​​Explaining the 2025 Terrain’s Drive Modes​

Technology has integrated into many aspects of motoring. In some cases, the purpose is quite evident, such as infotainment systems featuring navigation, digital music, touchscreens, and smartphone compatibility. Similarly, driver assist technologies like adaptive cruise control or lane centering clearly demonstrate their purpose. The actions and effects of the selective drive mode system can be less obvious. Their titles indicate when they should be engaged, but their specific functionality is less clear. Ewing Buick-GMC aims to illuminate this aspect using the drive modes of the 2025 Terrain. 

All 2025 Terrain models feature a drive mode control located among the bank of controls on the dash, to the left of the steering wheel. This allows you to switch between four drive modes: Normal, Snow/Ice, Off-road, and AWD. All of these drive modes can be engaged while the vehicle is in motion. 

Normal Mode 

This is the default mode and the most easily understood. Designed for use on dry, paved roads, it provides the throttle response and transmission shifting that GMC determined to be ideal for conventional everyday driving. In normal circumstances, most power is directed toward the front wheels, enhancing fuel economy. 

AWD Mode 

Though the terrain’s all-wheel drive system is engaged at all times, this mode is best suited for roads that are not excessively slippery but where extra grip is advantageous, such as when pavement is covered by rain, light snow, or loose dirt. The system defaults to directing equal levels of torque to all four wheels. Throttle response remains unchanged from Normal Mode. 

Snow/Ice Mode 

Its name indicates when this mode is most beneficial. While we don’t receive a significant amount of snow in the Plano area, we do experience some every year, along with the seemingly annual occurrence of freezing rain. 

When traction is significantly reduced by a snow- or ice-covered road surface, it can be easy to over-accelerate and cause the wheels to slip, which in turn activates the traction control system. This mode primarily adjusts throttle response to make acceleration easier to modulate in small increments. This adjustment in throttle response can make the car seem slower during normal on-road driving, which is why Normal Mode is generally preferred for driving on non-slippery surfaces.  

Off-Road Mode 

As evident from its name, Off-Road is best used when you venture off the pavement and onto dirt, grass, or gravel-covered surfaces. The all-wheel drive system is fully engaged and ready to send power where needed. Throttle response is dialed back to make it easier to modulate the pedal for slight variations in speed. The system also adjusts the Antilock Brake System (ABS), stability control, or “StabiliTrak,” and the Traction Control System to allow for a small amount of wheel slippage, which can be advantageous for getting through softer surfaces.  

We hope this clarifies the Terrain’s drive mode function. You can experience these systems firsthand with a 2025 Terrain test drive at Ewing Buick-GMC, located at 6425 Dallas Parkway in Plano, TX.