The current generation GMC Terrain long preferred to be behind the scenes with the model giving up the spotlight to models like the revamped GMC Acadia, the Sierra pickup, and even the Hummer EV lineup. The Terrain was last updated in 2022 and it has still managed to remain a good seller despite its age beginning to show in a few spots.
GMC is not taking any chances though and it has unveiled the 2025 GMC Terrain with the model supposedly being a massive revamp for the brand. Styling, technology, and powertrains are all being updated but is it all enough to finally help the Terrain step out of the shadows and into the spotlight?
Beefier styling packs more of a visual punch
The exterior styling of the blacked-out model that GMC chose to use as its hero car has been updated but at first glance, it will be hard to spot the differences with the new model having the same core design as the outgoing model including the C-shaped LED running lights and the same core design lines. The front fascia is all-new though and it gets reworked headlights and a larger rectangular front grille.
The rear gets larger panes of glass and the taillights are smaller than before. The rest of the rear is cleaner and GMC designers removed some 175-hp 1.5-of the clutter to help clean up things to project a more balanced look. A two-tone roof option is also available but it appears to be limited to blacked-out versions of the Terrain like this one.
Technology gets upgraded
Slip inside the 2025 GMC Terrain and you’ll discover that the interior has gone under the knife for 2025 with the infotainment system being swapped out for a new 15-inch portrait-style infotainment system with the lower center of the screen featuring a large control knob. An 11-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard and GMC says that both screens will be standard across the entire lineup.
The bigger screen is also a hub for the 15 driver assistance features that GMC crammed into the system with Google Assistant also being standard on the Terrain. A power liftgate will be optional and the 2025 Terrain will also have an optional camera system with eight different units providing an expansive field of view for occupants. 5G wireless internet capability is also making its first appearance on the Terrain for 2025.
New transmission highlights carryover engine
With all the changes that are coming to the exterior and the interior, GMC chose to step off the proverbial accelerator when it came to powertrain updates with the 2025 model getting the same turbocharged 175-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The transmission gets replaced with a new eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive will be standard at launch though it remains to be seen if GMC will eventually bring a front-wheel drive model out to provide a cheaper option for consumers.
In our opinion look for GMC to potentially use this generation of the Terrain as an opportunity to axe the FWD version since those models tend to be heavily outsold by their AWD counterparts especially in snow states where AWD is often seen as an aide in snowy and other inclement weather.
When will we see the 2025 GMC Terrain?
GMC is still keeping some details about the Terrain close to the vest, but the company did confirm that the model will begin rolling out to dealerships in late 2024 when the new Elevation model (replacing the SLE and SLT trims) appears first to spearhead the launch. These models will be joined by the AT4 and Denali models next year with these two trims offering more off-road capability and luxury respectively.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.