The 2025 Terrain lineup bids farewell to the SLE and SLT trims, replacing them with a new “Elevation” base model. As the name suggests, standard equipment has been upgraded significantly. Features like remote start, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are now included across the board.
An expanded suite of 15 advanced safety features is also standard, with new additions such as blind-zone steering assist, enhanced automatic emergency braking (now capable of detecting pedestrians, bicyclists, and hazards at intersections), automatic rear braking, and side bicyclist alert.
Optional features have also been enhanced. All trims now offer a two-tone roof paint scheme—silver over black or black over other color options—an AutoSense power liftgate, a camera-based rearview mirror, and an eight-camera HD Surround View system.
The previously available Elevation package has been replaced by a Black package, which includes 19-inch black wheels and blacked-out trim and badging.
Minimal Powertrain Updates
Under the hood, the Terrain retains its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
However, the 2025 model introduces a change in transmission options. Front-wheel-drive models now come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while all-wheel-drive versions are equipped with an eight-speed automatic.
Despite the changes, fuel economy is expected to remain steady, and towing capacity is still limited to 1,500 pounds (or 800 pounds with the front-drive/CVT setup). The selectable all-wheel-drive system remains a feature, requiring manual activation to distribute torque to the rear wheels when needed.
Redesigned with a Rugged Aesthetic
The 2025 Terrain takes design cues from the GMC Canyon, incorporating a bolder grille, sleeker headlamps, and a redesigned fascia.
Aerodynamic improvements include a more steeply angled windshield, while the rear window now stands more upright. Inside, the Terrain adopts a design language similar to its siblings, highlighted by a 15-inch vertical touchscreen borrowed from the GMC Acadia.
Other interior highlights include an 11-inch reconfigurable digital instrument cluster, Google Built-In, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin receives soft-touch stitched materials on the dashboard, doors, and center console, accented by bright chrome trim.
Trim-Specific Features: AT4 and Denali
The 2025 Terrain offers two distinct paths for those seeking more than the base Elevation trim. The AT4 variant caters to off-road enthusiasts with features like standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels, a mild suspension lift, red tow hooks, skid plates, hill-descent control, and a terrain-select mode.
For those prioritizing luxury, the Denali trim delivers a more upscale experience with bright chrome accents, larger 19-inch wheels (with 20-inch options), heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 GMC Terrain debuted in late 2024, initially available only in the Elevation AWD trim. Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the CVT are expected to arrive by February 2025, followed by the AT4 and Denali trims, which will launch as 2026 models.
Pricing details are forthcoming, but the added features and size suggest a starting price of approximately $34,000 for the front-drive Elevation, with all-wheel drive adding about $1,600. For comparison, a 2024 GMC Terrain SLE equipped with the Convenience package (now standard on the Elevation) is priced at $31,470.
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