The Terrain has been part of GMC’s lineup since 2010, and over the years it has evolved into a stylish, versatile compact SUV. The AT4 trim, introduced just a few years back, represented the brand’s more adventurous side.

With all-wheel drive, a slightly more rugged suspension, hill descent control and all-terrain tires, the AT4 brought a bit of trail readiness while still delivering the refinement and comfort we’ve come to expect from GMC.

First impressions

When the Terrain was delivered, the first thing we noticed was its bold, squared-off stance. The AT4 trim added black chrome accents, a unique front fascia and red recovery hooks that gave it an immediate “let’s go exploring” vibe. The Riverstone Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the dark trim, giving it a premium yet adventurous look.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Inside, the Terrain AT4 was equally impressive. The cabin felt upscale with stitched leather seating, an intuitive center console layout and a huge 11-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GMC has done a great job balancing ruggedness with refinement here — the interior was comfortable and quiet, but we could also tell it was built to handle some dirt under its tires.

Daily driving duties

For most of the week, the Terrain was tasked with our usual mix of commuting, errands and shopping runs. As a compact SUV, it struck a nice balance between being easy to maneuver in parking lots and roomy enough to carry groceries, work bags and everything else life seems to demand from us.

The Terrain AT4 came with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While not a powerhouse, it proved more than adequate for our needs, whether merging onto I-15 or making our way through traffic in Springville and Provo. The transmission shifted smoothly, and the engine delivered enough pep without feeling strained.

Fuel economy was also solid for an AWD SUV. We averaged around 27 miles per gallon during our week, which included a good mix of highway, city and mountain driving. That efficiency made it a practical choice for daily life while still offering the confidence of all-wheel drive.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Weekend adventure – Hobble Creek to Diamond Fork

Of course, the highlight of our week was taking the Terrain AT4 on a proper Sunday drive up Hobble Creek Canyon. This is one of our favorite routes in Utah County, offering winding mountain roads, tall canyon walls and plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. From there, we crossed over to Diamond Fork Canyon, a path that offered some gravel roads, elevation changes and just enough rugged terrain to test the AT4’s off-road features.

We were pleasantly surprised at how capable the Terrain felt off pavement. The AWD system engaged seamlessly, providing extra grip when we encountered loose gravel and dirt. Hill descent control was a welcome addition when navigating steeper downhill sections, keeping our speed controlled without constant brake input.

The suspension soaked up bumps with confidence, and while the Terrain isn’t a hardcore rock crawler like a Jeep Wrangler, it had no problem handling the type of trails most weekend adventurers would attempt. The all-terrain tires added to our confidence, gripping well and never slipping.

The best part was how the Terrain transitioned effortlessly from highway to dirt road. We were able to enjoy a comfortable, quiet ride up Hobble Creek, then switch into “adventure mode” once the pavement ended — without feeling like we were compromising on either side.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Comfort and convenience

Back inside the cabin, the Terrain AT4 continued to impress us. Heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a power driver’s seat adjustment made longer drives enjoyable. The second row had plenty of legroom for our passengers, and the rear cargo area provided enough space for a week’s worth of errands plus room to pack in extra hiking gear for our canyon drive.

Technology was also a highlight. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with crisp graphics. Wireless phone charging and multiple USB ports meant no one was left hunting for power. Safety features like lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control gave us peace of mind during both daily driving and longer trips.

GMC personality

One thing we always enjoy about GMC vehicles is the way they stand out from their Chevrolet siblings. While the Terrain shares a platform with the Chevy Equinox, the AT4 trim gave it a more upscale, distinctive personality. The premium finishes, the adventurous design cues and the overall feel made it clear that this was a GMC built for those who want a touch of refinement with their ruggedness.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

At the end of the week

By the end of our week with the 2025 GMC Terrain AT4, we came away impressed with just how versatile it was. It handled our daily commute with ease, was practical for errands and shopping trips and proved plenty capable when we wanted to escape into the mountains for a Sunday adventure.

The compact SUV segment is a crowded one, but the Terrain AT4 manages to carve out a unique space. It’s not just another crossover — it’s one with real personality, designed for drivers who want confidence on paved roads and the ability to tackle unpaved ones when the mood strikes.

Base price: $38,900

Destination charge: $1,395

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Price as driven: $43,650