​​Why You Should Consider the Terrain Over the Big Sellers​

Automotive enthusiast website TopSpeed.com has a provocative title for its review of the 2025 GMC Terrain: “A Superb Crossover We Bet You’re Not Shopping For“. From the outset, the point is that while there are many competitors in the compact crossover category, the two sales leaders, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, clearly dominate. They note that in the first quarter of 2025, the RAV4 and CR-V account for 16 percent of all cars sold in the U.S. Then, they explore reasons why you might want to consider a GMC Terrain instead. This caught the attention of Valley GMC, and we conveyed their thoughts to you. 

TopSpeed is quick to point out that the RAV4 and CR-V are not bad vehicles. However, as is often the case with big sellers, their manufacturers are reluctant to take risks that would make them stand out for fear of losing a significant portion of their loyal customer base. This allows smaller players, like the GMC Terrain, to distinguish themselves.   

They first highlight the model’s ride, stating, “drives better and handles better than the carmaker tends to get credit for. The more I drove the Terrain, the more I appreciated the quick steering and stable cornering.” They continue by noting, “this car rewards you with higher limits than you’d guess, and because the suspension feels solid, you’re more likely to attack a bend than fear it.” 

That doesn’t mean it handles like a sports car, as that’s not really desired in this category (ask Acura about their first RDX). However, the ride is stable and firm enough to inspire confidence as it “eats miles comfortably.” 

Only after the ride description do they discuss the Terrain’s styling, which features its burly GMC truck-based design that can make its competitors seem a bit soft in comparison.  

That feeling of added substance finds its way into the interior, where a nice balance of digital and physical controls emerges, with the latter having “a bit more heft” to them for a satisfying sense of engagement. At the same time, the Terrain displays ample sophistication with its digital driver display and large vertical center screen, along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto syncing. They also noticed that the dash is a bit more stylish than those found on the sales leaders. 

The Terrain is indeed lower on horsepower compared to the non-hybrid versions of the sales leaders, but its higher torque (203 lb-ft vs 179 and 184) provides lively acceleration around town.  

Overall, they feel that the often overlooked Terrain deserves a test drive for anyone shopping in this segment, while acknowledging that most simply won’t. However, having read this, you might be the exception and may not end up with just one of many identical models in the grocery or home store parking lot. The first step is to visit Valley GMC in Auburn, Washington, to take a close look at the Terrain.