2025 GMC Terrain: New Looks, More Tech, Same Power

The GMC Terrain officially enters its third generation for the 2025 model year, and it’s arriving with some appropriate next-gen features in terms of both form and function.

The 2025 GMC Terrain is slated to arrive at dealer lots later this year, first unloaded as the entry-level Elevation trim, signaling a slight slimming down of trim structure, replacing the current SLE and SLT grades. The higher-equipped AT4 and Denali trims will make a return, arriving next year for the 2026 model year.

The biggest improvements– or those likely to be emphasized by to-be Terrain buyers– are underneath the more rugged, truck-like exterior. Perhaps the most useful of these features is the inclusion of more standard safety systems, with up to 15 related functions to assist drivers. It’s a healthy and extensive list, including a number of emergency braking systems and alerts. That said, the new column shifter, replacing the current push-button gear selector embedded in the center stack, might just be one of our favorite changes.

And that return to a traditional shifter may be a byproduct of the expanded digital real estate. All Terrains come packaged with a 15-inch infotainment screen, more than double the size of the outgoing 7-inch unit found on standard 2024 offerings. The screen is home to the on-board Google Assistant, and serves as a hub for all associated apps and various available exterior camera views. This larger touchscreen is accompanied by an 11-inch digital instrument panel and, if equipped, a rearview camera mirror, a first for the Terrain. The heated steering wheel and front seats are included with all Terrains; however, if you’re looking for more automation, rain sensing wipers and an automatic power liftgate are available. And for professionals on the go or families firmly locked into the “always connected” phase, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.

The bodywork has been chiseled out, boasting a bolder and more defined aesthetic reminiscent of the current Canyon and Sierra pickups. It’s not a one-to-one copy, but the reshaped grille and lighting elements fall in line with current GMC design language. Another Terrain-first is the two-tone roof option, your choice of black or gray, should you see the need for a little extra flair. The cabin sees a similar updating; that is, beyond all the new tech, it’s not a totally different vibe, but a well-appointed redesign with extra garnishing.

In a parking lot, the third-gen Terrain isn’t too far removed from the current model either, with most key dimensions staying about the same. At 181 inches long on a 107.5-inch wheelbase, the Terrain has shrunk about an inch, remaining classified as a five-seater compact utility; and yet, rear passengers receive almost an inch of extra headroom and half and inch of legroom. Rear cargo room, now 29.8 cubic-feet behind the second row and 63.5 cubes with it folded down, has climbed ever so slightly.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four, rated at 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque when hooked up to the Terrain’s available all-wheel drive system, capable of trailering up to 1,500 lbs. Joining that turbo-four in AWD models is an eight-speed automatic; front-wheel drive Elevations will use a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) and be backed by less torque, rated at 184 lb-ft, though the all-wheel-drive Elevations will be the first to glisten under showroom fluorescents.

AWD is the only way to spec the impending AT4 and Denali grades. The AT4, part of GMC’s off-road sub-branding, rocks the same red recovery hooks, joined by 17-inch wheels wrapped by all-terrain tires, underbody shielding and a lifted stance. The AWD system is joined by hill descent control and an exclusive “Terrain Mode,” making this the choice for those looking to go on some off-pavement adventures. The Denali, though also boasting an AWD system and hill descent control, is a step in the more premium sector of SUV living, with larger 19- or 20-inch wheels meeting the pavement, heated rear seats and smart dampers for a more comfortable ride.

The 2025 GMC Terrain is yet to receive any official pricing, but we’ll know more as the number of X’s on the calendar grows.