2016 GMC Terrain review
GMC Terrain highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacious backseat that slides and reclines for added comfort
- Available V6 engine makes this crossover faster than even modern competitors
- Interior stays quiet at highway speeds
- Supple suspension soaks up impacts on rough roads
- Some advanced driver aids available
Cons
- Four-cylinder engine feels sluggish
- Less cargo space than many rivals
- Touchscreen is hard to reach
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 23 highway, 18 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $16,998*
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Refreshed styling and broadly available driver assist features set the 2016 GMC Terrain apart
For the 2016 model year, the GMC Terrain received multiple styling updates to keep the exterior design looking fresh. The comfortable interior, smooth ride and powerful V6 engine remain strengths even compared to newer vehicles.
The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets better fuel economy, but the available 3.6-liter V6 engine is powerful enough to leave more modern compact SUVs in the dust. Overall, the interior is quiet and comfortable, but the rear seat gets a special mention thanks to the nearly eight inches it can move forward or backward to optimize cargo or legroom. The dozens of buttons on the dash make the Terrain look dated, but might be preferable if you don’t like touchscreens.
Due to its age the Terrain lacks modern tech like smartphone integration, and advanced driver aid systems that aren’t widely available. That said, SLE-2 and higher trims add Bluetooth® music streaming to the standard USB audio input, and we recommend looking for Terrain models with the optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure alert systems.
All GMC Terrain years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each GMC Terrain generation from 2012 to 2026
What We Like
V6 Power: Older vehicles like the 2016 GMC Terrain often fall behind newer rivals, but the little GMC out-accelerates even newer compact SUVs thanks to its powerful V6 engine. With more than 300 horsepower it handily outpaces modern rivals in acceleration, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is quite good for this class.
Fuel economy takes a hit, not surprisingly, but if you need extra oomph, the Terrain has you covered.Rear Seat Flexibility: One of the distinguishing strengths of the Terrain is the sliding rear seat. When in its rearmost position, this older Terrain actually has more rear seat room than its successor (2018-present). Slide it all the way forward, and cargo space is a bit better than the newer Terrain, too.
Interior Comfort: GMC’s upscale focus is easy to see and feel with the Terrain’s comfortable seats, quiet interior, and smooth ride over rough surfaces. If you go with the luxury-level Terrain Denali, that all goes double.
What Needs Improvement
Interior Controls: Even in 2016, the Terrain’s interior felt dated due to its confusing climate controls and infotainment interface. The small touchscreen is a long reach for the driver, and the dozens of buttons look and feel alike and are hard to use without taking your eyes off the road. The main audio controls are duplicated on the steering wheel, but glance at other SUVs from 2016 and you’ll see many of them did it better.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.4 out of 5
23 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 15 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 3 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the GMC Terrain an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks GMC Terrain 11th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC TerrainGMC Terrain features and specs
Curious how GMC Terrain trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SLE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Overhead Airbags
- Pioneer Sound System
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Remote Start
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
182
Torque (ft-lbs)
172
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.8
Wheelbase
112.5"
Overall length
185.5"
Width
72.8"
Height
66.3"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 39.9"
Head room
F 39.8"/R 39.2"
Front tires
P225/65R17
Rear tires
P225/65R17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 GMC Terrain FAQ
The 2016 GMC Terrain is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SLE: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Denali: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- SL: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- SLT: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The GMC Terrain received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the GMC Terrain as 10 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2016 GMC Terrain has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 GMC Terrain, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 GMC Terrain Reviews.
The 2016 GMC Terrain has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Research other vehicles
- gmc terrain used car value
- 2010 gmc terrain used car value
- 2011 gmc terrain used car value
- 2012 gmc terrain used car value
- 2013 gmc terrain used car value
- 2014 gmc terrain used car value
- 2015 gmc terrain used car value
- 2016 gmc terrain used car value
- 2017 gmc terrain used car value
- 2018 gmc terrain used car value
- 2019 gmc terrain used car value
- 2020 gmc terrain used car value
- 2021 gmc terrain used car value
- 2022 gmc terrain used car value
- 2023 gmc terrain used car value
- Used 2016 GMC near me for sale
- Used GMC Terrain SUVs near me for sale
- Used 2016 GMC Terrain near me for sale
- Used 2021 GMC Terrain near me for sale
- Used 2022 GMC Terrain near me for sale
- Used 2023 GMC Terrain near me for sale
- Used 2024 GMC Terrain near me for sale
- Used Blue GMC Terrain near me for sale
- Used GMC Terrain with Memory Seat(s) near me for sale
- Used 2019 GMC Terrain SL near me for sale
- All things EV
- 2025 Ford Explorer review
- 2025 Ford Explorer Police review
- 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 review
- 2014 GMC Terrain review
- 2015 GMC Terrain review
- 2017 GMC Terrain review
- 2020 GMC Terrain review
- 2021 GMC Terrain review
- 2022 GMC Terrain review
- 2024 GMC Terrain review
- 2025 Honda Civic review
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid review
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 review
- 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser review
- 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid review
- 2013 Volvo S80 review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.