The 2025 GMC Terrain: A Bold New Look with Enhanced Features

The 2025 GMC Terrain is stepping up its game with a fresh redesign that blends bolder styling and advanced technology. Photo courtesy of GMC.

The 2025 GMC Terrain is stepping up its game with a fresh redesign that blends bolder styling and advanced technology. Drawing inspiration from its sibling, the Chevrolet Equinox, this new Terrain adds a distinct GMC flair to set it apart in the competitive SUV market.

GMC: Muscular Design with a Modern Touch

Right away, the 2025 Terrain catches the eye with its revamped front end, which borrows cues from the GMC Canyon. The front hood is noticeably higher, giving the SUV a more rugged and muscular appearance. This bulkier design is further emphasized by the pronounced fenders. For those looking to make a statement, an optional painted roof is available, adding a touch of sophistication with a gray finish for black vehicles and black for all others. The Denali trim offers even more style with larger, 20-inch wheels.

Streamlined Trims with Distinct Personalities

For the 2025 model year, the Terrain will initially be available only in the Elevation trim, with the AT4 and Denali versions slated to arrive in 2026. Each trim level brings its own unique features: the AT4 is tailored for off-road enthusiasts with its specialized suspension, slight lift, all-terrain tires, and rugged enhancements like underbody skid plates and recovery hooks. On the other hand, the Denali focuses on luxury, featuring advanced “Smart Frequency Dampers” for a smoother ride and a host of premium amenities.

Consistent Power Across the Lineup

For 2025, all models will come with all-wheel drive, but a front-wheel-drive option is expected in the 2026 lineup Photo courtesy of GMC.

All trims share the same powertrain: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup is the same as that of the new Chevrolet Equinox. While GMC has hinted at a shift toward hybrid options in the future, there’s no confirmation yet on whether the Terrain will adopt this strategy. For 2025, all models will come with all-wheel drive, but a front-wheel-drive option is expected in the 2026 lineup. Towing capacity remains modest at 1,500 pounds, available only with the AWD version.

Tech-Forward Interior and Enhanced Features

Inside, the Terrain receives a major upgrade with a tall, portrait-oriented 15-inch touchscreen, complemented by an 11-inch digital instrument cluster—both standard features. The system runs on Android Automotive software, providing seamless integration with Google Maps and Google Assistant. Despite the shift to more advanced tech, GMC retains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for traditional connectivity.

The 2025 Terrain introduces several new convenience features, such as a rear camera mirror, an auto liftgate that opens with the keyfob, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated wiper park zone to prevent ice buildup. Additionally, the SUV is equipped with a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot and an expanded suite of driver assistance technologies, though GMC’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system is not yet included.

Driving Ahead

While pricing details are still under wraps, the 2025 GMC Terrain is expected to hit dealerships in late 2024, with the AT4 and Denali trims following in 2025. Those eager for a front-wheel-drive option will need to wait for the 2026 model year. Stay tuned for more updates as GMC continues to refine this versatile SUV.

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