The 2025 GMC Terrain returns to its boxy roots with a bold new design, powerful engine options, and premium features. Learn more about this compelling compact SUV.
The 2025 GMC Terrain has made a bold return to its boxy roots, ditching the push-button shifter in favor of a more traditional gear selector. This redesigned compact SUV is set to shake up the market with its striking new look, impressive performance, and a host of cutting-edge features. As GMC’s entry-level offering, the 2025 Terrain is poised to attract a wide range of buyers, from families seeking practicality to urban dwellers craving style and versatility.
Table of Contents
Design and Aesthetics
The 2025 GMC Terrain boasts a refreshingly bold and boxy exterior design that pays homage to its predecessors while embracing modern styling cues. The front fascia features a prominent grille flanked by sleek LED headlights, giving the Terrain a confident and assertive stance. The boxy silhouette is accentuated by clean, sculpted lines that run along the sides, creating a sense of strength and stability.
Inside, the Terrain’s cabin exudes a premium feel with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The dashboard features a large, vertically oriented infotainment screen that seamlessly integrates with the overall design. The center console houses the new gear selector, which replaces the push-button system from previous models. This change not only adds to the car’s classic appeal but also enhances the driving experience by providing a more tactile and intuitive control interface.
The Terrain’s interior offers ample space for both passengers and cargo, with a generous amount of legroom and headroom throughout the cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, ensuring a pleasant ride even on long journeys. The build quality is impressive, with tight panel gaps and a solid feel to every surface and control.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Despite its compact size, this engine provides ample power for daily driving and can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
For those seeking more power, GMC offers an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter engine delivers a significant boost in performance, allowing the Terrain to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is another strong suit for the 2025 Terrain. The 1.5-liter engine achieves an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, while the 2.0-liter engine returns 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive within the compact SUV segment, making the Terrain a practical choice for those who value both performance and fuel economy.
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Technology and Features
The 2025 GMC Terrain is packed with a host of advanced technology features that enhance the driving experience and keep occupants connected and entertained.
The centerpiece of the Terrain’s tech offerings is the large 15-inch infotainment screen that dominates the dashboard. This high-resolution display runs GMC’s latest infotainment software, which offers intuitive controls and a responsive interface. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with the vehicle’s systems.
In addition to the infotainment screen, the Terrain features a 12-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display a variety of information, including navigation directions, vehicle diagnostics, and safety alerts. The available head-up display projects key driving information directly onto the windshield, reducing the need to take your eyes off the road.
Safety is a top priority for the 2025 Terrain, and it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels add features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system for easier parking in tight spaces.
Pricing and Variants
The 2025 GMC Terrain is available in three well-equipped trim levels: SLE, SLT, and Denali. Pricing for the base SLE starts at $32,000, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded compact SUV at a reasonable price point.
The SLT trim adds a few extra features, such as leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a Bose premium audio system. Prices for the SLT start at $35,500. For those who want the ultimate in luxury and technology, the top-of-the-line Denali trim is the way to go. The Denali starts at $40,000 and includes features like a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a head-up display.
All trims are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the latter adding $2,000 to the base price. GMC also offers a range of packages and standalone options that allow buyers to customize their Terrain to their specific needs and preferences.
Market Positioning and Competitors
The 2025 GMC Terrain is positioned as a premium offering in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. It competes directly with models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape, all of which offer a similar blend of practicality, comfort, and technology.
What sets the Terrain apart is its bold styling, premium interior materials, and powerful engine options. While the CR-V and RAV4 may have a slight edge in terms of fuel efficiency and cargo space, the Terrain more than makes up for it with its upscale features and engaging driving dynamics.
The Terrain also benefits from being part of GMC’s well-established brand, which is known for its rugged trucks and SUVs. This brand recognition and reputation for quality help to position the Terrain as a more premium alternative to its Japanese and American rivals.
User Experience and Reviews
Early reviews of the 2025 GMC Terrain have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its striking design, impressive performance, and well-appointed interior. Many have noted that the Terrain’s boxy styling sets it apart from the more rounded competitors, giving it a unique and appealing look.
The powerful turbocharged engines have also received high marks, with reviewers highlighting the smooth power delivery and responsive handling. The available all-wheel drive system has been praised for its ability to provide extra traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Inside, the Terrain’s cabin has been lauded for its premium materials and intuitive layout. The large infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster have been singled out as standout features, offering a high-tech and user-friendly experience.
While the Terrain has received mostly positive reviews, some critics have noted that the rear cargo space may be slightly smaller than some competitors due to the boxy design. However, most agree that the Terrain’s strengths far outweigh any minor drawbacks.
Conclusion
The 2025 GMC Terrain is a bold and compelling entry in the compact SUV segment, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and premium features. Its striking boxy design, powerful engine options, and well-appointed interior make it a strong contender for buyers seeking a more upscale alternative to the more mainstream offerings from Honda, Toyota, and Ford.
With a starting price of $32,000, the Terrain represents a solid value proposition, especially when you consider the long list of standard features and available options. Whether you’re a family in need of a practical and comfortable SUV or an urban dweller seeking a stylish and versatile ride, the 2025 GMC Terrain is definitely worth a closer look.
