- The 2025 GMC Terrain enters its third generation with more trucklike styling, and the compact SUV no longer has a push-button shifter.
- Along with a 15.0-inch touchscreen, the new Terrain has a 175-hp turbo four and offers front- or all-wheel drive; the latter comes with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
- The entry-level Elevation trim will go on sale later this year, and the AT4 and Denali variants will follow early next year as 2026 models.
A lot is new about the 2025 GMC Terrain, most notably the death of its predecessor’s push-button shifter. Changing gears is once again easy to execute thanks to the new column-mounted lever. For its third generation, the redesigned Terrain also returns to the boxiness that defined the first-gen model. GMC says the compact SUV’s new look was inspired by the brand’s trucks, and it has tech that’s straight out of the mid-size three-row Acadia.
Terrain Gains a Big Screen
Inside, the new Terrain has more attractive materials and a dashboard that’s dominated by a massive vertically oriented touchscreen. Measuring 15.0 inches, it features Google built-in software that allows users to download apps and customize the layout. The Terrain’s infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. The driver also now faces an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster that has configurable settings.
For 2025, the previous SLE and SLT models are gone, and the Elevation now serves as the lineup’s entry point. It comes with more standard features than before, including a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote start, and adaptive cruise control. The latter is joined by a plethora of new driver-assistance tech such as bicycle and pedestrian detection, automated braking that works when turning at an intersection, and steering assist that helps avoid turning into that car lurking in your blind spot. The Terrain is also available with a rearview camera mirror for the first time, and the available surround-view camera system now has up to eight different views.
While the rugged AT4 and ritzy Denali will join the Terrain lineup early next year as 2026 models, the Elevation will launch later this year as the sole offering. Like its higher-spec siblings, the Elevation is motivated by a 175-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. The all-wheel-drive variant will go on sale first. Its 203 pound-feet of torque is routed through a new eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous nine-speed unit. The front-wheel-drive Elevation has a continuously variable automatic transmission and less torque at 184 pound-feet. With AWD, the Terrain can tow 1500 pounds; FWD models are limited to 800 pounds.
The Elevation rides on 17-inch wheels out of the box, but it offers a Black Edition package that includes black 19-inch wheels and an assortment of black exterior bits. Two-tone color is available on every model, with a choice of a black or gray roof.
Compared with its predecessor, the new Terrain is just over an inch shorter from stem to stern, and it’s about two inches wider and taller too. Interior space grows as well, with the third generation bringing up to an inch of additional headroom and front-seat legroom increasing by three inches. Cargo space behind the rear seat is the same 30 cubic feet as before.
The New AT4 and Denali
For folks who want to escape the suburbs, the AT4 is the most capable Terrain model to do it. Not only does it have the requisite equipment such as all-terrain tires and red tow hooks, but it has a front skid plate for protecting its vital parts, a lifted ride height to help clear obstacles, and a suspension that’s specially tuned for driving off-road. The AT4 is also the only model with a Terrain drive mode.
As with other GMC models, the Denali is the top-of-the-line Terrain. Every trim has a unique grille design, and that’s true for the Denali, which boasts a glitzy pattern. The shininess is matched by the standard 19-inch wheels, but an optional 20-inch set makes an even bigger visual statement. GMC says the Denali is fitted with upgraded dampers to help smooth out the ride. And like the AT4, the top trim has LED headlights and taillights that play animations.
Pricing for the 2025 GMC Terrain hasn’t yet been released, but we expect the AWD Elevation to start around $35,000 when it reaches dealerships later this year. Meanwhile, the 2026 GMC Terrain AT4 and Denali will likely both cost somewhere close to $40,000 when they eventually join the lineup.
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.