For those hoping the 2025 GMC Terrain would have striking visual differences to set it apart from the 2025 Chevy Equinox, it appears some disappointment may be in store, with many similarities between the two models despite some subtle differences.
GM Authority is taking a look at the nose-to-tail comparison between the 2025 GMC Terrain and Equinox, highlighting both the unique details and the points of resemblance they share.
We were hoping for a bold and distinctive external division between the two models, like that which GM created between the larger GMC Acadia and its Bow Tie equivalent, the new third-generation Chevy Traverse. The Traverse features an eye-catching shark-fin C-pillar treatment that sharply demarcates it from the Acadia. In fact, the entire window and pillar arrangement of the two vehicles differs completely.
Meanwhile, the shark-fin C-pillar design appears on the Chevy Equinox, but is used in almost exactly the same configuration on the 2025 GMC Terrain, too. Window arrangement is mostly comparable between the two models, though the Equinox extends its rear-quarter glass into the C-pillar. This gives it a more pronounced “floating roof” effect.
Notably, the Terrain and Equinox also share the same doors. This can be seen in the beltline along the doors, which feature an identical upslope at the back of the rear doors. This arrangement is seen as well in a different trio of models from The General, with the 2024 Chevy Traverse, the 2024 GMC Acadia, and the 2025 Buick Enclave all utilizing the same set of doors (though it is a different design than the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox share between themselves).
The 2025 GMC Terrain gets a new face, along with new taillights that obliged its designers to equip it with revised rear fenders as well. With that being said, and subtly altered wheel arches appearing on the 2025 model year of the crossover, the Terrain’s exterior design separation from the Equinox doesn’t go quite as far as we hoped.
As a reminder, GM Authority caught the 2025 GMC Terrain AT4 trim testing with no camo in early June, weeks ahead of its official debut. While these images clue us in on the similarities to the Equinox, they also reveal that the third-gen Terrain has a rather more capable off-road variant in the AT4.
Production of the third-generation Terrain will take place at the GM San Luis Potosà plant in Mexico, with start of regular production (SORP) rescheduled to October of 2024.
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Comments
IMHO, it looks like the design was chosen with the Terrain in mind and the Equinox’s design was secondary.
Good article. I don’t mind that the 2 are a lot more similar than the ’24s. The Terrain will be priced at least $$5K higher, so the chances of them competing with one another aren’t that great, unless GMC has a lot higher dealer discounts. No biggie, either way.
wonder what GMC will do different to warrant extra 5 g’s. There is no mention of engines here, but I imagine it’s the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder being offered in the Nox.
Disappointing GM decided to go this route with these stable mates.
It’s a step back in time when GM had models from the same platform that looked identical just with different grills and tail lamps. The old J-cars from the 1980’s — Olds Firenza/Buick Skyhawk/Chevy Cavalier/Pontiac J2000 and let’s not forget the Cadillac Cimarron — from the side you couldn’t tell them apart.
Only the doors are shared, the C-pillars and D-pillars are different although similarly styled. They GMC’s is thinner and goes up to the roof, the Equinox is thicker and stops mid-way to the roof.
You are right they are going back in time…all doors are exactly the same in the in all their new models creases and everything…they are trying to save money but not a good way to go
Even changing grills and lamps is more than what they did before going bankrupt. Before going bankrupt the Pontiac G3 was 100% identical to the Chevy Aveo, color pallet included with a Pontiac badge on the front.
I’m not opposed to a little badge engineering. Even if a couple midles are very similar, but at least have a standout, like an AT4 package for GMC.
Need the .2.0engine
With only a pitiful 175 horsepower, the GMC is not worth it, especially with the top-line models going for $50,000-plus.
Its not about horsepower in everyday driving it is about torque that is what makes EVs fun to drive but not to own
I do both. We own and drive a Bolt EUV, it’s a great car.
Do the Equinox or terrain have dual exhaust on RS or AT4 models?
Yep, saw the similarities but was only slightly disappointed because the vehicle still looks good and has its own interior design that is brand specific to GMC. This decision to share body design elements, while a obvious cost saving move, is not a step in the right direction however. It remains to be seen what kind of features the Terrain will have over the new Equinox, as it seems lower case gm may reduce feature sets to increase ‘differentiation’ between their brands and even within brands.
So we’re going back to the 1980’s when grilles and taillights were the main differences between models with the same side stampings and a small piece of trim and wheels being the only real difference. There isn’t even an optional engine so they better at least have a nicer interior and more std equipment to justify the higher prices!
That part about the lack of optional engines is what is wrong with Mary Barra’s lower case gm. Couldn’t they take off the turbo from the 2.5L massage it for good torque response and put it as a naturally aspirated optional engine? Also specific engines tuned for the particular brand, so as to build brand loyalty with GM.
SUPER DISAPPOINTED IN THE TERRAIN. AND I SOLD GMC FOR 15 YEARS.I EXPECTED SOME FUTURE DESIGN QUES AND YUK
This 25 Terrain will push buyers to the imports. where in the hell was Mary Berra?
It’ll sell just fine. We’re just looking at pictures we don’t KNOW anything yet.
No its not that bad. I bet it will sell well for GMC.
What will they buy???? A 60K RAV4?!?!? Nobody is cheap anymore. For 45K, I’m not dropping down to a Kia !
You can get a $45,000 RAV4 hybrid that will outperform and out feature these.
Yeah, but it’s a TOYOTA…..
Yikes. Maybe they will get Alice Cooper to be their ad-man?
The Handlebar Mustache on the Terrain ?
I don’t mind much if they look alike on the side, anyway, the streets are filled with lookalike SUVs, what I really take issue is with the Terrain’s “face”, what’s with the “Space Invader” splattered there. After the nice styling of the Canyon I’m surprised with the emoji on wheels here that’s not worthy of the GMC logo. What were they thinking?. It’s like suddenly someone recieved a memo announcing “Hey, we have a new Equinox and you’ll be getting that chassis too, quickly just draw whatever you think and send the design back that we have to build it ASAP… by the way, that guy is playing Galaga, he thought we wouldn’t notice, but we did”
When the new GM offers two or more sibling vehicles there should be enough differences in styling and features that if one division strikes out, the other has a better chance of success! Just because these two are more affordable doesn’t mean customers don’t expect more choices. The Traverse, Acadia and Enclave are a good example of different sibling variations. When only two or three divisions share parts there has to be more distinct differences.
Most people won’t even notice or care. WE notice and some of us care because we’re enthusiasts, enthusiasts don’t shop 4 cylinder CUV’s with any sense of passion. These are commuter vehicles aimed at commuters and LuluLemon wearing, Starbucks Unicorn frappe drinking fringes-of-the-suburbs dwelling, Pilates practicing Gymboree moms. They don’t care. You push this pedal, it moves. You push this pedal, it stops. Where’s the strip mall? Done. We need to look at each vehicle through the eyes of the target audience and not through the eyes of someone who pines for a C8.
What kind of engine does the gmc one have ?
From yesterdays article…”Under the hood, all 2025 Terrain models are expected to be powered by the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD gasoline engine, paired with GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission.”
Thanks so the same . I like terrain looks more but I don’t get off road package appeal . You’ll never take it off road
Probably the same as the Equinox? I mean…..what else? Hey, they offered us a 2.0T and we didn’t buy enough to justify making them so they killed it….and now we whine cuz we only get one choice.
Dumb & Dumber
I’d take the new Hyundai Santa fe or the Kia Sportage over these – GM forfeiting the market. I’m sure the interiors will be the same old black or black herrinbone interior with small hard seats. Whereas the Santa fe and Sportage interiors are several steps higher quality and comfort.
I agree. More bang for the buck. Kia Sportage offers all the bells & whistles & checks off the boxes under $35,000. Includes AWD.
Why? Another day and yet another Kia recall for seat motors catching on fire.
No thank-you.
GM is making a mistake returning to the era of badge engineering right now as GMC is growing with Terrain at nearly 30,000 sales for the quarter.
GM has solid platforms/powertrains that can just carry on which saves costs. They didn’t need to create clones with 9nly modest differences. This isn’t how you beat Hyandai/Kia or surpass RAV 4
Hey nice vehicle…what’s under the hood? Not much.