What is it?
GMC is well known for building large pickup trucks and full-size SUVs, but the brand also offers the Terrain – a compact 5-passenger crossover SUV. The Terrain was introduced about 15 years ago, and for the 2025 model year, it is completely redesigned with bold styling, an upgraded cabin, and a host of new features. With a starting price of around $30,000, the 2025 GMC Terrain is the entry point into the GMC lineup, positioned below the midsize Acadia and full-size Yukon.
Family Design
The Terrain gets a bold look for the 2025 model year with a new, large grille that matches the design of the larger SUVs in the lineup. Stylish LED headlights bracket the grille with squared-off LED daytime running lights, adding to the Terrain’s wide stance.
Rear View
The strong look continues at the rear, with LED taillights stretching to the edges of the vehicle. While I prefer exposed exhaust outlets, the Terrain’s hidden pipes do give the SUV a clean look.
Two Tone
For the first time, GMC is offering the Terrain with a two-tone treatment, a nice touch that elevates the look of the updated SUV.
Model Lineup
For the 2025 model year, the Terrain is available as a single trim level: Elevation. Front-wheel drive is standard with AWD available for an additional $2,000. The off-road-ready AT4 and luxurious Denali will join the lineup later this year as 2026 models.
Test Vehicle
For this review, GMC provided me with a 2025 Terrain Elevation AWD, painted in Ebony Twilight Metallic. Optional features included the Elevation Premium Package, Technology Package, Panoramic Sunroof, Convenience Package, Black Edition, and two-tone paint for a total manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $40,910, including the $1,395 destination charge.
Inner Space
The improvements to the Terrain’s cabin are even more significant than the exterior updates, and the premium style is immediately noticeable. A vertical 15-inch touchscreen display is standard, and it fits well with the well-thought-out 11-inch digital driver’s display. Materials have an upscale appearance with contrasting stitching on the dashboard, doors, and center console. A convenient cubby is located ahead of the dual cupholders, and a wireless phone charger is integrated into the center storage armrest.
High Tech
Like other GM models, the 2025 Terrain adopts a new Google-based infotainment system. The popular Google Maps is used for navigation, and Google Assistant provides a highly functional natural voice interface. Logging into the system with a personal Google account loads map favorites as well as providing access to the Google Play Store to download additional applications like Spotify or Waze. For those who prefer a more familiar interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with a wireless connection. Climate functions are kept separate at the lower portion of the screen with stylish levers for easy interface. A large volume knob in the center of the screen is a welcome feature.
Not Perfect
While the new infotainment system works quite well with intuitive controls, some functions should have been left to physical controls. Seat climate controls (heat and ventilation) require a double touch of the screen – one to open the seat control, the other to turn it on or off. Even more frustrating are the digital headlight controls – if you leave the headlights on and turn off the vehicle, there isn’t any way to turn the lights off without restarting the car to activate the display screen.
Front Seats
My test vehicle featured GM’s synthetic leather called CoreTec, which looks and feels very much like the genuine article. Seats are stylish with good support, and with heating and multiple power adjustments, they are quite comfortable for longer road trips.
Rear Seats
Rear-seat passengers will find plenty of legroom and headroom, and the available panoramic sunroof adds to the spacious feeling. Heated rear seats are also available.
Cargo Space
The Terrain offers plenty of utility with almost 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, although it is slightly less than the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. Folding the rear seats expands the space to 63.5 cubic feet.
Under the Hood
Powering the 2025 GMC Terrain AWD is a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque (184 with front-wheel drive trims). A continuously variable transmission is standard on front-wheel driver versions, while AWD trims get an 8-speed automatic. The maximum towing figure of 1,500 pounds is in line with other models in the compact crossover segment.
Fuel Economy
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2025 GMC Terrain AWD is rated at 24 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy / 25 mpg combined. City and combined figures improve by two mpg with the front-wheel drive version. During my time in the Terrain, the trip computer reported 26.5 mpg, aligning with the EPA estimates.
Safely Equipped
GMC equips every 2025 Terrain with an extensive list of advanced driver assist systems. Features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist, rear seat reminder, intersection emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, blind zone steering assist, and rear park assist.
On the Road
I didn’t know the horsepower rating on the Terrain until after spending several days behind the wheel, and the 175 hp rating was surprising – the small crossover feels much quicker than the figure would indicate. Acceleration is more than adequate for most driving situations, and the Terrain had no issue getting up to highway speed and then cruising along at 70 mph. The 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly for seamless power delivery while downshifting quickly when needed. While the engine is a bit loud at high revs, the Terrain is relatively quiet overall, delivering a comfortable, stable ride on the freeway.
Nice to Drive
Whether driving around town or out in the country, the Terrain is a nice vehicle to spend time in. The ride is comfortable, and even on the rough, unpaved roads common around Southeast Michigan, the Terrain kept the ride smooth with confident handling. Its small size makes it easy to maneuver, aided by the multiple camera views.
In the Snow
Not surprisingly, there was snow on the ground in Southeast Michigan in January, but that wasn’t a problem for the Terrain. All-wheel drive is selected via a button to the left of the steering wheel, and it engages immediately to provide good traction in slick conditions.
Rating: 8.5
The GMC Terrain doesn’t sell at the level of the more popular Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue, but it has much to offer – especially with its redesign for the 2025 model year. With a bold exterior look, a stylish, high-tech interior, and enjoyable driving characteristics, the Terrain is worth checking out if you’re in the market for a 5-passenger crossover SUV.
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