Why opt for a GMC when it could just be a dressed-up Chevy? This question has long haunted GMC, the more premium truck and SUV brand under General Motors, especially when it comes to distinguishing vehicles like the 2025 GMC Terrain from its close relative, the Chevrolet Equinox. The challenge lies in convincing the market that the Terrain truly stands apart.
Elevated Entry-Level The 2025 Terrain shakes things up by retiring the basic SLE and SLT trims, replacing them with the new “Elevation” trim. This shift reflects a higher standard of features, with every Terrain now coming equipped with conveniences like remote start, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel—all previously optional. Safety has also been beefed up, with 15 standard features, including the latest tech like blind-zone steering assist, enhanced automatic emergency braking capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, and automatic rear braking.
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For those seeking more, the options list has expanded. A two-tone roof paint job, a sophisticated presence-based power liftgate, and an eight-camera HD Surround View system are now available across all trims. The Black package brings a sleek, aggressive look, upgrading the wheels from 17 to 19 inches and blacking out the trim and badging. The Premium package offers Coretec faux leather seats, wireless charging, roof rails, and other upscale touches.
Minor Engine Tweaks Under the hood, the Terrain continues with the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. New for 2025 is the pairing of this engine with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the front-wheel-drive models or an eight-speed automatic transmission for those with all-wheel drive. This change aligns the Terrain more closely with the Equinox, which now shares the same powertrain setup. While the fuel economy is expected to remain steady, the Terrain’s towing capacity stays modest at 1,500 pounds, suitable for small trailers or jet skis. The all-wheel-drive system is still driver-selectable, defaulting to front-wheel drive to optimize fuel efficiency.
Bolder Design Designers have drawn inspiration from the GMC Canyon, especially for the Terrain’s front grille, headlamps, and overall fascia. The windshield has been angled further back to improve aerodynamics, while the rear window stands more upright. Inside, the Terrain borrows heavily from its sibling, the GMC Acadia, featuring a 15-inch vertical center screen, a floating volume knob, and a row of physical buttons for climate control. The cabin tech includes an 11-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster, Google Built-In, 5G Wi-Fi, and compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All models come with soft-touch materials and chrome accents throughout the cabin, giving the Elevation trim a more refined feel. For those choosing the Denali variant, the interior steps up with additional leather and contrasting colors, though its performance remains less potent compared to competitors like the Lincoln Corsair. Notably, the previous model’s awkward push/pull button shifter has been replaced with a more traditional column-mounted stalk.
Dimensionally, the new Terrain is slightly wider and taller, with the broader stance contributing to a more commanding presence. However, these changes don’t translate into significantly more interior space, as passenger and cargo room remain similar to the outgoing model.
AT4 and Denali Beyond the Elevation, buyers can opt for the off-road-oriented AT4 or the luxury-focused Denali. The AT4 is equipped for adventure, featuring all-terrain tires, a mild suspension lift, red tow hooks, skidplates, and hill-descent control. Meanwhile, the Denali offers a more polished experience with extra chrome, larger wheels, and additional comfort features like ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
Availability and Pricing The 2025 GMC Terrain is expected to hit dealerships in late 2024, with the initial offering limited to the Elevation AWD model. A front-wheel-drive variant will follow in early 2025, along with the AT4 and Denali models, which will arrive as 2026 versions. Pricing for the 2025 Terrain is anticipated to start around $34,000, with the all-wheel-drive option adding about $1,600. As the release date approaches, more detailed pricing and driving impressions will reveal whether GMC has successfully widened the gap between the Terrain and the Equinox in both luxury and value.
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