Makes›GMC›Terrain›2016

2016 GMC Terrain

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

GMC Terrain
Pictured: 2019 GMC Terrain Denali, front 2.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
26 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
Length
185.4 in
Curb weight
3,854–4,019 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 GMC Terrain is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,019 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 6% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Terrain — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Terrain →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD185.4 in72.8 in66.5 in112.6 in63 / 62.2 in4,019 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD185.4 in72.8 in66.5 in112.6 in63 / 62.2 in3,854 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Terrain FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+6%$2,600347
Terrain FWD FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+6%$2,600347
Terrain AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 230%$2,900381
Terrain FWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-19%$3,350459
Terrain AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-22%$3,700482
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.6 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 GMC Terrain.

Similar 2016 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 GMC Terrain (this car)26 MPGNot rated2
2016 Toyota RAV432 MPGNot rated3
2016 Honda CR-V29 MPGNot rated3
2016 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated8
2016 Hyundai Tucson28 MPGNot rated5
2016 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated3
2016 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (2)

Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Mar 8, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V137000 · 740,581 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jun 21, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V449000 · 17 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 46600.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 GMC Terrain is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

153Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
51,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine46
Visibility/Wiper46
Unknown Or Other13
Power Train11
Air Bags10
Exterior Lighting10
Electrical System9
Steering6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/02: 224/04: 124/05: 124/06: 324/08: 124/09: 224/10: 124/12: 125/01: 125/02: 125/05: 425/06: 325/07: 225/08: 225/09: 225/12: 126/01: 226/02: 226/04: 326/05: 126/06: 126/07: 126/08: 226/10: 124/0224/0624/1025/0225/0725/1226/0426/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 GMC Terrain buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Visibility/Wiper — 46 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Terrain. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Terrain years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Terrain26–Not rated01
2026 Terrain27181.1 inNot rated133
2025 Terrain27181.1 inNot rated013
2024 Terrain26183.1 in★★★★★153
2023 Terrain26183.1 in★★★★★241
2022 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★488
2021 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★236
2020 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★2197
2019 Terrain32183.1 in★★★★★3187
2018 Terrain32183.1 in★★★★★5226
2017 Terrain25185.4 inNot rated1135
2015 Terrain26185.4 inNot rated3299

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →