2026 GMC Terrain

The 2026 GMC Terrain is a compact SUV and the smallest vehicle in GMC's lineup, slotting beneath the three-row Acadia. Redesigned last year, the Terrain now sports rugged good looks and a spacious cabin equipped with a tablet-size touchscreen and other impressive tech features. In spite of these enhancements, the Terrain lags behind competitors due in part to its single powertrain option, an underwhelming turbo-four carried over from the previous generation that delivers middling power and fuel economy numbers.

For 2026, the GMC Terrain adds the AT4 and Denali trim levels. With GMC products, the AT4 is an off-road-oriented grade, while the Denali is the more luxurious offering of the range. The AT4 earns its badge with standard all-wheel drive, an off-road-tuned suspension, a front skid plate, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The Denali also comes standard with all-wheel drive, but it has a suspension tuned more for on-road comfort. It also comes loaded with just about every one of the Terrain's option packages.

As a compact crossover, the Terrain competes with other small family SUVs. Our favorite in the segment is the Mazda CX-50, which impresses us with its well-balanced driving dynamics and exceptional build quality. The Honda CR-V is another top pick, with its smooth ride, ample storage space, and reasonably good handling for an SUV. Other solid options include the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape.