Key Differences Between the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2024 GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain continues to evolve, with the 2025 model bringing several updates that distinguish it from the 2024 version. These changes focus on refining the design, enhancing technology, and improving safety features, making the latest Terrain a more advanced offering in the compact VUS segment. Below, we will break down the main differences between the 2025 and 2024 models, focusing on how these updates impact the overall driving and ownership experience.

1- Exterior Design Changes

The 2025 GMC Terrain features a refreshed exterior that adopts a more truck-like design language, aligning it more closely with other models in the GMC lineup. This new approach includes a larger grille that integrates with the headlamps and fog lights, contributing to a more cohesive and planted look. In contrast, the 2024 Terrain maintained a more conventional compact VUS appearance, with a less pronounced grille and traditional lighting setup.

Additionally, the 2025 model introduces a two-tone roof option, available in black or gray, allowing for a level of customization not available on the 2024 version. These updates offer a more contemporary and slightly more aggressive appearance compared to the 2024 model’s design.

2- Technology Enhancements

The 2025 Terrain makes significant strides in onboard technology, introducing a standard 15-inch diagonal infotainment system across all trims, which allows for the display of multiple apps simultaneously. This is a notable improvement from the 2024 model, which featured a smaller screen and a less integrated interface. The 2025 model also includes enhanced connectivity features, such as standard Google Assistant, which enables hands-free control of various functions, a feature that was optional or less developed in the 2024 model.

Additional tech improvements in 2025 include a rear camera mirror and up to eight available camera views, providing drivers with better visibility around the vehicle. The 2024 Terrain, while equipped with a basic camera system, does not offer the same level of visibility or technological integration found in the 2025 update.

3- Expanded Safety Features

Safety remains a focus in the latest Terrain, with the 2025 model incorporating over 15 standard driver assistance features, including several new additions. Key updates include Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Bicyclist Braking, and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, which are all new for 2025. The 2024 Terrain featured a solid suite of safety features but lacked some of the advanced braking technologies that have been added to the 2025 model.

Other updates include features like Reverse Automatic Braking and Side Bicyclist Alert, further enhancing the vehicle’s safety profile. These additions contribute to improved safety during urban and high-traffic driving scenarios, areas where the 2024 model was slightly less equipped.

4- Interior Comfort and Design Updates

The 2025 Terrain’s interior sees updates that aim to improve the overall sense of space and comfort. While both the 2024 and 2025 models offer similar passenger capacity and key dimensions, the 2025 model emphasizes long horizontal lines and updated materials that enhance the visual width of the cabin.

Wireless charging has been repositioned for better accessibility, and standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel provide additional comfort features not uniformly available in the 2024 model. The cabin of the 2025 Terrain feels more integrated and refined compared to its predecessor, which maintained a more traditional layout.

5- Trim Levels and Equipment

The 2025 Terrain launches with the Elevation trim, followed by the AT4 and Denali models in 2025. The AT4 trim is particularly notable, offering increased off-road capability with features like selectable Terrain Mode, lifted ride height, and metal underbody protection, which are improvements over the 2024 model's off-road package.

Meanwhile, the Denali trim focuses on luxury and ride comfort, featuring Smart Frequency Dampers and standard heated seats in both front and rear, providing a more comfortable experience than the 2024 Denali, which lacked some of these refinements.

6- Performance and Powertrain Consistency

Both the 2025 and 2024 GMC Terrain models are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft of torque. This engine configuration remains consistent between the two model years, providing adequate performance for daily driving and light towing tasks. The 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system continue to offer smooth operation and reliability across both versions.

While performance specifications have not changed significantly, the 2025 model’s new technology and improved safety features enhance the overall driving experience without altering the vehicle's core powertrain characteristics.

7- Convenience Features

The 2025 Terrain adds practical convenience features like the AutoSense power liftgate, which automatically opens when the key fob is detected nearby. This feature is new to the 2025 model, making cargo loading simpler compared to the 2024 Terrain, which required manual operation of the liftgate.

Another addition for 2025 is the heated wiper park, designed to prevent ice buildup on wipers during cold weather, a detail that improves visibility and ease of use in winter conditions.

Interior Space Comparison: 2025 vs. 2024 GMC Terrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2024 GMC Terrain both maintain the same overall layout and passenger capacity, but the 2025 model features subtle improvements that enhance comfort and practicality. Below, we’ll break down the key differences in interior dimensions and what they mean for occupants and cargo space.

Passenger Space:

• Front Head Room: The headroom in the front row of the 2025 Terrain is slightly adjusted compared to the 2024 model, ranging from 970 to 1,015 mm, depending on the trim and sunroof option. The 2024 Terrain offers a comparable range of 970 to 1,016 mm, showing minimal difference between the two models. For most drivers, this change is negligible, and both models provide ample headroom for comfortable seating.
• Front Leg Room: Both the 2025 and 2024 Terrain models offer the same front legroom at 1,039 mm, ensuring a spacious area for drivers and front passengers. This measurement caters well to taller occupants, providing a comfortable amount of stretch space that is competitive within the segment.
• Front Shoulder Room: The 2025 model provides slightly more front shoulder room at 1,465 mm compared to 1,453 mm in the 2024 version. While the difference is minor, it contributes to a marginally roomier feel for those seated in the front row, allowing for slightly improved lateral movement and comfort during longer drives.
• Rear Head Room: The rear headroom has been adjusted in the 2025 Terrain, ranging from 960 to 995 mm, which is a slight increase over the 2024 model’s range of 935 to 978 mm. This enhancement, though subtle, can make a noticeable difference for taller passengers in the back, particularly in trims with larger panoramic sunroofs.
• Rear Leg Room: Rear legroom sees a small reduction in the 2025 model at 996 mm compared to 1,008 mm in the 2024 version. This decrease may slightly affect comfort for rear passengers, especially on longer journeys. However, the 2025 Terrain still offers a competitive rear legroom dimension for its class, ensuring a reasonable level of comfort.
• Rear Shoulder Room: The 2025 Terrain offers 1,415 mm of rear shoulder room, a slight increase from the 2024 model’s 1,412 mm. This extra space contributes to a slightly more comfortable seating arrangement in the rear, accommodating three passengers across more comfortably, especially during city commutes or short trips.

Cargo Space:

• Cargo Volume to First Row: Cargo volume when the rear seats are folded flat has increased slightly in the 2025 Terrain, offering 1,798 litres compared to 1,792 litres in the 2024 model. This small improvement can make a difference when transporting larger items, providing a little extra room for gear, groceries, or luggage.
• Cargo Volume to Second Row: Similarly, the cargo volume behind the second row has been enhanced slightly in the 2025 model, offering 844 litres versus 838 litres in the 2024 version. This additional space, while minimal, provides an edge in practical daily usability, making the Terrain more versatile for owners who frequently carry passengers and cargo simultaneously.

The 2025 GMC Terrain introduces several updates that differentiate it from the 2024 model, particularly in terms of design, technology, and safety features. While the core elements, such as the engine and overall layout, remain familiar, the enhancements made in the latest model aim to provide a more refined and practical driving experience. These changes reflect GMC’s ongoing effort to keep the Terrain competitive in the compact VUS market, offering a vehicle that continues to meet the needs of modern drivers.