2025 GMC Terrain sees a $1,300 price hike thanks to a costlier base trim
The upcoming model year of GMC's small SUV will cost more despite being the same as the 2024. Oh, and it loses a trim level too.
If you thought vehicles were already too expensive, you would not be a fan of the latest GMC price increase. The 2025 Terrain, with its new squared-off styling and redesigned interior, will start at $31,395 in FWD, which is a $1,300 increase over the previous model year. Adding all-wheel-drive hikes the price up by another $2,000, bringing the total to $33,395.
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The higher-level AT4 and Denali will also get changes in 2026
GMC
The base trim will also change from the SLE to the Elevation, which offers luxurious standard features such as a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote start, and adaptive cruise control. Redesigned versions of the AT4 and Denali will join the Elevation for the 2026 model year, but no new prices have been announced yet. Considering the Denali currently starts at $38,600, it’s likely to exceed $40,000 if the base trim’s price hike is any indication.
The GMC Terrain's price increase does not mean a new powertrain
Despite the styling changes and price increase, the GMC Terrain's powertrain remains the same. The small SUV is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque in either front- or all-wheel drive. The transmission choices depend on the powertrain configuration, with the front-wheel-drive Terrain getting a CVT and the all-wheel drive getting an eight-speed automatic. GMC
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The price increase makes alternatives more attractive
The GMC Terrain's sibling, the Chevrolet Equinox, is powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with the same power output. It, too, can be equipped with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and the same transmission choices. The FWD Equinox starts at $29,995, while the AWD starts at $31,995. It even has the same heated seats and steering wheel as the Terrain.
That's a $1,400 price increase for essentially the same car underneath. The styling of both cars is drastically different; however, the Equinox takes on a sharper, more modern vibe than the squared-off Terrain. Chevy
Final thoughts
The price increase alone would have made the Terrain less desirable to most. However, compared to the package you get with the largely similar Equinox, it gets even worse.
The choice ultimately comes down to aesthetic preferences. If you're after an SUV that looks a little tougher but has all of the modern amenities you're accustomed to, go for the GMC Terrain. If you want an SUV that looks as modern as it is, get behind the wheel of a Chevy Equinox instead.
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