The 2026 Terrain is already available at your local GMC dealer. This time, it comes with triple the choices. When the third generation of the GMC Terrain compact crossover debuted in 2025, GMC slashed the once-large lineup to a single trim level, the Elevation. For 2026, GMC has brought back the AT4 and Denali trims from the second generation, giving buyers three trim levels to choose from.
A trim designation is more than just a clever marketing name. It tells you a lot about the vehicle, what features are included, and even how it drives. Choosing a 2026 Terrain trim appropriate for your needs and goals will give you the best possible experience, especially if you plan to drive it for years. In this trim guide, we’ll review what separates the GMC Terrain trim levels to help with your vehicle shopping. First, let’s discuss some common features so you know what should and shouldn’t impact your decision.
What Each Terrain Trim Level Shares
Although the 2026 GMC Terrain trims are distinct, the nuts and bolts of each are identical and thus worth noting. Regardless of the trim level, you’ll receive a 1.5L turbo I-4 engine making 175 hp. Torque output is 184 lb-ft in FWD and 203 lb-ft in AWD. A CVT in FWD models and an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD offer smooth shifting. Handling is smooth thanks to MacPherson front struts, a four-link rear suspension, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.
Interior space is excellent for the compact segment with 43.95 inches of front legroom, 39.7 inches of rear legroom, and up to 63.5 cu.ft. of cargo space. A 15-inch touchscreen, an 11-inch digital gauge display, a six-speaker sound system, and active noise cancellation highlight infotainment.
With that baseline established, let’s get into what makes each GMC Terrain trim level unique and worth considering.
Elevation: Budget-Friendly Commuting or Exploring
The 2026 Terrain’s introductory trim level is a versatile, affordable option if you want a compact crossover with a touch of luxury. Mechanically, the Elevation is the only 2026 Terrain trim level available with a choice of FWD or AWD. FWD costs less, improves fuel economy, and is fine for everyday driving. AWD provides more grip on wet and icy roads and increases towing capacity from 800 to 1,500 lbs, letting you haul more goodies with the available tow hitch.
As for the exterior, A set of 17-inch aluminum wheels is standard, with an option to upgrade to statement-making 19-inch wheels. The GMC Terrain Elevation also has LED headlamps and tail lamps, heat-absorbing rear windows with deep tint, heated power side mirrors, and active grill shutters to reduce drag. Inside the Elevation, you’ll find plenty of essential and welcome creature comforts. This crossover has heated front seats, a heated sport-style steering wheel, keyless entry/start, and a 12-volt cargo power outlet. Seat controls are manual, though, with six-way driver and four-way passenger adjustments.
Like on every GMC, infotainment is top-notch. The touchscreen comes with Google Built-in, and you get wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM capability, and three USB data/charging ports. The 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation also has some of the best advanced driver assistance of any entry-level vehicle, with the following standard features:
- Lane-keeping assistance with lane departure warning
- Enhanced automatic emergency braking
- Intersection automatic emergency braking
- Front pedestrian and bicyclist braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Hill descent control
- Blind zone steering assistance
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Reverse automatic braking
- Forward collision alerts
- Side bicyclist alerts
- Following distance indicator
- A high-definition backup camera
- Occupant presence detection
- Automatic high beams
Numerous optional features are also available, ranging from roof side and cross rails to all-weather floor mats. It’s also the only GMC Terrain offering the “Black Edition” blackout package. This makes the Elevation the best trim level if you want to customize your GMC Terrain loadout.
AT4: When Roads and Trails Get Rough
GMC has positioned the AT4 name as its off-roading and adventure trim. This continues with the 2026 Terrain. AWD is standard, and two drive modes are added to the Normal and Snow modes available on all models. A regular AWD mode and an Off-Road mode fine-tune the shift points and suspension response for light-to-medium trails. The Terrain AT4 also comes with all-terrain tires, a standard trailer hitch, and a Hitch Guidance system for easier hook-up and monitoring. A steel front skid plate protects the powertrain from rocks.
Many optional features from the Elevation also become standard on the AT4, boosting performance and the fun factor. For the exterior, these include LED fog lamps, brushed aluminum roof side rails, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate, and a heated windshield wiper park. A second “uplevel” of headlamps and tail lamps is added for better nighttime visibility, and there’s a cool animated startup and shutdown sequence. Some cabin upgrades include an eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar adjustment, wireless phone charging, automatic dual-zone climate control, a humidity sensor, and a universal home remote.
Last but not least, every GMC Terrain AT4 comes with three years of OnStar One. This digital package includes 24/7 roadside assistance, accident safety services, stolen vehicle assistance, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a host of added entertainment options like audiobooks and video streaming. Wherever adventures take you, the Terrain AT4 is prepared.
Denali: Compact Vehicle, Full-Size Sophistication
Do you want your compact crossover loaded to the gills with luxurious treats? The 2026 Terrain Denali is the right pick. Apart from switching back to all-season tires, the drivetrain is identical to the AT4, but the vehicle adds even more of the things you love. A set of 19-inch wheels is standard for added grip and outsized aesthetics, and you can swap to 20-inch wheels for an extra pop. Little details like chrome door handle strips make the Terrain Denali more noticeable on the road.
However, you’ll notice the biggest differences when you get in the vehicle. The driver’s seat and side mirrors have memory settings, and the front passenger seat receives the same adjustments as the driver. Both seats are ventilated, giving you relief from scorching summer days. The rear outboard seats are heated for winter comfort. The cloth and CoreTec vinyl upholstery from lower trim levels are replaced with perforated leather-appointed trim.
You also receive HD Surround Vision, which provides a 360-degree digital view around the vehicle. This is part of an expanded driver assistance suite, which includes rear pedestrian alerts and traffic sign recognition. It’s safe to say the GMC Terrain Denali is the most elegant and capable trim level off the showroom floor.
The Right Trim for Each Driver
Whatever you’re looking for in a compact crossover, the 2026 GMC Terrain has a trim level to get you on the right track. The Elevation trim level is an affordable daily driver that gives owners a more upscale ride than the typical budget-conscious vehicle. With the AT4, you get behind the wheel of an adventure-ready crossover that has added convenience and functionality. Then there’s the suave and cozy head-turner that is the Denali, bringing this trim level’s well-known extravagance to the compact segment.
Shopping for this vehicle doesn’t end with selecting a trim level, though. While the GMC Terrain Elevation has the most customization options, there are plenty of ways to personalize the AT4 and Denali. You can choose different upholstery colors, add a panoramic moonroof, get a cargo net, and much more. Start by choosing the trim that most closely matches your needs as the fountain, and then let GMC add accessories on top until the Terrain morphs into your dream compact crossover.
