2016 GMC Terrain Review
2016 GMC Terrain Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful available V6 engine
- quiet interior
- comfortable highway ride
- spacious and adjustable backseat.
Cons
- Four-cylinder version feels sluggish and real-world mpg falls short of EPA ratings
- less cargo space than rivals
- touchscreen is hard to reach
- dated center stack design
- Bluetooth audio not available on SL and SLE-1 trims.
What’s new
GMC has renamed some of the Terrain's trim levels on sub-Denali models and shuffled equipment availability slightly. Notably, added safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning are now available on SLE-2 and SLT trims (previously only available on the Denali). A storage area takes the place of the CD player, which has been dropped. Finally, the Terrain gets slightly updated front and rear styling and LED daytime running lights on SLE-2 models and above.
Edmunds says
The 2016 GMC Terrain offers a quiet, comfortable ride with a powerful V6 that can keep up with traffic without breaking a sweat. That's about where the good news ends, though. Other, newer crossover SUV rivals are superior overall.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 GMC Terrain SL 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$158/mo for Terrain SL
Terrain SL
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
The 2016 GMC Terrain marks the seventh year of production for the truck brand's entry into the small-to-midsize crossover class. During that time, the class has grown in popularity but the Terrain has soldiered on with only minor equipment updates. It still stands out due to its slightly larger-than-average size and unique square-shouldered body, but newer rivals best it in a few ways.
To GMC's credit, the 2016 Terrain still has some appealing qualities. The suspension does a nice job of absorbing impacts from the road and provides a comfortable ride for passengers. Noise-canceling technology and an acoustic windshield make the cabin extremely quiet as well, even in high-speed situations. And the optional V6 is a great engine that has plenty of power to help the Terrain keep up on the highway. Properly equipped, the Terrain can tow up to 3,500 pounds, a pretty good number for a crossover of its size.
If there is one significant shortcoming of the 2016 GMC Terrain, it is the base four-cylinder engine. On specs alone, the 182-horsepower motor looks competitive with the class, but in real-life driving situations, the engine can seem underpowered and slow to respond when you step on the gas. This often results in driving pedal to the metal as you attempt to coax more oomph from the powertrain. Naturally, this leads to poor fuel economy, largely negating the four-cylinder's one advantage over the V6.
If you are considering a Terrain, some newer options may be more appealing. The Honda CR-V is one of the best all-around crossovers on the market, with a much more fuel-efficient engine and more cargo room. If a sportier drive is more your style, the Ford Escape offers quicker acceleration and superior handling. The Mazda CX-5 is also surprisingly enjoyable to drive, although it doesn't have a more potent engine on tap. The Jeep Cherokee is another good choice, especially if you want a bit of off-road capability in your crossover. But if ride comfort and V6 power are priorities, the aging Terrain is still worth a look.
Performance & mpg
The 2016 GMC Terrain comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Optional for SLE-2, SLT and Denali Terrains is a 3.6-liter V6 that churns out a hefty 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on all trims except the base SL model.
With the four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, the Terrain returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway), and 23 mpg combined (20/29) with all-wheel drive. The 3.6-liter V6 front-wheel-drive models are rated at 20 mpg combined (17/24), and all-wheel drive stands at 18 mpg combined (16/23).
In Edmunds testing, a front-wheel-drive four-cylinder Terrain went from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, which is a bit slower than average for a small crossover. A V6-equipped, all-wheel-drive Denali version went from zero to 60 in a quick 7.0 seconds.
With the four-cylinder engine, a properly equipped Terrain can tow 1,500 pounds; the V6 increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.
Safety
The 2016 GMC Terrain is fitted with standard antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. Also standard is GM's OnStar emergency communications system, which includes automatic crash notification, an emergency assistance button, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle assistance.
A lane departure warning system, forward collision warning system, blind-spot monitoring, a cross-traffic alert system and rear parking sensors are optional on the SLE-2 and SLT trim levels and standard on Denali.
The Terrain brakes confidently. In Edmunds testing, a four-cylinder Terrain came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet, a few feet shorter than average. The heavier V6 AWD Terrain Denali stopped in 122 feet.
In government crash tests, the Terrain earned an overall score of four stars out of five, with four stars for overall frontal-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Terrain the best possible rating of "Good" in its small-overlap frontal-offset, moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. The seat/head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
Ride quality is excellent on the 2016 GMC Terrain. The comfort-tuned suspension soaks up road imperfections, and sound-deadening measures make the crossover extremely quiet on the highway. It is an excellent cruising vehicle, and the cushy suspension in the Denali version makes the ride even more agreeable. There's a price to be paid for the soft ride, however, as the Terrain is out of its element when the road starts to bend. If you want a more engaging driving experience, the Escape or Mazda CX-5 would suit you better.
Eighteen-inch wheels are optional on the SLE-2 and standard on SLT and Denali versions.
Although the four-cylinder GMC Terrain matches the acceleration times of other compact crossovers in this price range, it doesn't feel as potent out in the real world. You'll have the gas pedal floored during routine merging and passing maneuvers, and this isn't very relaxing. During Edmunds testing, fuel economy came in well below the EPA combined ratings. If you're looking for a more enjoyable driving experience, the V6 is definitely the way to go. With 301 horses on tap, it's one of the most capable engines in any crossover in this price range.
Interior
Although GMC is primarily known as a truck brand, the nicely appointed interior of the GMC Terrain is anything but rugged or tough to the touch. The dashboard is styled in two graceful curves, and the gauges and secondary controls are highlighted by bright red back lighting, while ambient light makes for a truly inviting nighttime environment. The center stack has survived nearly untouched since the Terrain's debut in 2010, and appropriately looks dated when compared to most other vehicles in this segment.
The standard 7-inch color touchscreen display lends a high-tech feel to even the base model Terrain, and the IntelliLink interface (standard starting on the SLE-2 model) is a worthwhile enhancement, as it uses Bluetooth streaming audio to enable integration of smartphone apps such as Pandora and /www.stitcher.com/" target="_blank">Stitcher. However, the slanted screen is more than an arm's length away from the driver and the virtual buttons are small in size, making it difficult to quickly navigate the on-screen menus. Thankfully, there are physical buttons just below the screen to keep front seat occupants from becoming too distracted with the system, but they are laid out in a manner that few would find logical or intuitive. In addition, the system's occasional slow or missed responses to touch inputs can be frustrating.
The 2016 GMC Terrain's interior is attractive. The 7-inch touchscreen responds to inputs more slowly than those in competitors, though.
Particularly noticeable is the attention to sound-deadening in the Terrain. An acoustic windshield and other noise-killing measures -- including an active noise-cancellation system for four-cylinder models -- work wonders in muting tire and wind noise, even during high-speed cruising. The front bucket seats are comfortable, and the standard sliding rear seat allows you to optimize rear-seat legroom or cargo space, depending on your needs.
But even when primed for cargo, the Terrain can't carry as much stuff as some other crossovers. With the rear seats folded, the Terrain's 63.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity is noticeably less than that of the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport . With the rear seats carrying passengers, the Terrain offers 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
2016 GMC Terrain models
The 2016 GMC Terrain is available in five trim levels: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT and Denali.
Standard equipment for the base SL trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, full power accessories, cruise control, a power height-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar, a 60/40-split folding rear seat with sliding and reclining functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rear privacy glass, OnStar (with onboard WiFi hotspot), Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a 7-inch touchscreen interface that includes an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.
The GMC Terrain's boxy, square-shouldered sheet metal won't be confused for any other car.
Move up to the SLE-1 and you get heated exterior mirrors, satellite radio and rear carpeted floor mats. The option for an all-wheel-drive powertrain becomes available, as do several features packages.
The SLE-2 builds upon the SLE-1, adding LED daytime running lights, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a Pioneer eight-speaker audio system and GM's IntelliLink system, which includes Bluetooth audio, voice command functionality and compatibility with Pandora and Stitcher smartphone apps. The available Convenience package adds heated front seats and remote engine start.
The SLT adds 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior accents, remote engine start, ambient lighting, heated front seats and perforated leather upholstery. In addition, two Driver Alert package levels are available for the SLE-2 and SLT. The first level includes blind spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic detection, rear parking sensors and an adjustable power liftgate (SLT only). The second level adds forward collision and lane departure warning systems. The SLT-only Memory package includes driver memory settings and an eight-way power passenger seat.
The Terrain SLT gets a unique dark grille with chrome surrounds, while the Denali's is all chrome.
The range-topping Denali has the SLT features as well as a Denali-specific comfort-oriented suspension setup, wheels and interior/exterior trim. It also includes the Memory and Driver Alert I and II packages.
A navigation system is optional on Terrains in SLE-2 trim and above. Eighteen-inch wheels can be ordered on the SLE-2, while the SLT and Denali trims can each be ordered with unique 19-inch wheels.
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Also Consider
2024 GMC Terrain SLE
SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali
Starting MSRP$29,900
See All Trims
GMC.com
*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
AdvertisementAt a Glance:
Also Consider
Build Your 2024 Terrain SLE
- 6 Colors
- 4 Trims
- 6 Packages
- $29,900starting MSRP
Build & PriceGMC.com
*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#11 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Terrain from 2008-2022.$502/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.74x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.8%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 GMC Terrain.
5 star(41%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(14%)
63 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
2016 GMC Terrain Review
twfarms5@gmail.com, 02/07/2018
2016 GMC Terrain SLE-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
Within the last month I purchased a 2016 GMC Terrain mainly for everyday driving and my once a week commute of two 2 hours away. In this review I will discuss the exterior, interior, performance, and technology of the Terrain. I hope this helps you decide if this is the vehicle for you.
**Exterior
The GMC Terrain is a sharp looking midsized SUV. If you are a young college student, … grandparent, or anyone in between this vehicle can suit your style. It has nice lines and curves and comes with a reverse camera. This vehicle is also nice for tall people because it sits just a little higher up and there are no foot rales on the outside.
**Interior
It is easy to tell that GMC put quality into the inside of the Terrain. The seats have a stylish look to them and are very comfortable. It is roomy in the front but also in the back seats and has lots of leg room and does not feel cramped. If you travel often and need room for your luggage this would be a great vehicle to have. The trunk is fairly sized but if you fold down the back seats the vehicle has more than enough room for anything you need to move.
**Performance
The GMC Terrain is an excellent vehicle if you only want to use it for around town or highway driving. The breaks work very well. It is an all-wheel drive vehicle therefore it does have a slight bit of trouble in the snow but if it slips or tires spin it recovers quickly. If safety is important to you I would recommend this vehicle.
**Technology
This vehicle comes fully equip with a digital touch screen radio, a USB and AUX port, and Bluetooth. The display is nice and user friendly. When first purchased, this vehicle’s radio sometime shuts off on its own and would not turn back on. After doing some further research it just needed two system updates, which the dealer will normally cover the cost of. Once this is done the radio is top quality and definitely worth it. One other cool feature is the lane departure system. This lets you know when you are crossing into another lane or going off the road without your blinker, it is very useful for people who do a lot of highway driving.
If you are looking for a luxury SUV for practical use, then I would recommend taking a look at a 2016 GMC Terrain. It is a nice looking, quality vehicle that you are sure to love.
4 out of 5 stars
Very good vehicle - most of the time
Rick, 11/10/2015
2015 GMC Terrain SLE-2 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
We basically picked this vehicle based on cost after our GMC Envoy XL had major problems, but we very happy with the choice after the fact. We wanted an Acadia, but the $10K+ price difference was too much. The Terrain rides great, it's easy to drive, is comfortable and pretty spacious for a "compact" SUV. It has way more room in the back seat than the Envoy did and I know it has better … front passenger area than the Envoy. We fit 5 of us (kids 16, 8 & 3) but it's a little tight (my 8 yr old can't us his booster seat with 3 in the back seat). It's easy and comfortable to drive (even when loaded down) and it's mostly quiet. There is a lot of tire noise (not sure if it's the car or the tires though) which can get really loud on the highway. The cargo area is a little small considering this isn't really a small vehicle, but the back seat can be adjusted to make more space (but not by much without sacrificing all the leg room). We recently took a 2500+ mile trip with all of us. Even loaded with all 5 of us and all the luggage (including a roof cargo box) the ride and handling were very good. I was surprised the back end didn't lower much once everything/everyone was loaded up either. You noticed the weight when driving, but it didn't make it much harder to drive and I quickly got used to it. Even after 12+ hours in the car we didn't feel really stiff or sore and we survived with 3 in the back seat. This is where I wished we got the 6 cyl motor though. The 4 cyl is good 90% of the time for us, so it probably is the better overall choice. It really struggled at higher speeds (70 MP+) with all of us and the luggage; although understandably so considering it was probably about 1000 lbs of people & gear. We only got about 23 MPG for the trip so I was disappointed in that (I expected about 25 MPG with the cargo box). It downshifts on almost any kind of hill trying to maintain speed. The constant shifting gets annoying; especially when it kicks down a couple of gears. It's kind of like 2 different vehicles when it comes to the mileage (even without the cargo box). If you stay between 60 - 65 MPH it easily gets 28 - 30 MPG. Once you start going 70 or more it really drops off to low to mid 20's. I guess because the squared off styling.
Overall = Likes: styling, comfort (although the seat material with the holes can be a little itchy & collects crumbs/dirt), ride, stereo is very good, gas mileage (most of the time) and safety ratings. Good amount of storage places, cup holders and charging ports. The center console is quite large which can make it a little hard to find things with too much stuff in it. I think the headlights and fog lights work great; good brightness and distance so you don't have to use high beams all the time.
Dislikes: 4 cyl when the vehicle is loaded up, no rear A/C vents and the front ones are low (glad we got a light colored one), cargo area is a little small. My 8 yr old says the center seat in the back is too hard. The transmission downshifts a lot because it always tries to get to the highest gear. It can be difficult to try to accelerate a little bit without it downshifting (and sometimes it goes down 2 gears).
Update 5/26/16:
Most of what I previously stated still applies to this vehicle. Overall, I really like this SUV and my wife and I enjoy driving it. It's comfortable, rides and handles well, and gets good mileage (especially compared to averaging about 15 MPG with our Envoy). We have over 28K miles in the year we've had it and never had a problem and no rattles, random noises, etc. A little thing that continues to annoy me: the back wiper design. It doesn't extend away from the window very far so it makes it difficult to clean the whole wiper blade and where it rests; making it hard to keep the window and blade clean. Admittedly, I have a "thing" about clean windows so it's probably just me. My biggest problem is still the engine. If you have to try to accelerate quickly, it just doesn't like it. It downshifts multiple gears and makes a lot of engine noise, revs way up but very little forward motion with all of that. Again, for most of the time it's fine, but lane changes or passes have to be planned. If I had the V6 though I probably wouldn't be happy with the gas mileage. GMC needs to figure out and engine in between the two that gives more horsepower without killing mileage. Maybe the turbo 4 (2 liter I think) GM uses in a lot of their other cars or better yet the diesel from the Canyon would be ideal (probably never happen). I started driving a 03 Highlander as my daily driver now. The difference between the ride, handling, noise, etc. is definitely in favor of the Terrain in that comparison. The V6 in the Highlander makes my highway driving so much easier though and I still get about 22 mpg.
4 out of 5 stars
Love my two Terrains!!
Nebojoe, 01/17/2018
2015 GMC Terrain SLE-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
I've had 2 Terrains....2012 & 2015. I've read the other reviews. I make 2200 mile roundtrips from home to Florida multiple times each year (average 6 roundtrips each year). This 4 cyl engine has plenty of power for acceleration and for running interstate speeds (or more!!). Economy? I have averaged 26-28 mpg running interstate speeds. This vehicle has more compartment room for the … driver than the Colorado pickup I own....and I'm a big guy. The safety tests I've seen, show the Terrain in the top 3 always, for it's family/group. When I trade the '15, it will be for another Terrain. My only complaint....the '12 had a GREAT built-in GM navigation system. The '15 did not have this, so I paid big bucks to install an aftermarket system....it's terrible. So I bought a Garmin. No, I don't use my phone for navigation. These Terrains are awesome vehicles. Thank you GMC for this fine vehicle!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
My second Terrain
Nwmo, 09/15/2017
2016 GMC Terrain SLE-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
Love the Terrain. Great ride. Handles great. The 4 cylinder motor is a little sluggish but it's my only complaint. Get about 25 mpg on Hwy.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 GMC Terrain, so we've included reviews for other years of the Terrain since its last redesign.
2016 Terrain Highlights
SL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,975 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $158/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 31.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Terrain include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat4 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover19.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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