2025 GMC Terrain SUV adds welcome features, but you’ll have to wait for the AT4 and Denali
Mark PhelanGMC’s popular Terrain compact SUV gets a new look for 2025 and welcome features including a big touch screen, but there’s a long pause between when the base Elevation model — which accounts for 70%-75% of Terrain sales —goes on sale in October and the arrival of the pricier AT4 and Denali as 2026 models in 2025.
Horsepower, at 175 from a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, is unchanged, with 203 pound-feet of torque. But an eight-speed automatic transmission is new. Terrain’s can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
GMC will announce prices and fuel economy closer to when each trim level goes on sale.
What’s new for Terrain?
The Terrain Elevation’s most notable change is optional two-tone paint. Black models get a lustrous gray roof and A-pillars while other colors get gloss black roofs. Body color roofs are also available.
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Other exterior changes for 2025 include new bumpers, fascia, wider taillights and distinctive grilles for each trim level. The Elevation comes with 17- or 19-inch wheels.
The hood is raised 3 inches. The Terrain also grew 2 inches wider and an inch taller.
Interior changes include an 11-inch instrument cluster, 15-inch portrait orientation touch screen and Google built-in infotainment and navigation. The dash, armrests and other surfaces get materials that are soft to the touch.
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. The big touch screen can use a split screen to present CarPlay and the vehicle’s built-in features.
The center stack includes physical controls for volume, fan speed, temperature, defrost and some other frequently used functions.
2025 GMC Terrain trim levels
- Elevation
- AT4
- Denali
2025 GMC Terrain top new features
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- 15-inch portrait orientation touch screen
- Up to eight camera views
- High-def video rearview mirror
- Proximity sensing tailgate
What’s coming in the 2026 AT4 and Denali?
The Elevation replaces the old SLE and SLT trim levels. It can be ordered with the Black Edition appearance package and premium and tech feature packages.
Arriving in 2025 as 2026 models, the tough-looking AT4 and luxurious Denali add other, targeted features:
2026 GMC Terrain AT4
- All-wheel drive
- AT4 drive mode
- Hill descent control
- 0.5-inch lifted ride height
- 17-inch all-terrain tires
- Fog lights
- Off-round tuned suspension
- Metal skid plates
- Red tow hooks
- Animated headlights and taillights
2026 GMC Terrain Denali
- All-wheel drive
- Hill descent control
- Standard surround view
- Premium suspension
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 19- or 20-inch wheels
2025 GMC Terrain at a glance
Compact five-seat SUV
Elevation trim level available as a 2025; AT4 and Denali coming in 2025 as ’26 models
Base price: TBA
Front or all-wheel drive
Power: 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp and 203 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: TBA
Assembled in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.