The 2026 GMC Terrain hasn’t always been on my radar, but as someone who loves the Acadia, I was really excited to check out the redesigned model. This time, we’re looking at the top-of-the-line Denali trim, which GMC is positioning to compete with luxury brands, and I was curious to see just how well it stacks up.

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Kelly, The Car Mom. I’m a mom of four and a certified child passenger safety tech, and I review cars for moms and families. Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali.

One thing I always like to clarify: Denali is not its own separate model; it’s a trim level. That means the Terrain is the model, and Denali is the highest luxury version of it with premium features and materials.

So when we talk about the “Terrain Denali,” we’re talking about the Terrain model, fully loaded with GMC’s top-tier trim package, which you can find on any GMC model!

What Stands Out on the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali

The GMC Terrain is GMC’s midsize, two-row SUV. It’s smaller than the Acadia and much smaller than the Yukon lineup. Think of it as the “just right” option if you don’t need a third row.

You can check out my tours here on GMC’s larger SUVs:

For 2026, the Terrain got an updated exterior, a reworked interior, and plenty of tech upgrades. Pricing for the Denali trim I tested comes in around $45,000, which feels competitive given its features.

Here’s what you need to know:

The car seat setup for this car is pretty standard. It has lower LATCH anchors on both outboard seats and tether anchors across the back.
I’d love to give the GMC Terrain a 3-across badge, but it just doesn’t quite make the cut. I tried with my slimmest seats, and while the bench itself is fairly wide, the rigid buckles make a true 3-across setup really tough. That said, it’s still a great space for two car seats. The legroom is solid, even with me (5'11") in the front, and the back seat feels comfortable for both kids and adults.
Interior-wise, color me impressed! I’m so proud of GMC for turning its interiors up a notch. This is not giving Traverse or Equinox; this is giving Acadia and Terrain.
I normally don’t love a big iPad-style screen, but I’ll admit they’re growing on me. This 15-inch display feels more intentional, not like an afterthought.
Overall, it’s just a really comfortable car. I’ve got good headroom, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and I really do feel like I’m in a luxury car.

The Terrain’s Upscale Exterior Is Giving

The Terrain’s exterior feels sharp and upscale, especially in the Denali trim. You’ll notice bold chrome on the grille, sleek LED headlights, and clean body-colored accents. GMC also added a unique touch: a muted silver paint element on the upper body, giving it a subtle two-tone effect.

On the back, the badging placement is interesting: “Denali” takes center stage, followed by “Terrain,” then “GMC.” It’s a bold hierarchy that makes sure everyone knows you’re driving the top trim.

Impressive Interior That Gives Luxury

Inside, GMC has really stepped it up. This no longer feels like a Chevy Equinox clone. It feels like its own car, and I like that the manufacturer made an effort to differentiate the interiors.

This is what I liked about the front row:

15-inch infotainment display (well-integrated)
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot
Heated and ventilated front seats + heated steering wheel
Deep center console with removable tray
Side-by-side cupholders (no drink confusion, yay!)
Wireless charging pad (though I found it finicky at times)

The interior materials are impressive too: soft-touch surfaces, two-tone leather seats, and open-pore wood trim. It really does give luxury vibes, especially for this price point.

2026 GMC Terrain Car Seat Setup

I was really excited to test car seats in the Terrain because the bench is wide and flat.

Unfortunately, it didn’t pass my three-across test.

I tried to achieve three-across with slim seats like the Britax Poplar (17 inches wide), and while the fit looked promising, the rigid buckles made it difficult to access the seatbelt receivers. If those buckles had more flexibility, three across could’ve worked.

That said, the Terrain still performed well with two car seats installed. Here’s what I found:

Lower LATCH anchors on both outboard seats
Three tether anchors across the back
Plenty of clearance for rear-facing car seats, even with a tall driver (I’m 5’11” and had comfortable legroom)
Heated outboard rear seats on Denali trim
Two USB-C ports and small rear air vents for second-row passengers

Overall, it’s not three-across friendly, but definitely family-friendly for one to two kids. If you’re only using two car seats, the setup is roomy and comfortable.

If you need personalized help figuring out what car seat combination works best in your car, our ChatCPST service connects you with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech who can create a car seat recipe that’s best for your family. This email service gives you personalized advice within 48 hours and takes out all the guesswork so you can rest easy.

Try ChatCPST

2026 GMC Terrain Trunk Space

The trunk is another win for families. Two-row SUVs typically have huge cargo areas, and this is no different. It has a good amount of space that’s stroller- and gear-friendly. The load floor is wide and flat, making it easy to slide bigger items in and out, and the included cargo mat helps keep everything protected.

Underneath, there’s an additional storage compartment for smaller essentials, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats give you even more flexibility when you need the extra space.

Who Is The 2026 GMC Terrain Made For?

Overall, I was impressed with lots of the features in the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali. While it isn’t three-across friendly, it’s a great choice for:

Families with one to two kids
Secondary “dad cars”
Young professionals who want a stylish SUV now and the option to add car seats later in life

With a starting price of around $45,000, the GMC Terrain Denali delivers sharp styling, a comfortable interior, and plenty of family-friendly touches. If you’re shopping for a midsize two-row SUV, this one is worth a test drive for sure!

What do you think of the 2026 GMC Terrain? Let me know in the comments! And for more family SUV reviews, check out my recent posts:

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