GMC Terrain Update: Style Over Substance in Focus
The 2026 GMC Terrain arrives with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and updated trims, extending the lineup with a rugged AT4 variant. This refresh, along with Denali styling, aims to sharpen the Terrain's image as a compact crossover capable of light off-roading.
Off‑road hardware and interior tech
The AT4 package brings genuine off‑road hardware: underbody skid plates, authentic all‑terrain tires, a Terrain‑specific drive mode, a small suspension lift, dampers with hydraulic bump stops, one‑pedal off‑road operation, hill descent control, and red tow hooks. Inside, large, customizable displays accompany heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and built‑in Google Maps with voice assistant—all at a price lower than many rivals.
The refreshed Terrain reportedly arrived with more capable trims last year, and GMC added the AT4 and Denali variants for this model year to bolster its appeal as a practical, priced‑for‑value compact SUV.
Driving dynamics
Where the polish meets the pavement, the story changes. The 1.5‑liter turbocharged engine struggles to move the Terrain convincingly, and the transmission isn’t helping the cause. The all‑terrain tires dull steering precision, and the vehicle can feel unsettled under hard braking or abrupt steering inputs.
Like a quick home renovation shown on TV, the Terrain looks refined on the surface, but closer inspection reveals some rough edges beneath the finish.
Pros
- Impressive instrument and infotainment displays
- Strong off‑road hardware in the AT4
- Good value compared with rivals
Cons
- Underpowered engine for its size
- Unsettled handling with all‑terrain tires
- No spare tire on board
