​2025 GMC Terrain Drive Modes Explained​

The new 2025 GMC Terrain is a capable machine that can get you through anything the Pacific Northwest throws at it. Weather can be a friend or a foe. It is how you manage it that will win every time. That is why the new 2025 Terrain Elevation is equipped with a few drive modes, which can be selected on the Drive Mode Control Switch on the instrument panel’s left side. These modes are read onto the 11-inch Diagonal Driver Information Center.  

With the choice of four drive modes, which one should you choose? Here is a quick guide to these drive modes, how they work, and what conditions they should be used in. 

NORMAL MODE: The 2025 Terrain Elevation begins here. Every time you start it up, it defaults to this mode. You would rather have this mode on for everyday driving on dry surfaces, even on cloudy days. Normal mode also returns better fuel economy overall.  

AWD MODE: On our famous rainy days, you will need more traction. Switching the Drive Mode Control Switch to AWD Mode enables all four wheels to receive more torque from the driveline for more grip. Not only does this work on wet surfaces, but it also helps to get through other slippery conditions, such as light snow or loose dirt.  

SNOW/ICE MODE: We do get some snow, ice, and slush around Puget Sound, which we all dread. The 2025 Terrain Elevation is prepared to handle this when you put it into Snow/Ice Mode. This enables the accelerator to exert more power and grip on these surfaces. It will automatically lessen the pressure on the accelerator when surfaces are drier.  

OFF-ROAD MODE: When you get away from the city, the roads might change. Gravel, grass, dirt, and ruts could keep you from getting to the cabin or to your family’s farm. With the all-wheel drive system ready, switching to Off-Road Mode will make these drives a little easier. The all-wheel drive system is automatically enabled, and accelerator response is changed to provide better traction and grip on these surfaces and conditions. Both the Antilock Brake System and StabilTrak traction control system are also enabled to add more contact to these surfaces. 

One more mode will be added to the Drive Mode Control Switch when the 2026 Terrain AT4 arrives later this year. Terrain Mode adds more to all of the above – and then some. We can’t wait to find out how it will work on the most capable Terrain yet.  

For now, the 2025 Terrain Elevation has these Drive Modes ready for wherever you will take it. From the back roads of Pierce County to the elevations up in the Cascades, the 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation is ready when you are.  

If the 2025 Terrain Elevation is the right SUV for you, contact us at Valley GMC to get acquainted with one. Or, let us know if you are interested in the 2026 Terrain AT4 and Denali – both coming soon!