GMC’s 2026 Terrain is  stylish and functional

And if it’s an AT4 it looks even more the part of a small, go-anywhere vehicle, with all-terrain tires and bright red recovery hooks.

Inside there’s a massive, vertical touchscreen with rocker switches, a big chrome volume knob and blocky shapes reminiscent of GMC’s pickup trucks. Material quality is par for the class, which means some soft touch moldings near eye level and hard, scratch-prone stuff lower down. Seating is comfortable in both rows, and the cargo area is generous. There’s lots of standard equipment such as a heated steering wheel and seats and dual-zone climate control, but only the driver’s seat is powered, and the there’s no leather unless you step up to the Denali trim.

The AT4 has a smooth, absorbent ride, as do all Terrains. Its smaller, 17-inch wheels mean there’s more tire sidewall to help with our awful roads. Steering is accurate if numb, and while the GMC handles fine, it’s not aimed at enthusiasts. There is active-noise cancellation pumped through the speakers, which helps, especially when you want to hustle. That’s because the only engine you can get in the GMC is a 1.5-liter turbo. It’s great when pottering around town, with minimal turbo lag and adroit shifting from the 8-speed automatic. But pushed hard when merging onto the highway or passing at higher velocities it is overmatched by the weight of the Terrain. It’s then that its one becomes aware of its relative lack of refinement and power.

With only 175 ponies and 203lb-ft of torque, 0 to 60 MPH takes 8.6 seconds. While that is really no worse than a Honda CR-V, the Terrain seems noisier and less refined. At least there is not the awful sound of a CVT-style transmission to contend with. But companies like Mazda, Kia and Hyundai offer much stouter engines for top models.

But if speed isn’t one’s drug, the Terrain has lots to recommend it, including styling that will get lots of compliments (if the test vehicle is any example) and a roomy and comfortable interior. Most all essential safety gear is standard, too. Pricing is at the premium end of mainstream, with the test AT4 having a sticker price of $43,650. That includes a front skid plate, the aforementioned tow hooks, off-road “tuned” suspension and a hitch, which is a nice piece of standard kit. For light trail running the AT4 should more than do the job, with the added benefit of a smoother ride and fetching looks when it is tasked with more pedestrian missions.

EPA Ratings: 24/26/25mpg

0-60mph: 8.6sec

Price as tested: $43,650

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Here is what GMC has to say.