A compact SUV is a popular choice for families on the go. If you’re looking for a spacious, daily driving vehicle that will fit your needs for years to come, consider the new GMC Terrain. With refreshed exterior styling for the 2016 model year, the Terrain features updated front and rear fascia with chrome detailing, a revised hood design, and added LED daytime running lights.
In addition to the sharp new look, the GMC Terrain gets high marks for its excellent projected reliability, spacious, well-appointed cabin, and smooth, comfortable ride. The 2016 GMC Terrain has an MSRP ranging from $23,975 – $35,925, with five trim levels to choose from.
Read on to learn more about the features and benefits of this exciting crossover compact SUV.
Performance
The base model of the Terrain, equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine offers good fuel economy, but not much power. You’ll experience 182 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 22/32 city/highway miles per gallon. If you care more about horsepower than fuel efficiency, opt for the V6, providing 301 horsepower but just 17/24 city/highway miles per gallon. Either way, enjoy a comfortable ride with smooth shifts and plenty of stability, with either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
Interior Features
One of the most unique features among the class is the GMC Terrain’s high-end interior, with its sleek, stylish design and attractive metal, leather, and wood appointments. The contoured dashboard and soft blue backlighting add to this SUV’s luxurious feel. Sliding rear seats are standard, along with a generous range of state-of-the-art tech features.
The base model of the 2016 Terrain includes everything you need to stay connected and entertained while running errands or on a long road trip: Bluetooth, a USB port, a six-speaker audio system with a 7-inch touch-screen display, 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot powered by OnStar, and satellite radio. The impressive package is rounded out with an extremely quiet cabin, intuitive, user-friendly controls, and an illuminated dash and USB port for easy access.
Pros and Cons
When up against the competition in this crowded class, the 2016 Terrain falls somewhere in the middle. Its reliability, safety scores, and interior design and features are better than many rivals. However, the Terrain isn’t the best choice if you want truly expansive cargo space, as the 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet of space which is below average for the class. Opting for the power liftgate increases cargo convenience.
Safety Features
The Terrain’s impressive safety scores also place it a cut above other compact SUVs; it’s a Top Safety Pick+ of the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety. All models feature Stabilitrak Traction Control, automatic grade braking, and hill start brake assist. If you’re looking for a car with the latest in high-tech driver assist features, you can choose from a range of options on the higher Terrain trim levels, including lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision alert.
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