By Matt Degen
Updated June 23, 2025
The 2026 GMC Terrain boasts the brand’s bold looks and rugged-yet-premium vibe in a compact form factor. Pricing starts at $31,295.
The GMC Terrain is now among the freshest choices in compact SUVs, coming off a full revamp just last year. Oddly, though, the all-new Terrain debuted in just a single, base trim. For 2026, though, GMC’s compact SUV triples its choices, moving up to three. Joining the entry-level Elevation trim are the rugged AT4 and premium-leaning Denali trims. Padding the lineup thusly should help the Terrain compete with rivals, but this is still a cutthroat segment that includes household names like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Like its cousin, the Chevrolet Equinox, the GMC Terrain is an adequate compact SUV with a few glints of greatness.
We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the GMC Terrain.
The Terrain lineup gets more fleshed out for 2026 with the arrival of the AT4 and Denali trims. GMC’s AT4 models are more off-road-oriented, while the desirable Denali trims represent the most premium variants. Both models have all-wheel drive standard along with their added feature content.
The 2026 GMC Terrain has a starting sticker price of $31,295, with the range-topping Terrain Denali kicking off at $42,395.
MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$31,295 | TBD | |||
$39,995 | TBD | |||
$42,395 | TBD |
The GMC Terrain’s starting price is about average for the segment, which also happens to be the most popular and most crowded class. Some dozen rivals compete here. Before buying a Terrain, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. The GMC Terrain’s resale value is predicted be about average, trailing leaders like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. Remember: Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.
As with many of its rivals, the 2026 GMC Terrain uses a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. But with just 175 horsepower, it is among the least powerful in the segment, second only to the smaller Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. And unfortunately, this is the only choice. Rivals, meanwhile, offer more powerful options or hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Also, consider that the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 not only comes with a hybrid powertrain standard, but it’s more powerful, with a minimum of 226 hp – 51 more ponies than the Terrain.
All this said, we found the Terrain’s driving manners acceptable and on par with what most drivers expect from a compact SUV. While its power is modest, it proved adequate for getting up to speed on the highway and fine for around-town driving. We prefer Terrain models with the all-wheel-drive setup for a couple of reasons. First, they get more torque, which helps with acceleration, and an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) found in front-wheel-drive models. The latter tend to drone. The AT4 and Denali models that come on board for 2026 have this better setup standard, and it’s optional on the base Elevation trim.
Terrain’s driver assistance systems also feel midpack compared to those of its rivals. The adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping works well enough, but subtle changes in speed and lane centering aren’t as smooth as the best systems out there.
Fuel Economy
The 2025 GMC Terrain is EPA-rated at 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive variants earn 25 mpg combined. Again, these numbers won’t win any awards. With all-wheel drive standard, the Subaru Forester attains up to 29 mpg. A hybrid Honda CR-V with all-wheel drive will get up to 37 mpg, and we predict the all-new Toyota RAV4 with its standard hybrid powertrain will easily reach that number or higher.
The 2026 GMC Terrain’s cabin is a nice place to reside, with an impressive mix of ruggedness and tech. The first thing you’ll likely notice is the 15-inch screen that dominates the dash. Not only is this screen bigger than that of its Chevy Equinox cousin, but it’s vertically oriented, like a giant tablet. Complementing this is an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. Together, these two panels easily display all the info you need and more. We also like that, though there is a lot of touchscreen, there are also physical buttons and a big ol’ volume knob at the bottom.
All trims come standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel – certainly a rarity – and the AT4 and Denali trims come with added perks like an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, overhead sunglass storage, and dual-zone climate control. The top-dog Terrain Denali includes ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and perforated leather upholstery. A panoramic sunroof is optional on both the AT4 and Denali trims.
The Terrain’s passenger and cargo space are hardly class-leading, but still workable and practical. For example, rear passengers get a pretty impressive 39.7 inches of legroom, and cargo space is 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.5 with them folded.
Here’s another selling point for the Terrain: This latest generation makes it look even more like an GMC SUV. And by that, we mean it’s got that boxy, rugged personality. This presence is even more prevalent in the AT4 model, given away by its red front tow hooks, front skid plate, and lifted ride height. The Terrain Denali, meanwhile, can’t be missed with its big and bright grille, 19-inch wheels, and – get this – animated headlights and taillights.
Heat and more heat: All 2026 Terrain models come with both heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Owners in cold-weather states will rejoice.
Animated lights: This isn’t quite Pixar levels, but the new GMC Terrain Denali has headlights and taillights that put on a little show upon startup.
Excellent tech: In addition to its massive 15-inch vertical touchscreen, all Terrain models include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Two-tone roof: We’re fond of these distinguishing treatments, and all Terrain models can be had with a contrast-color roof.
Digital rearview mirror: A rear camera mirror is standard on the Denali and optional on the Elevation and AT4. With the flick of a switch, the rear mirror goes from traditional mirror to a screen fed by a rear camera. This means you can see what’s behind you without being impeded by cargo or passengers’ heads.
Rear air vents: As lovers of both dogs and children who don’t get car sick, we love this feature, and even more so that it’s standard in the 2026 Terrain.
All GMC Terrain models use a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It makes 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque (front-wheel-drive models make 184 lb-ft). An 8-speed automatic transmission is fitted to all-wheel-drive variants, while front-drive models get a continuously variable transmission.
3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty
The GMC Terrain is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage is average for this segment. Additionally, you get complimentary maintenance on your first visit.
Safety
We’ll have to wait for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to test the redesigned Terrain. But all Terrain models come standard with a host of safety and driver assistance features including forward collision alert with automatic braking, Safety Alert Seat, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Curb Weight | 3446 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fuel Capacity | 14.8 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 40.0 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 44.0 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 5.8 inches | ||
Overall Length | 181.0 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 800 lbs. | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 63.5 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 37.1 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 107.5 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4630 lbs. |
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fog Lights | Available | ||
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Panorama Moon Roof | Available | ||
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
Roof Rails | Available | ||
LED Headlights | Available |
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Parking Assist System | Available |
Horsepower | 175 @ 5600 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 184 @ 2000 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter |
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 3 years / 36000 miles |
New 2026 GMC Terrain | New 2025 Nissan Rogue | New 2026 Honda CR-V | New 2025 Toyota RAV4 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $31,295 | $29,980 | $32,315 | $30,645 | |
KBB.com Rating | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.6 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.6 | |
Fuel Economy | N/A | City 30/Hwy 37/Comb 33 MPG | City 28/Hwy 34/Comb 30 MPG | City 27/Hwy 34/Comb 30 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Safety Rating | N/A | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | |
Horsepower | 175 @ 5600 RPM | 201 @ 5600 RPM | 190 @ 6000 RPM | 203 @ 6600 RPM | |
Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Dynamic-Force, 2.5 Liter | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | 2WD | FWD |
GMC will offer upscale Denali and rugged AT4 trim levels of its Terrain compact SUV in 2026, and keep prices relatively stable.
The redesigned GMC Terrain sees a price bump of $1,300 for 2025.
GMC lifted the curtain on the 2025 Terrain today, giving its smallest SUV a much-needed update to stay competitive in…
The 2026 GMC Terrain is either front- or all-wheel drive, depending on trim and options.
The 2026 GMC Terrain is on sale now.
No, a head-up display (HUD) is not offered in the new Terrain.
A 2026 GMC Terrain has a starting sticker price between $31,295 and can run all the way up to $42,395} according to Kelley Blue Book.
The cheapest 2026 GMC Terrain is the Elevation, with a starting sticker price of $31,295
The 2026 GMC Terrain is part of the 3rd-generation Terrain, which our owners give an above-average reliability rating of 4 out of 5.