2016 GMC Terrain

2016 GMC Terrain Highlights

The 2016 GMC Terrain is a small SUV that straddles the line between compact and midsize crossovers. This model year sees a mild visual refresh, including new LED daytime running lights for higher-tier trims. Stepping up to a 2016 GMC Terrain SLE or SLT lets buyers opt for the side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert safety features.

Key Details:

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• Revised front and rear styling, including a new hood design
• LED daytime running lights on SLE-2 models and above
• Renaming of trim levels for sub-Denali models
• Expanded availability of safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning to SLE-2 and SLT trims
• Removal of the CD player, replaced with additional storage space
• Slight adjustments to equipment availability across trims
• Two engine options: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6
• Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)

Benefits

• Spacious rear seat with sliding and reclining functionality
• Quiet and comfortable ride
• Available V6 engine
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Distinctive styling sets it apart from other compact SUVs
• Expanded availability of advanced safety features

Learn More: 2016 GMC Terrain Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

2016 GMC Terrain Overview

Performance

The 2016 GMC Terrain offers two engine choices:

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine:

• 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on all trims
• Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

3.6-liter V6 engine:

• 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque
• Optional on SLE-2, SLT, and Denali trims
• Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the choice for fuel minders rather than performance enthusiasts. In FWD configurations, it offers over 31 mpg highway mileage. It also allows for the use of E85 fuel to reduce carbon emissions. The 3.6-liter V6 brings a significant power and towing capacity bump, making it well-suited for hauling, merging onto highways, and passing.

2016 GMC Terrain towing capacity:

• 2.4-liter four-cylinder: Up to 1,500 lbs
• 3.6-liter V6: Up to 3,500 lbs

GMC Terrains come with FWD as standard; AWD is optional. While the AWD system enhances traction in slippery conditions, it does not transform the Terrain into an off-roader. Buyers seeking proper trail performance would be better served by upgrading to a vehicle like the 2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2016 GMC Terrain a four-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick, the group’s second-highest designation.

Standard safety features across all 2016 GMC Terrain models include:

• Six airbags (front, front-side, and side curtain)
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• OnStar emergency communications
• Rearview camera

For 2016, GMC has expanded the availability of advanced safety features to lower trim levels. The SLE-2 and SLT trims now offer:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Driving

The 2016 GMC Terrain ride feels car-like rather than truck-like, so it’s a pleasant place to spend time on a long trip. The suspension is tuned to soak bumps, and the seats are well-padded. The electric power steering system provides decent feedback but little engagement. Road and wind noise are well-controlled, especially in the Denali trim, which features additional sound-deadening.

The Terrain's size, on the larger end of the compact SUV spectrum, provides a commanding view of the road. However, this size can make the vehicle feel less nimble in urban environments than smaller competitors.

Interior

The 2016 GMC Terrain interior is spacious and comfortable, with materials and build quality improving as you move up the trim ladder.

Key interior features include:

• MultiFlex sliding rear seat with 60/40 split
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Available eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Available heated front seats
• Available leather-appointed seating

For 2016, GMC has made some minor interior updates, including removing the CD player. One of the Terrain's standout interior features is its versatile rear seat. The MultiFlex system allows the rear seats to slide fore and aft, providing additional legroom or increased cargo space.

The Terrain offers 31.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which expands to 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Material quality varies by trim level. While base models feature durable, if somewhat plain, materials and more significant panel gaps, higher trims—especially the Denali—offer a premium feel with wood trim and aluminum.

Technology

The 2016 GMC Terrain features a range of tech offerings centered around the IntelliLink infotainment system.

Key technology features include:

• 7-inch touchscreen IntelliLink infotainment system (standard)
• Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming
• OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• Available navigation system
• USB port and auxiliary input jack
• Available Pioneer premium eight-speaker audio system
• Rearview camera (standard)

The IntelliLink system is user-friendly and responsive. The graphics are sharper for 2016, and the menus are easy to navigate while driving.

Other available technology features include:

• Remote vehicle start
• Automatic climate control
• Power programmable liftgate

The OnStar system, with 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, lets passengers connect multiple devices to the Internet.

Fuel Economy

The 2016 GMC Terrain's fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine:

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined
• FWD E85 (mpg): 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined
• AWD (mpg): 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined

3.6-liter V6 engine:

• FWD (mpg): 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined
• AWD (mpg): 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined

2016 GMC Terrain Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2016 GMC Terrain an overall rating of 3.9 out of five. Owners praise the Terrain for its styling, comfort, reliability, and quality.

Reasons to Buy It

• Comfortable and quiet ride
• Spacious and flexible interior, especially the sliding rear seats
• Acres of chrome, particularly on the 2016 GMC Terrain Denali trim
• Available V6 engine for those needing more power
• The new sharper infotainment system
• Lower trims can opt for advanced safety features

Problems

• The base four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded
• Fuel economy with the V6 engine is below average for the class
• Some competitors offer more cargo space
• Higher trims can get expensive
• Handling isn’t as sporty as some rivals

Explore: Here Are The GMC Terrain Years To Avoid

CoPilot's Take

The 2016 GMC Terrain may ride on an aging platform, but this compactish crossover SUV still has comfort, cargo space, reliability, and a low purchase cost. Its strongest points are the comfortable ride and quiet cabin. The spacious and flexible rear seating area, with its sliding and reclining capabilities, is a rarity in the segment.

The expanded availability of advanced safety features to lower trims is particularly welcome. Minor updates to the styling for 2016 keep the Terrain distinctive, a plus for those seeking to stand out from the crowd of more conventional-looking SUVs.

While the base four-cylinder engine provides adequate power and good fuel economy, buyers searching for actual acceleration and towing performance will gravitate to the V6.

Regarding technology, the IntelliLink system is user-friendly and capable, though not class-leading. Including OnStar with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot is a nice touch that adds value, especially for families.

Now, as solid as the 2016 Terrain is, there are downsides. The base engine feels (and is) underpowered when fully loaded. The V6, while vastly more powerful, is less fuel-efficient than some competitors' offerings. Cargo space is best described as adequate; many rivals in the compact SUV segment offer more room. Choose a lower trim, such as the 2016 GMC Terrain SLT, and the basic materials and hit-or-miss fit and finish become obvious.

2016 GMC Terrain FAQs

Is 2016 a good year for GMC Terrain?

Yes, 2016 is generally considered a good year for the GMC Terrain. The model received a mild refresh, including updated styling and expanded availability of advanced safety features. It maintains the Terrain's reputation for a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and distinctive styling.

How many miles will a 2016 GMC Terrain last?

A few 2016 GMC Terrain problems can negatively affect its long-term performance. A 2016 GMC Terrain can last 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Many owners report their Terrains running well past the 150,000-mile mark.

What are the pros and cons of the 2016 GMC Terrain?

Pros:

• Comfortable and quiet ride
• Spacious interior with flexible rear seating
• Distinctive styling
• Available V6 engine for enhanced performance
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Expanded availability of advanced safety features

Cons:

• The base four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered when fully loaded
• Fuel economy with the V6 engine is below average for the class
• Some competitors offer more cargo space
• Higher trims can be expensive
• Handling isn’t as sporty as some rivals
• Aging design compared to newer competitors

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