Cars

Is the 2025 GMC Terrain a Good SUV? Full Review & Specs

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Is the 2025 GMC Terrain a Good SUV? Full Review & Specs

The 2025 GMC Terrain makes a strong return to the small SUV market, bringing refreshed styling, upgraded technology, and enhanced safety features to compete with popular models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson. As consumers continue to favor compact SUVs for their blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern design, the 2025 Terrain aims to position itself as a serious contender. But is it really a good SUV? In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down the 2025 GMC Terrain’s performance, design, interior features, safety, fuel economy, and pricing to help you decide if it's the right fit for your lifestyle.

2025 GMC Terrain Overview

The 2025 GMC Terrain is an all-new model year, marking a complete redesign after a brief hiatus in 2024. GMC decided to take a strategic pause to re-engineer the Terrain with modern underpinnings, new engines, and a more competitive feature set. The result is a compact SUV that blends GMC’s signature premium feel with everyday functionality. Available in four trim levels—SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali—the 2025 Terrain caters to a wide range of buyers, from budget-conscious drivers to those seeking a near-luxury experience in a compact package.

Positioned below the larger GMC Acadia, the Terrain targets buyers who want a smaller, more maneuverable SUV without sacrificing brand prestige. With its bold grille, LED lighting, and refined proportions, the 2025 Terrain exudes a confident presence on the road. But beyond aesthetics, the real question remains: does it deliver a compelling driving and ownership experience?

2025 GMC Terrain a good SUV with bold front grille and LED headlights

Exterior Design: Bold, Modern, and Distinctive

GMC has redefined the 2025 Terrain’s exterior with a more aggressive and upscale look. The front fascia features a large, blacked-out grille flanked by slim, standard LED headlights and available LED daytime running lights that give it a sharp, high-tech appearance. The signature C-shaped LED lighting signature, a hallmark of newer GMC models, adds a distinctive touch.

The profile is sleek and athletic, with pronounced wheel arches and available 19-inch alloy wheels (standard on Denali). The rear styling is clean, highlighted by full-width LED taillights and a subtle spoiler. Available roof rails add both visual appeal and utility, while the overall stance suggests stability and confidence on the road.

Available in nine exterior colors—including Summit White, Deep Ocean Blue, and Satin Steel Metallic—the 2025 Terrain lets buyers personalize their SUV to match their style. The AT4 trim, designed for off-road enthusiasts, adds unique skid plates, a lifted suspension, and all-terrain tires, making it stand out from the crowd.

Interior Comfort and Materials: Premium Feel in a Compact Package

Step inside the 2025 GMC Terrain, and you’ll immediately notice a significant upgrade in interior quality. The cabin uses soft-touch materials, real stitching on the dashboard, and available leather upholstery to create a refined atmosphere. The Denali trim takes luxury further with genuine wood trim accents, perforated leather seats, and ambient lighting.

Front passengers enjoy excellent headroom and legroom, with power-adjustable seats (eight-way for the driver, six-way for the passenger) available on higher trims. The rear seats offer ample space for adults, with 39.5 inches of legroom—competitive in its class. The flat floor helps with comfort during three-abreast seating, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats enhance cargo flexibility.

The cargo area measures 28.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to 63.3 cubic feet when folded—slightly less than the Honda CR-V but more than the Mazda CX-5. A hands-free power liftgate is available on SLT and higher trims, making loading and unloading easier, especially when your hands are full.

Infotainment and Technology

GMC has equipped the 2025 Terrain with a modern infotainment system centered around a standard 11.3-inch touchscreen. All trims feature the latest version of GMC’s infotainment software, which is intuitive and responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, eliminating the need for cords. Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, and a four-speaker audio system come standard, while higher trims upgrade to a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers.

The Denali trim adds navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and over-the-air software updates. A fully digital 12.3-inch driver information display is available, giving drivers a customizable view of speed, fuel economy, navigation, and safety alerts. Wireless charging is standard on SLT and above, and USB-C ports are plentiful throughout the cabin.

One standout feature is the available Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects key driving information onto the windshield. This feature, rare in compact SUVs, enhances safety by keeping your eyes on the road. The Terrain also supports GMC’s connected services, including remote start, door lock/unlock, and vehicle diagnostics via the GMC Connected App.

Performance and Engine Options

The 2025 GMC Terrain offers three engine choices, each tailored to different driving needs. All engines are paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission and are available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Terrain’s ride quality is firm but comfortable, thanks to a well-tuned suspension. The AT4 trim includes a lifted suspension and off-road-tuned shocks, making it capable on light trails and unpaved roads. Steering is precise, and the SUV handles corners confidently, with minimal body roll for its class.

Fuel Economy: Efficient for a Compact SUV

Fuel efficiency is a major selling point for the 2025 Terrain, especially with the new hybrid option. Here's a breakdown of EPA-estimated MPG figures:

Engine Drivetrain City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG
1.5L Turbo FWD 26 31 28
1.5L Turbo AWD 25 30 27
2.0L Turbo FWD 23 29 25
2.0L Turbo AWD 22 28 24
1.5L Turbo Hybrid FWD 32 34 30

The hybrid model stands out for its efficiency, achieving a class-competitive 30 MPG combined without sacrificing too much performance. For buyers focused on saving at the pump, this option makes a compelling case. Even the base 1.5L turbo engine offers respectable efficiency for its power output.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority in the 2025 GMC Terrain, which comes standard with GMC’s latest driver assistance suite, known as GMC Pro Safety+™. This includes:

Higher trims and optional packages add advanced features such as:

The 2025 Terrain has not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but given its structural design and extensive safety tech, it’s expected to earn top ratings. The available Night Vision system on Denali models uses infrared technology to detect pedestrians and animals beyond headlight range—another feature rarely seen in this segment.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 GMC Terrain is available in four trim levels, each offering a balance of value and features:

1. SLE – $29,995 (MSRP)

The base SLE trim is well-equipped for the price, offering LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, cloth seating, an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full GMC Pro Safety+ suite. It’s a smart choice for budget-minded buyers who don’t want to sacrifice safety or tech.

2. SLT – $34,595

The SLT adds leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power driver’s seat, larger 18-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof (optional). The 2.0L turbo engine is available here, making it an ideal upgrade for those wanting more power and comfort.

3. AT4 – $37,295

Designed for rugged adventures, the AT4 features a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, unique skid plates, and distinctive black exterior trim. It includes standard AWD, hill-descent control, and off-road-tuned suspension settings. Interior upgrades include heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It’s a capable SUV for light off-roading and all-weather driving.

4. Denali – $41,995

The top-tier Denali trim delivers near-luxury refinement. Features include genuine leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bose audio, navigation, Head-Up Display, and Night Vision. The 2.0L turbo engine is standard, and the Denali’s interior materials and quiet cabin make it a standout in the compact SUV class.

All trims are eligible for optional packages, such as the Technology Package (adds adaptive cruise, enhanced parking assist) and the Premium Package (adds panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and wireless charging).

Pros and Cons of the 2025 GMC Terrain

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