Next-Gen GMC Crossover Headed for New Terrain

General Motors Co.’s next-generation GMC Terrain crossover will feature a sleeker profile than that of the current model’s boxy, traditional SUV silhouette.

Recent spy photos of the compact vehicle published by the enthusiast web site Motor1.com (formerly worldcarfans.com) taken of a heavily camouflaged model near GM’s Milford Proving Ground in Michigan indicate a more prominent grille, upward sweeping beltline, raked windshields, lower roofline and a tailgate-mounted spoiler.

The new Terrain, which will share a platform with its Chevrolet Equinox cousin and the Chevy Cruze hatchback, likely will be smaller than the current iteration, media reports note. This will help maintain the vehicle's position below the 2017 Acadia midsize crossover, which is 7 inches shorter than its predecessor.

The compact crossover is expected to debut next year as a 2018 model. The current Terrain was introduced seven years ago. U.S. sales last year topped 112,000 units last year—the most-ever for the nameplate—but are down 14% this year through April.