The 2026 GMC Terrain offers rugged looks, a dazzling infotainment system and a comfortable cabin. However, after a redesign, catching up to the competition instead of surpassing it may not be enough.
Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the latest generation of the GMC Terrain arrived with only one available trim level, namely the base Elevation. AT4 and Denali variants were added to complete the 2026 GMC Terrain lineup.
The Elevation replaces the SLE and SLT variants, which were both offered with a blacked-out Elevation package that has now become a trim level in itself. The AT4 boasts a more rugged appearance while the Denali is obviously the most luxurious of the bunch. This new generation rides on the same platform as its predecessor, but substantially modified to improve the compact crossover’s ride quality and road manners.
What hasn’t changed in the new Terrain is the engine lurking under the hood. The turbocharged 1.5L inline four has been carried over along with its output of 175 horsepower, but the nine-speed automatic is was previously connected to has been replaced by a continuously variable automatic in front-wheel-drive units to generate 184 pound-feet of torque, and by an eight-speed automatic when AWD is selected with a torque peak of 203 pound-feet.
During our test of the Terrain Denali, we managed a decent 8.9 L/100 km. Fuel consumption ratings for the 2026 GMC Terrain are as follows:
| Trim Level | City/Highway/Combined L/100 km |
| Elevation FWD | 9.2 / 8.3 / 8.8 |
| Elevation AWD | 9.9 / 8.5 / 9.3 |
| AT4 and Denali AWD | 9.9 / 8.9 / 9.5 |
Is the Terrain and its new gearboxes more efficient than before? In comparison, the 2024 Terrain FWD boasted a combined rating of 9.0 L/100 km while AWD units made do with a 9.3 L/100 rating. So from a powertrain standpoint, not much has changed.
The Elevation trim level may be the base variant, but it does offer a fair list of standard features. It notably includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, an 11-inch digital driver instrument cluster, a 15-inch portrait-style infotainment system touchscreen running Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, rear park assist and side bicyclist alert.
Two-tone paint, a power panoramic sunroof and the Black Edition package with black 19-inch wheels and black exterior trim are available on the Elevation, as is the Premium Package that rounds up 19-inch alloy wheels, CoreTec simulated leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated wiper park, Universal Home Remote, wireless phone charging and roof rails. The Convenience Package III also adds an 8-way power front passenger seat, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and driver seat position memory. The Technology Package II piles on traffic sign recognition, rear pedestrian alert, a 360-degree camera system, a rear camera mirror and LED fog lamps.
The Terrain AT4 includes the content of the Elevation’s Premium Package, in addition to unique 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, an off-road tuned suspension, a trailering package, LED fog lamps and Cloth/CoreTec seat upholstery. The power panoramic sunroof, the Technology Package II and the Convenience Package III are optional as well. Meanwhile, the Denali includes the features in all option packages and the sunroof in addition to some exterior chrome trim, perforated leather seats and what GMC calls premium suspension tuning. A set of 20-inch wheels is optional.
In Canada, 2026 GMC Terrain pricing ranges from $38,998 to $57,283. That includes the $2,300 freight and delivery charge, the $100 A/C tax, the $699 dealer fee and all factory-installed options. In the United States, the Terrain is priced from $32,195 to $45,985. Competition includes the Buick Envision, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Ford Bronco Sport, the now-discontinued Ford Escape, the Honda CR-V, the Hyundai Tucson, the Jeep Compass, the Kia Sportage, the Mazda CX-5, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Mitsubishi Outlander, the Nissan Rogue, the Subaru Forester, the Toyota RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Why You Should Buy a 2026 GMC Terrain
- While some compact crossovers only have one trim level that boasts a rugged appearance, the Terrain’s chiselled good looks come standard. The Elevation’s Black Edition package adds even more flair for a mild extra investment.
- The Terrain’s cabin makes a first good impression with a dazzling duo of hi-res screens. The infotainment system is easy to use with big button zones, a physical volume dial and toggle switches for the climate control system. The system also nicely integrates Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, not only stretching the navigation apps like Wave full screen, but also projecting it on the driver instrument cluster. We like.
- It’s one of the most spacious crossovers in its segment. Rear-seat accommodations are pretty good, thanks to a flat floor, though we wish the rear seatback angle was adjustable. Cargo volume is rated at 844 litres with the seatbacks up, 1,798 litres with the seats folded, numbers slightly above the segment average, though not as high as those of the CR-V, the Sportage, the Outlander, the Forester and the RAV4.
- Unlike other crossovers that require buyers to step up to the top trim levels to obtain comfort and convenience items like ventilated front seats and heated rear seats for example, the base Elevation offers all these for a few extra thousand dollars. In short, we can get a fully loaded Terrain for about $46k. Want heated rear seats in a CR-V or in a RAV4? That’ll be $52k and $55k, please.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2026 GMC Terrain
- Many compact crossovers now offer hybrid powertrains, and even plug-in hybrid powertrains. You can’t even buy a non-hybrid 2026 RAV4, for that matter. Meanwhile, GM didn’t improve the fuel economy of the Terrain and its Chevy Equinox counterpart. The Terrain is among the least-efficient in the segment. It’s not a gas hog, but it could be better.
- The Terrain AT4 may add a touch of ruggedness to the crossover’s design, but for the rest, it’s no off-road rig. A skid plate and all-terrain tires won’t allow it to chase down the Bronco Sport and the Compass in the trails, not that the vast majority of family crossovers would want to anyway. Simply put, the AT4 is a poseur, though it’s the not the only poseur in the segment. The Denali is more luxurious, but not by much, and in the Terrain, there isn’t an uplevel sound system for music lovers, even as an option.
- Ride quality has improved with this new generation, but it’s still not class-leading. Road noise at highway speeds is present, as is suspension trample noise around town, and the optional 20-inch wheels on the Denali stiffen the ride, too. It’s not heavier than its rivals, but somehow, the Terrain drives heavy, with weighted steering feel. It’s like driving a midsize utility vehicle instead of a compact. Meanwhile, the CR-V feels light like a subcompact.
- Towing capacity is rated at 800 pounds or 363 kilograms with the front-wheel drivetrain, and at 1,500 pounds with AWD. That’s among the lowest numbers in its category. Some rivals can pull up to 2,000 pounds, or even 3,500 pounds in some cases.
Should You Buy a 2026 GMC Terrain?
If we’re more concerned about the on-board infotainment experience than the drive itself, the Terrain is definitely worth a look. It boasts one of the most sophisticated and user-friendly dashboards in the segment. It’s also quite roomy and comfortable.
However, there are several sticking points here that we were expecting to be addressed with the crossover’s redesign, such as fuel economy, cabin insulation, and driving pleasure. The Terrain isn’t boring by any means and will do a fine job as affordable family transportation, but it isn’t the best all-around compact utility market on the market right now.
| Specifications | |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GMC Terrain | 2026 Honda CR-V | 2026 Kia Sportage | 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Price Range ($CAD) | $38,998 to $55,388 | $40,075 to $54,700 | $35,144 to $56,094 | $39,222 to $64,022 | $40,529 to $56,384 | $39,295 to $51,795 |
| Engines | - Turbo 1.5L I4 | - Turbo 1.5L I4 - 2.0L I4 HEV | - 2.5L I4 - Turbo 1.6L I4 HEV - Turbo 1.6L I4 PHEV | - Turbo 1.5L I4 MHEV - 2.4L I4 PHEV | - 2.5L I4 HEV | - Turbo 2.0L I4 |
| Output (hp) | 175 | 190 to 204 | 187 to 261 | 174 to 248 | 226 to 236 | 201 to 268 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 184 to 203 | 179 to 247 | 178 to 271 | 206 to 332 | 163 (engine only) | 221 to 258 |
| Combined Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 9.3 | 6.4 to 8.4 | 6.6 to 8.9 | 8.6 to 8.7 | 5.5 to 6.2 | 9.2 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,730 | 2,700 to 2,701 | 2,755 | 2,706 | 2,690 | 2,791 |
| Length (mm) | 4,597 | 4,695 | 4,685 | 4,710 | 4,601 to 4,655 | 4,684 |
| Width (mm) | 1,892 | 1,866 | 1,865 | 1,897 | 1,854 to 1,880 | 1,853 |
| Height (mm) | 1,672 | 1,680 to 1,690 | 1,665 to 1,680 | 1,740 to 1,745 | 1,694 to 1,755 | 1,688 |
| Headroom 1st/2nd/3rd Rows (mm) | 1,003 to 1,031 / 960 to 995 / - | 970 to 1,016 / 970 / - | 959 to 1,006 / 966 to 1,000 / - | 985 to 1,031 / 950 to 993 / 876 | 963 / 1,003 / - | 971 to 1,003 / 975 to 1,008 / - |
| Legroom 1st/2nd/3rd Rows (mm) | 1,116 / 1,008 / - | 1,049 / 1,042 / - | 1,052 / 1,050 / - | 1,058 / 968 to 1,014 / 475 to 486 | 1,041 / 960 / - | 1,022 / 1,021 / - |
| Cargo Volume Behind 3rd/2nd/1st Rows (L) | - / 844 / 1,798 | - / 1,028 to 1,113 / 2,030 to 2,166 | - / 1,119 to 1,121 / 1,855 to 2,098 | 308 to 362 / 866 to 872 / 1,822 to 1,832 | - / 1,070 / 1,994 | - / 750 / 1,668 |
| Max Towing Capacity (kg) | 680 | 680 | 1,134 | 907 | 1,588 | 816 |
