GMC Terrain 2026

When the GMC Terrain first appeared in 2010, it differed from the Chevrolet Equinox primarily with a rugged-looking grille and rear end. The second generation added a distinctive dashboard in 2018, along with the popular AT4 and Denali sub-series a few years later.

GM took this a step further with the most recent redesign of both models in 2025. As with most other GMCs, a 15-inch vertical touchscreen dominates the center console, while the Equinox features an 11.3-inch horizontal display. This reinforces the impression of two very different models in a GM dealership showroom.

Still mechanical twins…

You barely have to scratch the surface to discover the shared origins of the two vehicles. From the platform to the active safety interface, including dimensions and powertrains, the Equinox and the Terrain share almost everything.

Under the hood lies the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has powered the series since 2018, with a few minor modifications. Don't look for the more powerful 2.0-liter engine that was previously optional: GM dropped it at the end of 2021 due to a lack of customer interest.

The front-wheel-drive Elevation version uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which will be discontinued at the end of 2026. Starting in 2027, GMC will deliver all Terrain models with the eight-speed automatic transmission already found on the all-wheel-drive versions.

…with one exception

While the Equinox omits some suspension components from the Terrain AT4 and Denali, it compensates with the exclusivity of a fully electric version. Would the manufacturer benefit from electrifying its flagship pickup truck brand as well, given that its only electric model is the ostentatious Hummer EV?

Perhaps not on a corporate level, but current policy is depriving the GMC brand of a certain clientele, especially given the highly volatile energy prices. The consolation: independent Buick GMC dealerships that don't also sell Chevrolets are few and far between in Quebec.

Scroll down to the Review section to see how the Terrain compares to the Equinox, thanks to our test drive report of the Denali version.

GMC did a great job redesigning the Terrain. Beautiful in the truest sense of the word: the vehicle stands out visually, it's well-assembled, and its interior is classy, ​​especially in the Denali trim with its full leather interior.

The standard vertical touchscreen also gives it an undeniably high-tech look, at least on the surface. However, we expected more substance in terms of equipment, especially in a top-of-the-line version costing nearly $55,000.

The Terrain would further distinguish itself from its Chevrolet cousin if GMC offered, even as an option, a premium audio system and GM's excellent Super Cruise hands-free driving system. This latter feature would also increase the vehicle's appeal against the numerous and well-established competitors.

When adequate is no longer enough

The Terrain doesn't do anything truly wrong, but it doesn't exactly stand out either. On the one hand, it rides more comfortably than many rivals, and on the other, it runs out of steam more quickly during acceleration. It offers plenty of rear legroom, while its trunk appears smaller than average, regardless of what the figures say.

This fluctuation prevents the Terrain from shining against stars like the Toyota RAV4 (more fuel-efficient), the Subaru Forester (more versatile), the Honda CR-V (more spacious), and the Mazda CX-5 (more dynamic). Since its price and financing conditions don't make it a bargain, the gradual decline in its sales makes some sense, despite the vehicle's undeniable qualities.

A suitable engine in town, less so elsewhere

Not all 1.5-liter turbo engines are created equal. Between the Honda CR-V's, vigorous up to high revs, and the (three-cylinder) engines of the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue, brimming with torque but grumbling, lies the Terrain's engine.

It, too, pulls harder at low revs than with the accelerator floored, which suits urban or suburban driving well. Quite smooth under normal driving conditions, it becomes rather noisy under heavy load – but much less so than the "big fours" of the Acadia SUV and the Canyon pickup truck.

The new eight-speed transmission makes good use of this engine characteristic. However, it's a little too reluctant to downshift when the pace picks up. This accentuates the engine's lack of power when it comes to passing or merging onto a busy highway.

The calculated fuel consumption of 9.6 L/100 km is hardly impressive: the competition easily achieves 1 L/100 km better, sometimes with engines larger than GMC's.

Extra comfort for the Denali

Start with the Terrain Elevation's independent suspension, then add robust components, 17-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires: with only minor mechanical changes, you're essentially an AT4.

Swap the off-road components of the latter for "smart frequency dampers," and you're essentially in the Denali family.

This is the one we drove in the middle of the harsh Quebec winter of 2025-2026. Despite the concerning—or rather, deplorable—state of many roads in February 2026, few significant jolts disturbed the occupants. The 19-inch tires, however, don't quite manage to smooth out all smaller crevices and bumps.

Think twice if you're tempted by the optional 20-inch wheels. In all likelihood, their lower-profile tires would reduce the vehicle's absorption capacity without offering any real gains in handling.

Not sporty, but nimble enough

The handling is already adequate for the vehicle's intended purpose. Body roll is more pronounced than in a Subaru Outback we tested just before the Terrain, which is actually more compact. However, directional stability remains satisfactory, aided by steering that's pleasantly tighter than the previous model's.

While not possessing the handling of a sports coupe, the Chevrolet Equinox RS we drove in the fall of 2025 felt a bit more stable and planted on the road than the Terrain Denali. All the more reason to try both vehicles to choose the experience that suits you best.

Modern and reasonably convenient

One of the main differences between the Terrain and the Equinox is the vertical infotainment screen. Unlike some other manufacturers, GMC has positioned it below the air vents, integrating it more seamlessly into the dashboard than a tablet mounted above it.

The downside? The climate controls, located at the very bottom of the screen, are difficult to read at a glance. However, a row of toggle switches for the main functions compensates for this weakness.

The other applications accessible via the screen have a logical and impeccably clear layout thanks to the high-resolution display. The same can be said for the customizable digital instrument cluster.

As in many contemporary GM vehicles, the gear selector is located to the right of the steering wheel, exactly where the windshield wiper stalk is in most vehicles on the market. Guess what happens when you want to use the windshield washer without thinking twice? Neutral is inadvertently selected, leading to some confusion while driving.

Curious equipment omissions

Denali is the most prestigious badge a GMC vehicle can bear. This generation of the Terrain is the second to sport it, along with the accompanying grille and chrome trim.

Beyond these decorative elements, the Denali name comes with perks like ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, driver's seat memory, perforated leather, a rearview camera mirror, a surround-view monitoring system, and a panoramic sunroof (which our early production model curiously lacked).

That's all well and good, but all these features are already optional on the AT4 model and even, for some, on the base Elevation trim. To support its luxurious aspirations, the Denali would benefit from offering some exclusive features, which abund in GM's catalog.

The Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system would be an ideal candidate, especially since it outshines all similar driver assistance systems on the market, except perhaps Tesla's Autopilot. And even if the 6-speaker audio system sounds decent, what other manufacturer besides GM doesn't offer a major brand system in its most expensive compact SUV?

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist
• Stability and traction control
• Hill descent control
• Front airbags
• Front and rear side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Five adjustable head restraints
• Rear seat occupant alert
• Rearview camera
• Tire pressure monitor
• Forward collision alert
• Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and cross-traffic detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Automatic high-beams
• Blind-spot monitoring with cyclist detection and automatic steering assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear parking sensors
• Surround-view monitor and rear pedestrian detection (standard on Denali, not available on other trim levels)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Overall score: not tested
Frontal impact: not tested
Side impact: 5 / 5
Rollover resistance: 4 / 5

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)

*Results for the Chevrolet Equinox, which has similar platform and size

Moderate overlap frontal impact: not tested
Small overlap frontal impact:
- driver side: 4 / 4
- passenger side: 3 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4