The Terrain is the entry-level model in GMC’s lauded lineup. It has received a fairly large and much needed refresh in 2025 (it’s been about the same since 2022.) The new changes should give it more of an upscale feel than ever before at an affordable price. Here’s what you should know.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The last time the GMC Terrain was redesigned was in 2022—it was LONG overdue for a refresh!
- The 2025 Terrain, while about $1400 more than the 2024 model, is still quite affordable.
- The nine-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with the choice of an eight-speed automatic or CVT automatic.
How does the 2025 GMC Terrain stack up against the 2024 version in the compact SUV market?
With a more modern visage, a larger infotainment system, and more tech features, the 2025 GMC Terrain has seen a refresh with the following features:
- New grilles and bumpers on its exterior
- The SLE and SLT trims have been discontinued and replaced with the Elevation trim
- An available eight-speed automatic transmission or CVT
- Bigger digital displays
- A relocation of the gear shifter from the center console to the steering wheel column
- Adaptive cruise control, heated front seats and steering wheel, and remote vehicle starting have been made standard
- An available rear camera mirror and power liftgate than can open power liftgate that opens with a key fob
- An all-black package (the Black Edition) features black trim and black 19-inch black wheels
What Are the Performance and Powertrain Updates in the 2025 GMC Terrain?
There are a few changes to the SUV's powertrain in the new model year. While it continues to use the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 175 horses, the new model now gives you an option of the CVT automatic with four-wheel drive or an eight-speed automatic when paired with all-wheel drive. The previous nine-speed automatic transmission has been discontinued.
Four-wheel drive models, torque is 184 lb-ft, but on AWD models it remains the same as before at 203 lb-ft. We expect 0-60 mph acceleration to take somewhere between just under 8.0 and just under 9.0 seconds. Fuel economy should be similar to last year's ratings of 24/29 mpg city/highway with FWD and 23/28 mpg with AWD.
Are the Cabin and Tech Features in the 2025 GMC Terrain Different from Those in the 2024 Terrain?
The 2024 cabin materials needed an upgrade in 2025 and got it with more premium materials and improved storage. Should you need it you have up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a bit more than in the 2024 model. (It should be noted that while the base trim, the Elevation, is out, the remaining higher trims will show sometime this year, and we’ll have more information then about what you should expect from the interior’s higher-trim features.)
The 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch infotainment displays of the previous Terrain are no longer—a new a 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard across the board. It features built-in Google capability with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and other available tech including an 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, a 360-degree camera, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear camera mirror.
What Are the Trims and Prices for the 2025 GMC Terrain?
The Elevation trim starts at a very affordable $31,395 and is out now. It is about $1400 more than the base price for the previous model year. We do not have costs for the AT and Denali as of this writing, but according to Car and Driver, the Denali should be in the $40,000 range.
Should You Choose the 2025 GMC Terrain or 2024 Terrain?
There are a whole lot of upgrades that are hard to ignore in the 2025 GMC Terrain, at least in the Elevation trim. However, with the other trims not out yet, it’s a rough call for a firm decision on which model year SUV you should choose. Your best bet is to contact one of our friendly sales associates at Reliable for more information!