The 2016 GMC Terrain is available in 5 different trim levels namely: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT, Denali. With the base SL trim, you get standard features like 17-inch alloys, a rearview camera, cruise control, six-speaker audio system, power height adjustable driver seat, 7-inch touch screen display, and tilt-and-telescopic steering. On the SLE-1 trim, you get heated mirrors, satellite radio, and an AWD powertrain is available. SLE-2 trim adds automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an eight-speaker audio system. With the SLT trim, you get 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and perforated leather upholstery.

We recommend

The base SL trim covers most of the basic requirements in the form of standard features. However, the 4-cylinder engine can be a matter of concern for some drivers. Hence, if you want to go for the more powerful V6 engine, you need to pick at least the SLE-2 trim. So unless a V6 engine is your prime requirement, go for the base model.

The base engine on the 2016 GMC Terrain is a 2.4L Inline-4 engine. The engine makes 182 horsepower and a peak torque of 172 lb-ft. There is also an optional 3.6L V6 engine that can be added to the SLE-2, SLT or Denali trims. This V6 engine is known to produce a hefty horsepower of 301 and peak torque of 272 lb-ft.

The Terrain gets you a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard on all the trims. Additionally, FWD is standard. However, you can opt for AWD on all the trim levels above SL. The four-cylinder engine has a towing capacity of 1500 lbs while the V6 engine has a towing capacity of around 3500 lbs.

Comparing the competition, the GMC Terrain makes the most power, and puts down the highest torque output. In stark contrast, the Ford Escape makes the least power and the lowest torque output. The Jeep Cherokee comes with the best gearbox among the rivals, with the 9-speed automatic being quick and well-optimized. All in all, the Terrain seems to be the best option from a power and performance standpoint. 

The 2016 model year GMC Terrain gets EPA ratings of 26 MPG combined. Adding AWD to the picture, the ratings still surprisingly hold up. The Terrain’s fuel economy ratings are a bit higher than most of its close competitors, which certainly is a good sign. The 3.6L V6 engine, on the other hand, returns a fuel economy of 20 MPG combined. With AWD, the ratings fall further down to 18 MPG. Additionally, the Terrain is offered with an 18-8 gallon fuel tank, which helps the SUV deliver pretty great driving range figures. 

Among the competition, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox delivers the best fuel economy results. Offering a highway fuel efficiency of 33 MPG, it stands as one of the best fuel-friendly vehicles in this segment. Overall, the rest of the competition is mostly at par with one another, with the GMC Terrain offering slightly higher highway and combined MPG figures. 

The GMC Terrain is designed to accommodate 5 passengers. The front row provides ample support to the occupants. The rear row is equally comfortable and can also be extended to fit tall passengers. You can slide the second row forward as well to make space for the cargo. Cloth upholstery is standard on the base trims. The Terrain's cabin uses active noise cancellation technology to restrict the ambient noise. The cabin feels mostly upscale, except for a few plastics here and there.

Comparing the competition, the Chevrolet Equinox offers the most front-row headroom, while the Ford Escape has the most front legroom on offer. In the second row, The Terrain and the Equinox offer the most headroom, whereas the Jeep Cherokee comes with the most legroom. Additionally, the Ford Escape has the greatest cargo capacity on offer, albeit by a small margin compared to the Chevrolet and the GMC counterparts. Some highlight interior features offered with the 2016 GMC Terrain include:

• Driver Foot Rest.
• Leather Dashboard Finish. 
• Heated Steering Wheel. 
• Illuminated Cup Holders. 
• Polished Wood Inserts. 
• Leather Seating Surfaces. 
• Contrast Upholstery Stitching. 

 2016 GMC Terrain Infotainment

The 2016 GMC Terrain offers a good deal of standard infotainment features. The Terrain comes with an impressive 7-inch infotainment screen, featuring compelling apps and features. Bluetooth audio streaming lets you play your favourite playlst via an excelelnt 6-speaker sound system. The Terrain also supports USB and Aux inputs. 

Features such as WiFi Hotspot can be conveniently opter for, and you also have available options such as a navigation system, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2016 GMC Terrain include:

• 7-inch Infotainment Screen.
• 6-Speaker Sound System
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
• USB and Aux Support. 
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Wi-fi Hotspot Capabiliity. 
• MP3 and CD Player. 
• In-Built Navigation. 

The exterior of the GMC Terrains looks boxy and bold. The car has received a mild upgrade in the look for the first time since 2013. The front and rear fascias underwent major changes. The front grille has GMC etched in bold. The angular front headlights nicely complement the trapezoidal grille. Don't let the rugged looks fool you, because though the car looks substantial, it doesn't have the ground clearance found on the big SUVs. This compact SUV is just a few inches larger when compared to its competition.

All the 2016 Terrains are equipped with a rearview camera. The Driver Alert Package 1 gives the Terrain additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Driver Alert package 2 brings forward collision warning and lane departure warning to the GMC Terrain.

Though the GMC Terrain carries the looks of a rugged vehicle, it doesn't feel like one when you are in the driver's seat. It has the comfort and smooth handling of the sedans and is an overall extremely refined car. Available in two engine options, this Terrain has something to offer for everyone. It serves as a decent option for shoppers looking for a safe and reliable compact SUV, but not something large and flashy.