The All-New 2025 GMC Terrain Covers Some Exciting New Ground 

The GMC Terrain has made a name for itself as one of the most well-rounded compacts in the crossover segment, but the new third-generation model manages to make some vital improvements without straying too far from the original recipe. Second only to the full-size Sierra 1500 pickup in terms of popularity, the Terrain allows drivers to take advantage of GMC’s hard-earned reputation for utility and performance while enjoying all the benefits of the crossover approach. The Terrain offers a winning combination of cargo and passenger space, advanced driving tech, and safety features that’ll make the compact models the perfect choice for busy families who are in the market for a new go-to vehicle that won’t break the bank. 

The Terrain has won its fair share of praise since it first hit the market in 2010, but there are a number of noteworthy changes on the books for 2025. The debut of the new third-generation sees the Terrain treated to a thorough redesign that includes some important updates to the SUV’s trim ladder, styling, and a suite of safety, convenience, and infotainment tech. There’s a lot to cover when it comes to the 2025 Terrain, so before making your way down to see us here at LaFontaine Buick GMC Highland, your premier GMC dealer near Farmington Hills, take a few minutes to study up and learn why GMC’s compact crossover represents a worthy addition to any driveway. 

Elevated Terrain 

GMC has made a bold choice heading into the 2025 model year by reducing the Terrain’s trim ladder down to a single model in the Elevation. This sort of approach isn’t unheard of in today’s auto market, especially when launching a new generation, and while the lack of options might seem limiting to drivers who have become accustomed to choosing between endless options, the simplicity is actually a little refreshing. The Terrain drops the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims for the new year, and while the latter two are set to return for 2026, it’s pretty hard to complain once you get a look at the Elevation’s long list of standard equipment.

From a heated steering wheel and heated front seats to a remote starter, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlamps with GMC’s advanced IntelliBeam automatic high beam system, the Elevation sees the Terrain gain some near-luxury touches that mark a substantial improvement over the outgoing base model. The Elevation integrates some of the best features from the SLT and Denali trims while ringing in at around $2,000 to $8,000 less. It’s a welcome change of pace in an age where ever-rising prices are the norm, and it allows the Terrain to pack the sort of value that can make such a difference when you start comparing crossover models.     

Style Inspired by GMC’s Best 

The 2025 Terrain cuts an imposing figure with a new exterior design that takes heavy inspiration from GMC’s full-size Yukon SUV. A fresh set of body panels gives the Terrain a boxier, more truck-like design when compared to the 2024 version, which both speaks to the crossover’s utility and allows it to better mesh with the rest of the GMC lineup. It all starts at the front, where a new fascia gives the Terrain a bolder, more squared-off look. A restyled grille flows into the new headlight cluster, and while it’s not a dramatic change, it’s surprising just how much of an impact a few tweaks can make.

Elsewhere, GMC has adjusted the front windshield in an effort to improve the Terrain’s aerodynamic profile and revisited the rear window to give the SUV a more mature, utilitarian look when compared to the second-gen model. Those looking to customize their Terrain have plenty of options to choose from, with GMC offering a whole slate of new exterior colors and wheel options that are sure to turn some heads as you cruise down Grand River Avenue. The restyled Terrain looks like it means business, pulling some important design cues from the Yukon and Sierra 1500 to breathe fresh life into the compact crossover. 

The Complete Performance Package 

The SUV retains its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces more than enough power to hustle the compact crossover down the road. Drivers can enjoy up to 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when selecting the front-wheel drive model, but those seeking an SUV ready to put in some work might want to consider the all-wheel drive setup. The AWD model not only replaces the FWD’s continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with an eight-speed automatic, it also nearly doubles the Terrain’s max towing capacity from 800 lbs to 1,500 lbs. It might not be as off-road ready as some of GMC’s larger trucks and crossovers, but the Terrain is the perfect choice if you’re looking to get outside and explore the 600-plus acres of public parks that make Farmington Hills such a great place to live.

The compact provides ample acceleration that should give you plenty of confidence when moving at highway speeds but also keeps fuel economy front and center by offering up to 28 MPG on the highway when equipped with FWD or AWD. GMC has also prioritized the comfort factor when designing the new third-generation Terrain, which offers a cushy suspension that’ll see you arrive at your destination relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on whatever the day might throw at you. The Terrain might not be able to flex some of the pure muscle of GMC’s work-ready pickups, but it’s clearly been designed with the same “Professional Grade” ethos that’s earned the brand such a loyal following. 

Fresh Tech for 2025 

While the Terrain’s exterior redesign and new Elevation trim have grabbed a lot of the headlines, it’s the SUV’s host of advanced tech features that really mark the most noteworthy improvement. The crossover is now equipped with a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment display as a standard feature, which is a significant improvement over the 7- and 8-inch screens found in the 2024 model. The vertical display offers plenty of real estate in a familiar, tablet-like design that pairs well with the Terrain’s Google-based operating system. The infotainment system also comes packed with popular apps, including Google Maps, handy connectivity offerings like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that’ll keep you connected wherever you go.

The third-generation Terrain gains another new display in the form of an 11-inch digital instrument cluster that can be easily reconfigured to provide a bespoke dashboard experience. The Terrain’s arsenal of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) also gets a boost with GMC adding four new features to the mix, including Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and two technologies focused on cyclist safety in Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking and Side Bicyclist Alert. These ADAS additions put the Terrain towards the top of the compact segment in terms of capability while creating a safer road for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.     

Check Out the 2025 GMC Terrain Today

If you’re searching for an efficient, tech-forward, family-friendly SUV that doesn’t make any excuses when it comes to performance, it’s time to stop by LaFontaine Buick GMC Highland and test drive the 2025 GMC Terrain. There’s a lot to explore when it comes to the third-generation crossover, and while we’ve covered some of the obvious highlights, the Terrain still has plenty of surprises in store. A new AutoSense power liftgate can pop the trunk as soon as you approach the vehicle, while a heated wiper park keeps the blades nice and toasty to help prevent the sort of icy buildup that can make for a rough commute on a chilly Michigan morning.

With seating for five and up to 63.3 cu.ft. of cargo space, the compact SUV defies its categorization to offer a spacious cabin that prioritizes comfort and utility. While the Terrain and Chevy Equinox are built around the same platform, feature the same engine, and are pretty similar in terms of their dimensions, the GMC version takes a decidedly more upmarket approach that broadens its appeal among drivers who believe that the journey is just as important as the destination.

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