2026 GMC Terrain

GMC advertises itself as "professional grade," elevating its models above equivalent Chevrolets to make them more aspirational. But what if you're on a budget? The answer is the 2026 GMC Terrain. This small SUV serves as the entry point to the GMC lineup, featuring a more upscale and sophisticated look than the similar Chevy Equinox while promising more rugged capability. To bolster that image, GMC expands the 2026 Terrain lineup with new AT4 and Denali trim levels, which slot in above the base Elevation. They make the Terrain more appealing, giving GMC's littlest SUV a fighting chance in a wildly popular compact crossover segment.

Edmunds spotlight: What to know about the Terrain AT4 and Denali

At GMC, AT4 signifies extra off-roading capability and a sturdier look to match. That’s true of the new 2026 Terrain AT4, which boasts 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a boosted ride height, and red front recovery hooks. The AT4 has standard all-wheel drive and hill descent control, and an exclusive Terrain driving mode assists traction when the going gets tough. Metal skid plates protect the AT4’s underbelly from damage.

The upscale 2026 Terrain Denali also has standard all-wheel drive but is available with 20-inch wheels and is decked out in plenty of shiny chrome. GMC also revises the Denali’s suspension for a smoother ride and adds more comfort features to the SUV’s interior.

Competitors to consider

In the small SUV segment, the GMC Terrain faces a formidable rival in the Mazda CX-50, which Edmunds ranks as the top model in the class. In addition, the Alabama-assembled Mazda offers more power than the GMC and is available as a hybrid. Volkswagen recently redesigned the Tiguan, Subaru expanded its Forester lineup with thrifty hybrid and capable Wilderness variants, and don't forget about the heavy hitters in the class, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

Three of the GMC Terrain's direct competitors are among the best-selling vehicles in America, underscoring the importance of building a compelling alternative to what everyone else is driving. The Terrain's new AT4 and Denali trim levels will help, but nothing short of a standard powertrain swap and a hybrid option will move this GMC closer to the small SUV bull's-eye.