2027 GMC Terrain Overview

Key Takeaways

• The 2027 GMC Terrain starts at $30,400 MSRP and trades its old CVT for a new 8-speed automatic.
• Three trims — Elevation, AT4, and Denali — cover value, off-road capability, and upscale comfort.
• The 2027 Terrain Denali adds heated and ventilated leather seats, chrome accents, and HD Surround Vision.
• Highway fuel economy runs 26–28 mpg depending on trim and drivetrain.
• Cargo space tops out at 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

What Changed Mechanically on the 2027 GMC Terrain?

The biggest update under the hood is the transmission. GMC replaced the previous CVT with a traditional 8-speed automatic paired with the familiar 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which makes 175 horsepower.

For drivers who found the old CVT droney or hesitant under hard acceleration, this Terrain transmission change in 2027 is worth feeling for yourself on a test drive. An 8-speed automatic tends to deliver crisper shifts and more predictable power delivery, especially when merging onto 301 or climbing a grade with a trailer hooked up.

Speaking of trailers, properly equipped Terrains can tow up to 1,500 lbs., enough for a couple of jet skis, a small utility trailer, or a pop-up camper. Drivers who want more control over how that power reaches the ground can add AWD, which is available across the lineup and includes selectable drive modes — Normal, Snow, and Off-Road are standard, with an available Tow/Haul mode and an AT4-exclusive Terrain Mode for rougher trails.

What Trims and Interior Features Come with the 2027 Terrain?

The 2027 lineup keeps things simple with three trims — Elevation, AT4, and Denali — each built around a different kind of driver, from value-minded commuters to weekend trail-goers to buyers who want a little more luxury. Working through the GMC Terrain Trims helps narrow down which one actually fits daily life.

Elevation is the value leader, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a standard 15-inch infotainment touchscreen. AT4 leans into capability with a lifted ride height, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and red recovery hooks for anyone who takes gravel roads more seriously than pavement. At the top, the 2027 Terrain Denali brings heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, perforated leather upholstery, animated headlamps and taillamps, and a chrome Galvano grille that sets it apart in the parking lot.

All three trims share the same 15-inch touchscreen, Google built-in compatibility, and an available panoramic sunroof, so the real differences come down to comfort, styling, and capability rather than tech.

Trim-by-Trim Comparison

This table helps shoppers compare the three trims at a glance before narrowing down a test drive.

Elevation

Value & Daily Comfort

AT4

Rugged Off-Road Capability

Denali

Premium Luxury & Style

How Much Cargo Space and MPG Does the 2027 Terrain Get?

The Terrain offers up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and returns up to 28 mpg on the highway with the Elevation trim.

GMC Terrain cargo space numbers hold their own in the compact SUV class, with 29.8 cubic feet available behind the second row for everyday errands and the full 63.5 cubic feet once the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are down. There's also an underfloor storage compartment for smaller items best kept out of sight, plus a front console passthrough for longer gear like skis or fishing rods.

On the efficiency side, Terrain MPG varies a bit by trim and drivetrain: Elevation is EPA-estimated at 28 mpg highway, while AT4 and Denali, which come with AWD standard, land closer to 26 mpg highway. That's a reasonable trade-off for the added traction and capability those trims bring, especially heading into a Maryland winter.

Hit the Road in Something You’ll Love

Whether it's the new transmission, the trim lineup, or simply figuring out how much room is in the back for camping gear, the 2027 GMC Terrain gives shoppers plenty to think through before signing anything. Buick GMC of Brandywine keeps a rotating stock of Elevation, AT4, and Denali models in Brandywine, MD, so it's easy to sit in each one and feel the differences firsthand rather than guessing from a brochure.

Curious how the 2027 Terrain drives compared to what's currently in the driveway? Stopping by Buick GMC of Brandywine for a test drive is the easiest way to find out, and the team can walk through current offers and financing options while everyone's there.