GMC launched the latest version of the Terrain late last year with the compact CUV getting some much-needed updates to address some wrinkles it had under the skin. The only problem was that it was only available in one flavor with GMC delaying the rollout of the remaining trim levels.
GM’s truck brand is now using 2026 to flesh out the lineup with the Denali and AT4 trims joining the family and also giving the model some minor updates to go along with its tweaked pricing ladder.
More Terrain variety brings more choice to consumers
The task of giving customers more choice was a prominent theme for 2026 with the base Elevation now being joined by the rugged AT4 and the luxurious Denali trim levels. The Elevation with FWD continues to be the base model and it now starts at $33,295, the AWD AT4 jumps up more than six grand to $39,995, and the AWD Denali starts at $42,495. The Elevation also gets access to a $2,850 Terrain Elevation Premium package that gives it revised trim including brushed aluminum roof rails, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging pad, 19-inch wheels, and more.
The AT4 is the trail-ready member of the family and it gets all-wheel drive standard along with a trail-ready suspension and other minor upgrades. The AT4 also doubles down on standard equipment inside with a power liftgate, wireless phone charging pad, a sportier steering wheel, roof rails, and a power-operated driver’s seat. Denalis are the luxurious range-toppers and in addition to more splashes of chrome trim, they also get heated and cooled front seats, LED foglights, heated body-colored mirrors, a rear camera mirror, and heated rear seats.
When can I buy one?
Thankfully, the wait will not be long with deliveries of the 2026 Terrain expected to begin very soon. The Terrain will continue to be the backbone of GMC’s SUV sales with the model continuing to be the entry-level member of the family. It will be interesting to see if further updates will possibly bring a hybrid powertrain into the model. GM has said in the past that it will eventually put more hybrid engines in its models as the company struggles with slumping EV sales and rising discontent from consumers who feel GM is not meeting their needs.
Putting a hybrid engine in the Terrain would give the brand a fuel-efficient choice in the segment and allow the Terrain to compete against rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and the recently unveiled Toyota RAV4 hybrid vehicle lineup.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.