2026 GMC Terrain Facelift, Denali, Changes, Release Date. The 2026 GMC Terrain is finally coming with changes. As you probably know, the facelift of this compact crossover was initially planned for this model year but the launch was eventually prolonged, due to the Coronavirus outbreak. One of the rare good things about this refresh is that this delay allowed us to gain a lot of details about the refresh, much earlier than usual. Therefore, we already know a lot of details about the upcoming model.
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the styling, which will get notable updates. Naturally, most of the novelties will come at the front, but the rest of the vehicle will get updates as well. On the inside, we won’t see to many changes, but you may count on more standard equipment. The Terrain will once again be available with a bigger 2.0-liter engine, which was temporary discontinued for the 2025 model. We expect to see the updated version on sale sometime in the third quarter of the year.
2026 GMC Terrain Engines
Big novelties are coming under the hood for the 2026 GMC Terrain. After a one-year break, this crossover will once again be available with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. However, it will come with a new version of the engine, codenamed LFY. Interestingly, it will feature less power compared to the predecessor (237 horsepower). However, the company promises better fuel economy and more refinement.
On the other side, base models will carry on with a familiar 1.5-liter turbo-four. This one is good for about 170 horsepower, which should satisfy most drivers. Both engines come in pair with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which isn’t the most precise one in the business, but generally does a decent job.
2026 GMC Terrain Redesign
The upcoming facelift is about to bring a lot of interesting updates and naturally, the first thing that comes to mind is the styling. This will be a typical facelift, which will include revisions on both ends of the vehicle and from what we can see, it will be a pretty massive update. At the front, you may count on new headlights, grille, bumper etc. All these will look bolder, taking inspiration from the Sierra pickup truck. At the rear end, you may count on a new bumper and taillights, as well as on some revisions on the tailgate. Of course, you may count on typical mid-cycle updates like new color options, wheels etc.
Mechanically, there will be no significant changes. The 2026 GMC Terrain will continue with the same design, which is shared with Chevy Equinox and which is based on a familiar D2 platform. With 107.3 inches in wheelbase, it is bigger than most models in the class.
Interior
The interior design won’t come with bigger modifications. You may count on a familiar layout, which is designed in GMC’s typical fashion. This means a fairly stylish appearance, with the solid build quality. Although some areas feature low-rent materials, the general impression is pretty good. The cabin is already equipped pretty well and all that has a positive impact on the cabin’s appearance.
The driving position is good, though the forward visibility could be better. The visibility in other directions is good. The front seats are quite generous and comfortable when it comes to the passenger room. The second row is as impressive. Still, the side support could be better.
You may count on 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 63.3 cubic feet of the total cargo volume when it comes to cargo space. That’s okay for the class, though many competitors, including Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, are way better in this aspect.
Features
Without any doubt, the upcoming refresh will bring novelties in this aspect. Still, we don’t expect too much, considering that the current model already looks impressive in this aspect. The current model already comes standard with goodies like automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, a 7-inch touch screen, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, four USB ports, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Among the optional features, you can find dual-zone climate control, remote start, sunroof, an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless device charging, satellite radio, HD Radio, a seven-speaker Bose stereo, a DVD player, and a rear-seat infotainment system. We presume some of these could become standard in the 2026 GMC Terrain.
2026 GMC Terrain Release Date and Price
As we already mentioned, the 2026 GMC Terrain is expected to arrive sometime in the third quarter of the year. We don’t expect bigger changes in price, so base models should go around 25.000 dollars.