Making their first public appearance in New York, the 2016 GMC Terrain and its upline Terrain Denali sibling receive a mid-cycle updating that complements tastefully revised styling tweaks with broader availability of enhanced safety features. The lineup also has been simplified for 2016 and will consist of SL, SLE, SLT and Denali trims.
Cranking up the curb appeal
Highlighting the exterior changes to the 2016 Terrain models are new front and rear fascia treatments framed by new C-shaped chrome elements intended to accentuate the wide stance of GMC‘s generously scaled compact SUV. All versions feature a new power dome hood and all but the SL get revised grille treatments with the Denali again boasting its own unique insert elements as well as a bounty of supplemental brightwork accents. LED running lights are standard on upline models and new alloy wheel designs – 18-inch on Terrains and 19-inch on the Denali – add more curbside appeal, as do two new premium exterior colors, White Frost Tricoat and Crimson Red Tintcoat.
Also: The Class of 2015 — New Vehicles Ready to Roll
Inside, the 5-passenger Terrain and more richly-appointed, leather-lined Terrain Denali boast more appealing trim touches with premium cloth upholstery now standard on SL and SLE and a Saddle Up leather option on offer for the SLT along with the availability of an 8-way power front passenger seat that was previously a Denali-only item. All Terrains feature a redesigned center stack with fresher control graphics and a new storage shelf.
Also: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards of 2015
Powertrain choices carry over for 2016, with the 182-horse/2.4-liter 4-cylinder standard in all models and the 301-horse/3.6-liter V6 optional in all but the Terrain SL, both backed by a 6-speed automatic. While the SL remains front-drive only, all-wheel-drive is available on all other Terrain variants. On the safety front, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems that were Denali-only options in 2015 can now be fitted on SLE and SLT models. The 2016 GMC Terrain and Terrain Denali lineup arrives in showrooms this fall. Pricing will be released closer to the actual on-sale date.
More Compact SUVs
Check out our Compact SUV Buyers Guide for a look at what’s new and what’s next.
Popular at KBB.com
See the All-New Cars for 2015
10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000
Best Buys of 2015