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Volvo: Safety Beyond the Star Ratings2025 GMC Terrain Review
Check out our comprehensive review of the 2025 GMC Terrain for details on the cabin, technology, amenities, and safety of this compact SUV.
2025 GMC Terrain – gmc.com | Shop 2025 GMC Terrain on Carsforsale.com
What is New for the 2025 GMC Terrain?
The 2025 GMC Terrain marks the start of third-generation production. Design updates over the 2024 model, which we review here, are evolutionary with a new front-end design, mildly restyled cabin, and a newly optional two-tone finish. For 2025, only a base Elevation model is available with off-road-friendly AT4 and luxurious Denali variants set to join the lineup next year.
The bigger news is on the tech front as all new Terrains come with a portrait-oriented 15” central touchscreen, fully digital gauge cluster, and Google Assistant. The 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain carries over from the previous generation with a CVT on FWD models and an 8-speed automatic when AWD is fitted.
Carsforsale.com Score
7.5/10
Powertrain
Score
7.5/10
Interior
Score
7.75/10
Technology
Score
7.75/10
Value
Score
7.5/10
The Breakdown
Highly equipped base model
Large infotainment interface
Reasonable starting price
Slow-poke powertrain
Lack of a premium audio system
Continues to forgo a hybrid option
Terrain remains a tough sell against the Equinox
2025 GMC Terrain Specs
- 175 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 1 available trim
- 29.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 63.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 15 standard advance driver aids
- 15″ central touchscreen
- 5 years of roadside assistance
2025 GMC Terrain Powertrain 7.5/10
GMC carries forward the same 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 from the previous Terrain generation but has made some changes to output and transmissions. In base FWD guise, the 2025 Terrain makes 175 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, which pairs with a CVT. These models are rated for 26 mpg in city driving, 28 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. Towing capacity is just 800 pounds.
Adding AWD, a $2,000 option, bumps the torque output to 203 lb.-ft. and an 8-speed automatic gets swapped in. These Terrains come in at 24 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, and are rated for a slightly higher 1,500 pounds of towing. That is quite a ways off the 3,500 pounds of towing a Ford Escape offers as we look at in this comparison. As for speed, don’t expect much from the Terrain as last year’s model, with the same engine, required a poky 9.3 seconds to go from 0-60 mph.
2025 GMC Terrain Interior 7.75/10
GMC has updated the 2025 Terrain interior to emphasize “long, sweeping lines to accentuate the width of the cabin” and has fitted a wraparound swath of brightwork across the dash and doors. It’s a nice-looking cabin that comes with a choice of cloth or CoreTec upholstery in black or two-tone black and gray. All models come with noise-cancelling technology, heated front seats, and automatic climate control.
There is room for five passengers in the 2025 Terrain, which offers 39 inches of backseat legroom and 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind that seat. Fold this row down and the Terrain can swallow 63 cubic feet of cargo, which is on par with the Ford Escape. An available panoramic moonroof adds an airy feel, but requires a $4,200 package to enjoy.
2025 GMC Terrain Technology Features 7.75/10
New for 2025, the Terrain comes standard with a 15” central infotainment touchscreen and a fully-digital instrument panel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot are also on the roster of included features. Audiophiles will have to wait and see what the upcoming AT4 and Denali models offer, as the Elevation is only sold with a 6-speaker stereo system.
Safety-wise, the 2025 GMC Terrain is highly equipped with standard systems like forward collision mitigation with front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, intersection automated emergency braking, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. The 2025 model has yet to be tested by the NHTSA, but the 2024 Terrain earned a 5-star overall safety rating.
2025 GMC Terrain Trims & Pricing
Elevation – $31,395
The sole 2025 trimline, Elevation, comes with 17” alloy wheels, passive entry, LED exterior lighting, and heated side mirrors. Amenities include heat for the front seats and steering wheel, automatic climate control, and a 15” central touchscreen with navigation and wireless smartphone integration. Optional packages range from the $895 Black Edition with its 19” black rims and black exterior trim to the $2,700 Premium pack with 19” wheels, a hands-free tailgate, power-adjustable front seats, wireless phone charging, and more.
2025 GMC Terrain Overall Value 7.5/10
2025 GMC Terrain – gmc.com | Shop 2025 GMC Terrain on Carsforsale.com
Though the 2025 Terrain will only be offered in Elevation trim, it will likely remain the best option even once the AT4 and Denali models debut next year, as the price point will only increase on those higher-spec variants. Though nicely equipped in Elevation form, the base Ford Escape starts about $2,000 lower, has a more powerful engine, and though it can’t match the Terrain on screen size, it does offer a lot of similar standard content. GMC’s warranty includes 3 years of basic coverage, a 5-year powertrain and roadside assistance term, and one free oil change.
Carsforsale.com Overall Score 7.75/10
Seemingly more of a mid-cycle refresh than an all-new generation, the 2025 GMC Terrain continues to be a questionable value proposition. Its Chevy Equinox stablemate is thousands cheaper, comes with the same powertrain, and a lot of solid content. There’s nothing wrong with the Terrain, it just struggles to provide a compelling reason to shop it over the long list of alternatives in this packed segment.
Besides the Equinox and Escape, there are compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson. It starts several thousand dollars less than the Terrain, comes well equipped in base spec, and embarrasses GMC’s warranty with 10 years of powertrain coverage and 3 years of complimentary maintenance.
FAQ’s About the 2025 GMC Terrain
Where is the GMC Terrain made?
GMC builds the Terrain at its plant in Mexico.
Are GMC Terrains AWD?
The 2025 Terrain comes standard with FWD, but AWD is available.
Does the Terrain offer 3-row seating?
No, the Terrain is strictly a two-row SUV.
