2,000 less. The Terrain has a nicer interior and the larger 15-inch screen is standard (Equinox base has a smaller display). If budget matters, buy the Chevy. If you want the nicer cabin and bigger screen, buy the GMC .
Is the Terrain bigger than last year?
It’s wider and taller, but shorter overall. Wheelbase grew 0.2 inches; overall length shrunk 1.3 inches. Width increased over 2 inches. It feels bigger, but parking is easier due to the shorter overhang .
Does it have a third row?
No. The Terrain is strictly a two-row, five-passenger compact SUV .
The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy the 2025 Terrain?
You are the target buyer if:
- You prioritize interior tech and ride comfort over acceleration and handling.
- You want a compact SUV that looks genuinely premium without paying Lexus or Audi money.
- You rarely tow and don’t need sporty handling.
- You’re willing to wait until 2026 for the AT4 or Denali if you need off-road hardware or a decent stereo.
- You are a GMC loyalist who wants the brand experience and doesn’t mind paying a premium over the Chevrolet version.
You should look elsewhere if:
- You enjoy driving. The Mazda CX-5 is objectively more fun. The Honda CR-V is quicker.
- You tow anything heavier than a jet ski. The Ford Escape tows 3,500 lbs.
- You care about audio quality. The Elevation’s stereo is unacceptable.
- You’re on a strict budget. The Chevrolet Equinox is $2,000 less and 95% of the same vehicle.
- You need a vehicle now but want the AT4 or Denali. You literally cannot buy them yet.
“It’s a mild step up from an Equinox, but what holds the Equinox back also prevents the Terrain from reaching class-leading status. Its powertrain is suboptimal and underpowered, and handling is uncharacteristically sloppy for a GM vehicle.” — Cars.com .
The Honest Truth
The 2025 GMC Terrain is a study in strategic compromise.
GMC took a rental-car staple, gave it a $60,000 SUV’s face, stuffed it with a $60,000 SUV’s infotainment system, and asked you to ignore that it drives like a $25,000 fleet vehicle.
Here’s what they got right: The screen. The ride. The cabin materials. The safety kit. The two-tone roof. If you spend most of your driving time commuting, running errands, and shuttling kids, the Terrain Elevation will serve you well. You will appreciate the soft suspension every time you cross a railroad track. You will appreciate the massive CarPlay screen every time you navigate a new city.
Here’s what they got wrong: Everything under the hood. The 1.5L turbo was unimpressive in 2018, and it’s underpowered in 2025. The CVT drones. The 8-speed hesitates. The handling is vague. And the audio system is a genuine embarrassment—there is no excuse for a $40,000 vehicle in 2025 to sound this bad.
The Terrain is not a bad SUV. It’s just not a great one.
It exists in that uncomfortable middle space where the value equation gets fuzzy. The Chevrolet Equinox gives you the same bones for thousands less. The Ford Escape gives you double the towing capacity and more power. The Honda CR-V gives you better resale and quicker acceleration. The Mazda CX-5 gives you actual driving pleasure.
What the Terrain gives you is presence. It looks like a baby Yukon. It feels special when you open the door and see that 15-inch screen. It reassures you that you didn’t settle for the generic option.
If that’s worth the premium to you, buy it.
But wait for the Denali. And for the love of music, wait for the Denali.
References:
- 2025 GMC Terrain Review: Stylish but Slow – Cars.com
- 2025 GMC Terrain Comprehensive Review – Carsforsale.com
- 2025 GMC Terrain Reaches New Elevation—with a Huge Screen – Autoweek
- 2025 GMC Terrain Compact SUV – GMC Canada (Official)
- 2025 GMC Terrain First Look – Capital One
- Redesigned 2025 GMC Terrain Will Offer More Features And More Safety – Jalopnik
- 2025 GMC Terrain Review and Test Drive – Capital One
- 2025 GMC Terrain Pricing, Specs, and Release Date – CarGurus
Are you buying the Elevation now for that 15-inch screen, or are you waiting for the 2026 AT4 with the red tow hooks? And seriously, how bad is that stereo, really? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
