The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that adapts the brand’s bold, truck-like styling for a family audience. Competitors include the Ford Bronco Sport, the Subaru Forester, and the Hyundai Tucson, as well as the related Chevrolet Equinox.
2026 GMC Terrain Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 GMC Terrain
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain was fully redesigned for the 2025 model year, but made very little impact on the market since it was available only in its base trim. For 2026, GMC rounds out the Terrain lineup with the AT4 and Denali trim levels, both of which were were available with the previous Terrain. As before—and elsewhere in the GMC lineup—the AT4 adds off-road capability while the Denali offers an upscale experience.
Design
The Terrain carries over its two-row, five-passenger compact crossover SUV design. Its styling is more truck-like than the previous generation, thanks in large part to the grille, which varies by trim but is generally based on a wide frame filled with vertical, chrome slats. The Elevation and AT4 feature 17-inch wheels exclusive to each trim, while the Denali comes standard with 19-inch wheels and is available with 20-inch wheels. The Terrain is available with a contrast roof, while other standout details include the AT4’s red tow hooks or the Denali’s exclusive front and rear LED lighting with animated light patterns.
Powertrain
Regardless of trim, the 2026 Terrain features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated for 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. With standard front-wheel drive (FWD), the Terrain uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), though with all-wheel drive (AWD), GMC swaps in an eight-speed automatic transmission. Neither combination is particularly interesting, though handling is confident and the ride is reasonably smooth. The Denali trim features an upgraded suspension system, which helps offset the harshness associated with its bigger wheels and low-profile rubber. The EPA hasn’t yet published ratings for the 2026 Terrain, so we have only 2025’s ratings for the Elevation trim, which are likely the most efficient versions anyway owing to the AT4’s and Denali’s bigger wheels and more specialized tires. The FWD 2025 Terrain is rated for 26 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, while ratings drop to 24/28/25 mpg with AWD.
Interior
The Terrain accommodates five occupants across its two rows. It’s decently equipped and somewhat upscale, thanks to the brand’s truck-like styling cues and material quality that elevates it above its cousin, the Chevy Equinox. Standard features include a heated steering wheel and heated front seats, while the AT4 features more rugged design elements in line with its off-road capability, and the Denali goes for a luxury-like look and feel. This GMC can accommodate 30 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, and a maximum of 64 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
Technology
Across the lineup, the GMC Terrain features an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-touchscreen infotainment display. The infotainment system has been updated for this generation and features a Google-based system with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Google Maps built-in navigation and Google Assistant. Users can download and install apps for content streaming via the Google Play store.
Safety
The 2026 GMC features a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection with automatic braking, intersection automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, blind-spot steering assist, and rear cross-traffic alert with braking. At the time of writing, the 2026 GMC Terrain hadn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 GMC Terrain is available now. As of this writing, GMC listed pricing starting at $29,900 for the base Elevation trim, $38,600 for the off-road-focused AT4, and $41,100 for the luxurious and capable Denali. Though GMC offers the Terrain in a tightly curated trio of trim levels, there are plenty of options. These prices do not include GMC's $1,395 destination fee.
