4.3 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
22 city, 32 highway, 26 combined
(no current inventory)
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.
Drive type | 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 | P235/55R18 |
Rear tires | P235/55R18 |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Max towing capacity | 150/1500 lbs. |
Transmission | Automatic |
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.
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.
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.
RepairPal gave the GMC Terrain an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks GMC Terrain 9th out of 27 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC Terrain