2016 GMC Terrain Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

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.

　　

zzdcar 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$143/mo  for Terrain SL

　　Terrain SL

　　SL 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $23,975 MSRPSLE-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $26,800 MSRPSLE-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $28,550 MSRPSLE-2 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $28,300 MSRPSLE-2 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $30,050 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $30,620 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $32,370 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $33,975 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $35,725 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/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 Ford Escape is also surprisingly enjoyable to drive, although it doesn't have a more potent engine on tap. The Ford Escape 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 zzdcar 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 zzdcar 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 zzdcar 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