2027 GMC Terrain: What’s New, What’s Changing, and What Stays the Same

The 2027 GMC Terrain is not a redesign. It is the third model year of the current generation that launched for 2025, and the change you will feel most is under the hood: the CVT is gone, and every Terrain now shifts through an 8-speed automatic. That switch also raises torque and towing on front-wheel-drive models, and the available Technology Package adds new camera features. Whether you drive a 2026 Terrain now or you are shopping for a compact SUV in Apple Valley and the Twin Cities south metro, this guide covers exactly what is different, plus what carries over.

For 2026, front-wheel-drive Terrain Elevation models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while all-wheel-drive models already had an 8-speed automatic. For 2027, every Terrain gets the 8-speed. A traditional automatic shifts through fixed gears, which many drivers find feels more natural under acceleration and when merging or passing on the highway.

With the 8-speed, the front-wheel-drive Elevation’s torque rises from 184 lb.-ft. to 203 lb.-ft., matching the all-wheel-drive models, and its maximum towing capacity nearly doubles from 800 lbs. to 1,500 lbs. when properly equipped. That puts a small utility trailer or a pair of jet skis within reach even without all-wheel drive.

The available Technology Package now adds remote camera features, including Cabin Glance, which lets you check on rear-seat passengers through an interior camera, and Surround Vision Recorder, which records footage from the exterior cameras.

Several new paint colors arrive on the AT4 and Denali for 2027, and our team at Kunes Apple Valley Buick GMC can show you the full 2027 palette.

This is the headline change, and it matters most if you were choosing between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive mainly to get the 8-speed. That choice now comes down to traction, not transmission. All-wheel drive remains a reported $2,000 option on the Elevation and standard on the AT4 and Denali.

Reported launch prices for 2027 (including the $1,995 destination charge) were:

Compared with 2026, the Elevation rose $200 and the Denali $300 at launch, while the AT4 dropped $300, though the OnStar plan that was included on the 2026 AT4 is now a reported $800 option. GM then raised prices on two of the three trims in October 2026, including a $300 increase that brings the Elevation FWD to $32,695, so confirm current numbers with Kunes Apple Valley Buick GMC. Pricing shown does not include taxes, title, license, or dealer fees.

The 1.5L turbo four-cylinder carries over at 175 horsepower, and the lineup is still Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Every Terrain keeps the 15-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, and all-wheel-drive models keep the same 8-speed automatic and 1,500-lb. towing rating they had for 2026. Standard GM warranty coverage applies as usual (3 years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain).

The Elevation is the trim that changes most. Front-wheel-drive models trade the CVT for the 8-speed automatic, gaining torque (now 203 lb.-ft.) and towing capacity (now up to 1,500 lbs. when properly equipped). All-wheel drive remains available, and the Elevation FWD now starts at $32,695.

All-wheel drive and the 8-speed carry over, and new paint colors are available. The AT4 launched $300 below the 2026 price, but its OnStar plan is now a reported $800 option rather than included.

The premium Terrain keeps all-wheel drive standard, along with heated and ventilated front seats and HD Surround Vision, and new paint colors are available for 2027.

Features and packages vary by trim, and our team at Kunes Apple Valley Buick GMC can walk you through the full specs on any Terrain in stock.

Go with the 2027 if you want front-wheel drive with a geared automatic, the higher towing rating on front-wheel-drive models, or the new camera features. A leftover 2026 can make more sense if you are buying all-wheel drive (it already had the 8-speed and the 1,500-lb. towing rating), if a discount beats the price increase, or if you want an AT4 with OnStar included. Either way, we will work through the numbers with you, with no pressure. We make it EASY!

Kunes Apple Valley Buick GMC in Apple Valley, Minnesota, serves drivers from Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Rosemount, and Farmington. 2027 Terrain models are added to this page as they arrive, so browse the live inventory below, then stop in for a test drive.