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2025 GMC Terrain Frito Bandito Meme Is Funny, Cuz It’s True

The 2025 GMC Terrain got its big debut last August, introducing an all-new generation packed with an array of updates and changes. Among these is a redesigned exterior with a reworked front fascia intended to give the crossover a more truck-like attitude. However, not everyone is on board with the new design, with some critics pointing to similarities to the mustache on the Frito Bandito cartoon character.

Frito Bandito meme for the 2025 GMC Terrain.

For those readers drawing a blank, the Frito Bandito was a cartoon mascot created by Frito-Lay in the late ‘60s. Wearing a sombrero, a pair of holsters, and a curled mustache, the character was used in various Fritos advertisements between 1967 and 1971, singing jingles in broken English about robbing people of their corn chips. The mascot was eventually retired in the ‘70s after facing pressure from the National Mexican-American Anti-Defamation Committee, among other groups.

The mustache, though, remains one of the character’s most memorable characteristics – and now, apparently, serves as a meme-worthy comparison to the 2025 GMC Terrain’s front fascia.

Looking at the Terrain’s redesigned front end, we can see the parallels. The fascia includes a pronounced grille and horizontal accent that some claim resembles the Bandito’s signature curled mustache. While the rugged design aims to bring the Terrain in line with GMC’s larger trucks, it’s clearly not working for everyone.

Beyond the memes, the 2025 Terrain boasts a variety of practical and aesthetic improvements. Key updates include C-shaped headlamp lighting signatures, and the option for two-tone roof configurations in black or grey, a first for the model. The Denali trim further elevates the Terrain’s appearance with 20-inch wheels, adding to its upscale appeal.

While the updated look was already controversial before this meme emerged, the Frito Bandito connection has might be a bit too much for some.

What do you think of the new fascia? Let us know by voting in the poll below:

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Funny yes, muchachos, but the new Terrain is so much nicer than its predecessor I DO NOT CARE.

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  2. Looks are fine it needs 75 more HP.

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    1. If you need more HP or torque for towing let’s say, then you need a different vehicle. The people who will buy a Terrain are not interested in scorching the tires. They want a decent looking vehicle to use as daily transportation. If you need more HP go to your local tuner shop and have them drop a turbocharger on it. You can also drop the suspension and add a FatBoy exhaust!

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      1. Ridiculous, with the at4 and Denali, you’re paying probably close to 50k, nearly every other competitor offers a mid-size SUV with a more potent powertrain. 50K should not be coasting to 60 in almost 10 seconds.

        I can get a CX50 that can do it in 6 flat, a CRV that can do it mid 7s, a Rav4 can do it in high 8s. A compass is even better performing. Even the Nissan rogue 3 cylinder turbo is faster than the 1.5 turd in this.

        I can give the equinox a pass for being slow, the terrain, especially in the higher trims needs at least 230 horses.

        I’m not going to be scorching tires, but for mid 40s, I expect to have a little pick up and go, particularly for freeway merging and passing.

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        1. In real world driving, the strong torque curve of the 1.5L turbo makes it feel far faster than it is and for 90% of potential customers it is totally satisfactory. I know I prefer driving my wife’s 1.5 turbo Equinox to my company car RAV4 hybrid in almost every way.

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    2. Agreed, took delivery of an equinox. Absolute Dog!

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      1. Then why did you buy one if you call your brand new vehicle an “Absolute Dog”?

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  3. Needs a real engine. Add a turbo

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  4. For me it looks more like an Space Invader from the eighties game. I can’t unsee it

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  5. I hear Trump is looking for the Frito Bandito to deport him.

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  6. silly goober!1!1!

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  7. I don’t see it, sorry. But it needs a redo of options packaging because right now, it’s quite the ripoff. Requiring a premium package to get a convenience one, get over yourselves. And the Google-based monthly fees. No way.

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  8. Noticed the stache 1st time I saw it. Funny .

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  9. “ Got licorice ? “

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  10. We have a 2024 Terrain AT4 AWD Summit white with factory black 17″ alloy wheels, 1.5L turbo w/ 9 spd transmission.
    Mustache or not I am very impressed with this vehicle. The ride is smooth and this “bandito” will run, plenty of power. I am tall, and I easily stretch my legs when riding shotgun in the wonderful leather seats. I like the Terrain with a ‘stach ‘. I will name her AT4 “Lefty”…

    Reply

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