The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Tasteful new look
- Big cabin screens
- Spacious
Dislikes
- So-so power
- So-so fuel economy
- Half-hearted AWD
Buying tip
The 2025 Terrain brings GMC’s mass-market crossover SUV up to date.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 GMC Terrain? What does it compare to?
The 2025 Terrain shores up the small end of the big GMC SUV family. Offered in Elevation, AT4, and Denali trim, the Terrain’s related to the Chevrolet Equinox, and sizes up against bestsellers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Is the 2025 GMC Terrain a good car/SUV?
This year’s revamp carries over its turbo-4 powertrain while it reskins the SUV with a much crisper look. Last year’s version scored a TCC Rating of 6.0 out of 10; we’ll update that when we drive the latest model. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 GMC Terrain?
The Terrain creases its body more this year. At the front, the new shape folds in slimmer C-shaped LED headlights with a broad grille balanced by pronounced air intakes. GMC’s deeply sculpted the body sides to take out some visual heft from its midsection, while it thickened the roof pillar behind the rear doors and angled it forward for some tension. The C-shaped taillights extend into the lip under the rear glass and point to a GMC logo. It’s a snappy update to a look that had grown musty, given the total reworks of the Terrain’s biggest competition. It’s even better inside, where the Terrain adopts big digital displays that intersect with broad horizontal dash panels and rise from the center console.
The sole engine available in the Terrain is a 175-hp turbo-4 with up to 203 lb-ft of torque (that’s with all-wheel drive; it’s 184 lb-ft with front-wheel drive). Front-drive models sport a CVT, while AWD editions slip in an 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system defaults to front-drive, and uses a console selector which must be engaged to engage AWD. Tow ratings max out at 1,500 pounds with all-wheel drive, or just 800 pounds with front-wheel drive. Wheel-and-tire combinations range from 17- to 20-inchers.
Given the recombined powertrains, expect minor changes in fuel economy with the updated powertrains: EPA combined ratings in the mid- to upper 20s are likely. The Terrain doesn’t offer a hybrid or battery model, unlike the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. (That’s the, uh, terrain for the Chevy Equinox EV.)
AT4 editions score 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a specific crawl mode, a front skid plate, red tow hooks, and higher ride height and an off-road-specific suspension. Ground clearance measures at max 8.1 inches. Meanwhile, Denali Terrains get the 19-inch wheels with an option for 20-inchers, as well as different dampers for a ride tuned for better comfort, according to GMC’s press release.
The Terrain rides on a 107.5-inch wheelbase, and sits 181.0 inches long, so it’s slightly smaller than those top rivals. Interior space yields plenty of legroom and headroom in all five seats by the spec sheets. Cargo space checks in at 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with 63.5 cubic feet behind the front seats when the rear seatbacks have been folded down.
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian protection comes standard. Adaptive cruise control now comes standard, while a rear camera mirror and surround-view camera system can be fitted. The Terrain has posted good crash-test results in the past, but we’ll wait for the IIHS and NHTSA to offer more data on the new edition.
How much does the 2025 GMC Terrain cost?
Last year’s base Terrain started in the low $30,000s, and that will increase, given the addition of a new 11.0-inch digital information cluster and a 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto delivered over a Google Built-in interface. Newly standard features include remote start, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, while options include a power tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, and a contrast-color roof. Prices of the top Denali model will likely nudge $50,000.
Where is the 2025 GMC Terrain made?
GM assembles it alongside the Equinox in Mexico.