“Test drive it, be sure you want to buy it before you buy. I absolutely love my terrain, but some people don't like them.”
2016 GMC Terrain: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 GMC Terrain is a mid-cycle refresh with updated front and rear styling. GMC also revised the center stack and reorganized the trim lineup, while the engines and six-speed automatic carried over.
About the 2016 GMC Terrain
1st generation (2010-2017), 2016 mid-cycle refresh year and second-to-last model year before the 2018 redesign.
GMC positions the Terrain as a small SUV with bold GMC styling, a quiet cabin, and practical everyday usefulness. Its main strengths are a roomy interior for its size, a sliding and reclining second row, straightforward controls, and a more upright look than many rounded compact crossovers of the period. It leans toward comfort and versatility more than sportiness, with Denali giving the same basic package a more upscale finish.
The 2016 Terrain ranges from the straightforward SL and everyday SLE trims to the leather-trimmed SLT and more luxurious Denali. SLE-2 adds features such as automatic climate control and premium audio, while Denali brings perforated leather seating, additional safety systems, a quieter cabin, and its own suspension tuning.
What changed, by category
Styling
GMC refreshed the front and rear with a new hood, revised grilles, updated bumper details, and new wheel designs for Denali.
Tech and equipment
The center stack gained a storage shelf and updated control graphics. Navigation and the touchscreen became standard on SLE-2 and Denali, while Denali’s power moonroof changed from standard to optional.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert expanded beyond Denali as optional equipment on more trims. No new safety feature became standard across the full lineup.
Trim lineup
SLT-1 was renamed SLT, and SLT-2 was dropped, leaving one SLT trim below Denali.
2016 GMC Terrain specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD / FWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 22 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 16–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 24–32 mpg | 32 mpg | 24–29 mpg | 23–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182–301 hp | 182 hp | 182–301 hp | 182–301 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 GMC Terrain a full redesign?
No. The 2016 Terrain is a mid-cycle refresh of the first-generation model, with revised styling and cabin controls rather than a new body or chassis.
Did the 2016 GMC Terrain get new engines?
No. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder, optional 3.6-liter V6 on upper trims, and six-speed automatic carried over without a confirmed mechanical change.
How did the Terrain trim lineup change for 2016?
The trim lineup was simplified at the upper end. SLT-1 was renamed SLT, and SLT-2 was dropped, leaving SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT, and Denali.
What safety equipment changed on the 2016 GMC Terrain?
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became optional on more trims instead of being limited to Denali. No new safety feature became standard on every 2016 Terrain.
What are the main differences between the 2016 and 2015 GMC Terrain?
The 2016 Terrain mainly differs through refreshed front and rear styling, a revised center stack, updated trim and equipment arrangements, and wider access to blind-spot and rear cross-traffic systems. Its engines and transmission are unchanged.
2016 GMC Terrain Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 GMC Terrain.
4.1
2016 GMC Terrain
(334 reviews)
“Smooth driving, quiet, great features. I can never get the temperature comfortable, but the rest is great. Love the exterior look. I purposely test drove this car because of the square body feature. Lots of inside space.”
“Car broke down within the first year and took 5,000 to fix the engine just for it to break down with the same issue not even a year after.”