GMC gives Terrain crossover a pickup-inspired redesign, bigger screens

DETROIT — GMC has redesigned its Terrain compact crossover with a look inspired by the brand's pickups, larger screens and more standard safety features, even on the base model.

That entry-level Elevation trim, which replaces the SLT and SLE, will be the only Terrain variety available for the 2025 model year. The off-road AT4 and high-end Denali versions will follow as 2026 models.

The streamlined, three-trim strategy aligned with the rest of GMC's lineup "makes it really simple for customers to choose," Rebecca Sparling, GMC crossovers marketing manager, told Automotive News at a media event for the next-generation Terrain, which last was redesigned for 2018.

"We know that within the compact SUV segment, it's the most competitive," Sparling said. "Price sensitivity is huge within compact SUV. We really see customers looking for value for their money."

GMC didn't disclose pricing for the 2025 Terrain, which is set to go into production this fall at General Motors' San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico and reach dealerships late in the year.

It joins the newly redesigned Acadia three-row crossover and the upcoming freshening of the Yukon full-size SUV to give GMC a fully updated lineup of utility vehicles by the end of 2024, Duncan Aldred, vice president of global Buick and GMC, said in a statement.

The Terrain is GMC's second-bestselling nameplate, after the Sierra full-size pickup. U.S. sales rose 31 percent in the first half of the year to 49,123. Its redesign follows similar updates to the Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover, which also got a more rugged, truck-like look for 2025.

GMC anticipates the Elevation trim will make up 70 to 75 percent of Terrain sales, with the remainder evenly split between the AT4 and Denali, Sparling said. A Black Edition package expected to be chosen by up to 40 percent of Elevation buyers will come with black badging and accents, as well as 19-inch wheels instead of the 17-inch standard offering.

Designers said the Terrain is about 2 inches wider than the outgoing generation and the hood was raised for a tougher appearance that resembles the Canyon midsize pickup. Each trim level has a unique grille, GMC said.

"We really wanted this consistent look across the GMC lineup," Sparling said. "Not identical twins, but really to kind of have those design cues that play off of one another within the interior and exterior."

For the first time, GMC said, the Terrain offers an optional contrasting-color roof: gray with a black body or black with all other exterior colors.

The Terrain will continue to be powered by a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 175 hp and 203 pound-feet of torque with all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission on awd models replaces a nine-speed automatic for 2025. The 2025 Elevation will launch with awd, followed by front-wheel drive.

On the inside, the Terrain gets a 15-inch, portrait-oriented infotainment screen similar to that in the redesigned Acadia and an 11-inch driver infotainment screen. GMC said drivers can access navigation and other controls through Google Assistant or the touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring capabilities are included as well.

Drivers can see views from as many as eight cameras, including an optional rear camera mirror for the first time, GMC said. An available power liftgate can open automatically when the key fob is within range.

All trims offer more than 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features, which Sparling said is more than double what's on the outgoing generation. They include enhanced automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, rear cross traffic braking and reverse automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control and remote start are standard on all trims, GMC said.

The AT4 will debut with standard Terrain mode, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, tow hooks, metal underbody shields and awd. It is lifted 12 millimeters higher than the other trims, said Stephanie Ernster, the Terrain's vehicle performance manager.

The Denali will come with standard front and rear heated seats, premium materials, 19-inch wheels — with a 20-inch option available — and improved dampers that have been tuned for comfort, GMC said. Both the AT4 and Denali will feature headlight and taillight animations.