Dec 13, 2024
A close-up shows the driver side headlight on a black 2025 GMC Terrain for sale.

First released for the 2010 model year, the GMC Terrain started off as a midsize SUV, but the modern version is a compact vehicle with a lot to offer. Although we have enjoyed this model for a long time now, the 2025 Terrain is something special as it brings an all-new, redesigned generation of this SUV to the road. If you are interested in a GMC Terrain for sale, then it can make your shopping experience a lot easier to know what’s out there and what you should look for. One important thing to note is that only a single trim level is available for the first year of this new generation, but two more trims will be added for the 2026 Terrain, and we’ll talk about both model years below. That way, you have a good sense of what’s on offer right away and if you might be better off waiting for the 2026 model.

New Design Inspired by Trucks

As the new generation of the GMC Terrain kicks off for the 2025 model year, there are a lot of details that will quickly jump out at you about this impressive SUV. One of the first things you’ll probably notice, however, is the new design that has clearly been inspired by the look and feel of GMC’s impressive trucks: the Canyon and Sierra series. This starts with a more athletic overall stance, which is more planted and creates not only a bolder look for the Terrain but also greater handling and road presence. A new grille connects to the new headlamps to create a sweeping front end, while the 2025 Terrain features the first two-tone roof for this model.

Every Terrain Elevation model, which is the trim available for 2025, features 17-inch wheels that look and feel great while you drive. Inside, you’ll find a similarly redesigned cabin that is immediately inviting as it both looks and feels terrific. Sweeping lines throughout seem to pull you inside the moment you open the door, and the flow of the interior is far grander than you might expect from a small SUV like this. Chrome details and decorations make the interior pop and come alive, with all sorts of stylish touches for added sophistication to create a comfortable space you’ll look forward to.

Impressive Interior Tech Features

Good looks aren’t the only thing you’ll find inside the 2025 Terrain—GMC has also loaded the interior with a fantastic selection of advanced technology features. Up front, you can’t miss the stunning 15-inch Premium GMC Infotainment display, joined by an 11-inch Driver Information Center, to provide you with the information you need while driving. You can view up to three apps simultaneously on the Infotainment screen, letting you make the most of the software provided and enhancing your time on the road. This makes it easy to reply to text messages, follow navigation through Google Maps, and use other apps to listen to music.

Beyond these impressive features, a number of great tech systems are available for the GMC Terrain Elevation. For example, up to eight camera views are available for the all-new Terrain, including an optional rear camera mirror, which marks the first time this tech has been offered on this model. You can get an HD Surround Vision camera system that utilizes these different cameras to give you a 360-degree virtual view around your vehicle while maneuvering at low speeds, Rainsense wipers that come on automatically, and an AutoSense power liftgate that opens automatically when you approach with the key fob. All of this and more lets you get the most from your daily routine.

Advanced Safety to Protect You

We mentioned some of the impressive safety tech that’s available for the 2025 GMC Terrain a moment ago, but there’s so much going on that we need to give it all some special attention. The highlight is that every model comes with more safety and driver assistance technology than ever before, with amazing standard features to protect you on the road. These include Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking to help you avoid a collision, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking to keep others safe, and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking.

You also get Rear Cross Traffic Braking that can detect when someone is about to cross behind your vehicle while you’re in reverse and stop the 2025 Terrain from striking them. Reverse Automatic Braking helps you avoid colliding with obstacles you can’t see while you’re backing up, plus you get a Side Bicyclist Alert to warn you when someone on a bike is riding alongside your vehicle. Blind Zone Steering Assist is also included to not just alert you to the presence of a vehicle in your blind spot but also prevent you from changing lanes into them.

A close-up shows a grille badge on a 2026 GMC Terrain AT4.

The 2026 GMC Terrain AT4

Although the 2025 Terrain launches with only the Elevation model available, GMC is planning to release the 2026 AT4 and Denali trims in the same year, which could well be worth the wait. If you’re interested in heading off-road in your compact SUV or you enjoy an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, then the Terrain AT4 model is one to check out. We didn’t mention this sooner, but the 2025 Terrain Elevation model comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) available, making it a great choice for dealing with rough weather and dirt roads. The AT4 model takes things further, however, with both AWD and Hill Descent Control coming standard to assist with going down hills and steep terrain.

A selectable Terrain Mode is exclusive for the AT4 model, which is perfect for going off-road or driving on dirt and gravel; plus, it features a lifted ride height for better clearance out on the trail. The AT4 also has metal underbody protection shields, 17-inch all-terrain tires for optimal traction when you’re not on pavement, and red recovery hooks up front. Animated headlamps and taillamps round out some of the impressive features of the AT4 to create the most capable GMC Terrain ever and the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2026 GMC Terrain Denali

If you’re more interested in refined luxury and sophistication in your SUV rather than going off-road, then the 2026 Terrain Denali model could be worth considering. For many years now, Denali has marked the peak of refinement and advanced tech features for GMC, so it’s no surprise to see that continue. The Denali will include front and rear heated seats to ensure everyone is comfortable in cold winter weather—not something we worry about too much around here, but perfect for road trips to see family elsewhere around the holidays. You’ll also find animated headlamps and taillamps on the Denali, 19-inch wheels standard with 20-inch wheels available, and unique Smart Frequency Dampers on the suspension for incredible ride comfort and quality. This model also comes standard with AWD and Hill Descent Control, ensuring that you have a great time on the road every moment you’re behind the wheel.

A blue 2026 GMC Terrain Denali is parked near a barn.

Find the GMC Terrain You’ve Been Looking For

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about the 2025 GMC Terrain, along with the two additional trims that will join the Elevation for the 2026 model year. If you’re anything like us and you can’t wait for what the 2026 models will bring, then you’ll be well rewarded by the 2025 Terrain with its improved design, upgraded technology, safety features, and gorgeous styling that it brings to the road. Having only one trim level to choose from makes things simple since you don’t have to pick between them; once the other two are added, however, the right model should still be an easy pick since each one has its own focus and distinct elements. That said, since there are plenty of available options and packages being offered for the 2025 Terrain, you’ll still have some important decisions to make about what you want from your SUV. But you can rest assured that the Terrain could be the perfect choice for your daily drive.