Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: From $30,400Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2027 GMC Terrain compact SUV - the sister car of the Chevrolet Equinox - is settling in nicely, three years after its redesign. It comes in three trims with a choice of FWD or AWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission, all motivated by the same 175-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but no hybrid options are offered. The AT4 adds some off-road focus, while the Denali occupies the luxury compact corner, but all have the same big 15-inch touchscreen. It's compact but has a roomy interior, and will appeal to people looking for a no-nonsense compact and don't mind the lack of engine power.2025-2026 GMC Terrain Elevation AWD in Sterling MetallicGMCWhat's New for 2027For the 2027 Terrain Elevation trim with FWD, GMC has replaced the CVT automatic with the same 8-speed torque converter automatic the two upper AWD trims already use. This also means the FWD Elevation gets a 19-lb-ft hike in torque to 203 lb-ft. The only other tweak is that the Technology package now also contains remote-viewing cameras.2025 GMC Terrain gear selector and displayMichael Simari, Car and DriverExteriorThe Terrain is bold and attractive, drawing from GMC's larger SUVs, and looking smart with its contrasting C-pillar, C-shaped DRLs, and LED front and rear lights. The Elevation and AT4 have a black grille with horizontal chrome slats, but the Denali has a more ornate Galvano Silver affair. The AT4 has some off-road intent with red tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and more ground clearance. The base trims have 17-inch wheels, upgradable to 19s on the Elevation, and the Denali rides on 19s, upgradable to 20s.2025-2026 GMC Terrain Denali in Downpour MetallicGMCView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorThe Terrain has a roomy cabin, with nearly 40 inches of rear legroom, yet still offers competitive cargo space that maxes out at over 60 cu-ft. Base amenities include cloth upholstery, a heated steering wheel and front seats, a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, and 6-speaker audio. AT4 adds more durable CoreTec upholstery and dual-zone climate control, while Denali comes with leather upholstery, power front seats with ventilation, heated outboard rear seats, and more. A panoramic sunroof is an option on all trims.2026 GMC Terrain AT4 with Forest Storm interiorAdvertisementAdvertisementView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimTrimPriceElevation FWD$30,400Elevation AWD$32,400AT4 AWD$39,100Denali AWD$42,200Last year, the Elevation AWD with its more torque and better transmission was our top choice, but the 2027 FWD Elevation has fixed those problems, so it's great value at just over $30K, complete with more than 16 safety features, heated front seats, and the big 15-inch touchscreen. Of course, you can always add the AWD for $2K if you need it.2027 GMC Terrain Specs OverviewAll trims share the same engine and transmission; the only choice on the base Elevation is FWD or AWD (all the others are AWD).Powertrain OptionsDrivetrainEngineHorsepowerTorqueTransmissionFWD/AWD1.5L Turbo I4175 hp203 lb-ft8-speed automaticPerformance and 0-60 MPHPerformance is not a strong point, and with only 175 hp on tap to motivate close to 4,000 pounds, the Terrain accelerates to 60 MPH in around 8.5 to 9.4 seconds, depending on the drivetrain and test weight. The AWD drivetrain - standard on AT4 and Denali trims - incorporates hill-descent control.2026 GMC Terrain AT4 in Summit WhiteCole AttishaFuel Economy (MPG)ConfigurationCityHighwayCombinedFWD262827AWD242825AWD Denali/AT4242625Towing CapacityThe towing capacity of the base FWD Elevation increases from 800 to 1,500 lbs, matching the AWD models, thanks to its new 8-speed automatic transmission. AT4 and Denali trims are equipped with a trailer hitch and wiring.DrivetrainAn 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Terrains. The Elevation can be had with either FWD or AWD; the top two trims are AWD only. The FWD drivetrain comes with Normal and Snow driving modes, but the selectable AWD system adds AWD and Off-Road modes, along with hill-descent control. The AT4 has off-road-tuned suspension, and AWD models have 0.77 inches more ground clearance than FWD models - up from 5.75 to 6.52 inches.DimensionsDimensionMeasurementWheelbase107.5 inLength181.0 inWidth w/o Mirrors74.5 inHeight65.81 - 66.16 inCurb Weight3,446 - 3,728 lbsInterior Space (Front and Rear)MeasurementFrontRearHeadroom40.58 in39.18 inLegroom43.95 in39.7 inCargo SpaceConfigurationVolumeBehind Rear Seats29.8 cu-ftRear Seats Folded63.5 cu-ft2026 GMC Terrain AT4 trunkCole AttishaWarrantyCoverageDurationBasic Limited Warranty3 years / 36,000 milesPowertrain Warranty5 years / 60,000 milesComplimentary Maintenance1 year / unlimited milesPros and ConsPros:AdvertisementAdvertisementBold exterior designStandard 15-inch touchscreenMany standard safety featuresComfortable, spacious interior and strong cargo volumeGoogle Built-In with wireless smartphone integrationCons:Underpowered 175-hp engineNo hybrid powertrain availableAT4 and Denali significantly more expensive than ElevationGas mileage mediocre compared to hybrid rivalsVerdictThe Terrain is a great option in the compact class if you prioritize cabin space and class-leading in-car tech, including a huge touchscreen, while the Elevation gives you the core experience with the most important features at just over $30K. There's a big price jump to the other trims, making them harder to recommend at around $40K and more, especially considering the weak engine. It struggles on the highway with a load on board and is best for city environments, though the AT4 can master light trail work within the limits of its ground clearance. Another negative remains the lack of any hybrid options.2025-2026 GMC Terrain Elevation with Black Edition packageGMCCompetitorsHyundai TucsonKia SportageFord Bronco SportHonda CR-VMazda CX-50AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
+70 others
