GMC just unveiled a much-needed redesign of its best-selling SUV the Terrain, as a bigger, fancier, safer compact SUV with a carryover engine. Like its cousin the Chevrolet Equinox, the new Terrain will be more spacious than the outgoing model, features a new “truck-inspired” design, and brings GM’s Google-based infotainment system as standard, which means it loses its standard wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Few details have been shared, but as of now we know that the 2025 Terrain carries over the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque and allows the Terrain to tow up to 1,500 pounds. At launch, it will come with standard all-wheel-drive matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the previous Terrain already offered some active safety features as standard, the 2025 model adds even more like reverse automatic braking and blind zone steering assist.
The new GMC Terrain tries harder than ever to distinguish itself from the plebian nature of its bowtie-bearing sibling the Chevrolet Equinox. GMC dropped the previous model’s trim structure in favor of new outdoorsy names. The entry-level Terrain will be Elevation trim, and come standard with more than 15 active safety features, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, all-wheel-drive, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Beyond the base Elevation trim, GMC will introduce the Terrain’s first rugged AT4 model, with a lifted ride height, red recovery hooks, all-terrain tires, and an AT4-exclusive Terrain mode. Denali trim remains, but will now offer standard heated outboard rear seats, new dampers for improved ride comfort, and animated head and tail lights. For the first time, GMC will offer the Terrain with contrasting roof color options, so buyers can add a black or gray roof to their SUV.
Where the base 2025 Chevy Equinox comes standard with front-wheel-drive and a CVT, the base 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation comes standard with all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both cars offer standard heated front seats, so we’ll have to wait for prices and other details to be announced before claiming the Terrain as the better deal, but its real 8-speed auto and AWD as standard beats the Equinox’s FWD CVT combo. Expect the redesigned Terrain to go on sale toward the end of this year.
