By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos GM Media
Distinguished by a new, more contemporary appearance and additional enhancements, the refreshed 2016 GMC Terrain lineup continues to be a smart choice for customers seeking versatility, style and technology.
Exterior
The Terrain Denali brings an exceptional level of style, power and refinement to the segment. Unique exterior and interior appointments, exclusive wheels and design cues set it apart from competitors. A chrome grille, body-color fascias and rocker moldings, satin-chrome accents, specific headlamp and taillamp designs, and dual chrome-finish exhaust outlets (single outlet with the 2.4L) convey a look of superior finishes. Denali-specific 18-inch (with the 2.4L) or 19-inch (with the 3.6L) wheels complete its sculpted appearance.
Interior
Interior highlights offer a sophisticated feel with soft-touch Jet Black leather lining the seats and door inserts. Denali-exclusive touches such as contrast stitching, along with a soft-touch instrument panel and leather-wrapped steering wheel with smoked mahogany wood accents, contribute to a luxurious interior.
With the touch of a button, Terrain Denali drivers can access several convenience features, such as a programmable power liftgate, which allows access to the vehicle’s 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, while a memory function stops the liftgate at a chosen height to help shorter drivers or accommodate low garage heights. Other technology available includes color touch navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system.
IntelliLink and OnStar 4G LTE
GMC IntelliLink is offered on SLE, SLT and Denali. It combines with OnStar to bring segment-exclusive infotainment technology to Terrain at a time when more and more consumers are buying smartphones. IntelliLink extends the OnStar experience from safety and security to information and entertainment by seamlessly integrating the capability of a smartphone into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving.
Complementing IntelliLink to enhance Terrain’s connectivity is new OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three month/three gigabyte data trial.
Powertrain
GMC Terrain’s standard Ecotec 2.4L engine and available 3.6L V-6 feature fuel-saving direct injection and continuously variable valve timing. The 2.4L delivers 182 horsepower with an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 32 mpg (FWD models).
The 3.6L is rated at 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque and uses lightweight components that contribute to the Terrain’s fuel efficiency while boosting horsepower. An integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design saves about 13 pounds compared to a non-integrated design, while a composite intake manifold saves about 5.5 pounds vs. an aluminum intake. Additionally, a lightweight structural front cover and high-strength connecting rods save additional weight.
An efficient six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models and an Eco transmission mode on 2.4L-equipped models alters shift points to improve fuel economy.
Safety
Exceptional safety features include the standard Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning systems, which use a single-camera crash-avoidance system to visually and audibly warn drivers when a collision is imminent or the vehicle crosses a lane marker. The Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, also standard, use radar technology to watch spots the driver may not be able to see and provide visible and audible warnings to help avoid collisions.
Summary
The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with the 3.6L V6 engine. Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $35,725.00, the one I drove included the Cargo and Trailering Equipment Packages, 3.6L V6 SIDI VVT Engine with Dual Premium Exhaust Tips, Power Sunroof, Color Touch Navigation with Intellilink, 19 Inch Denali Specific Iridium Metallic Wheels, and Cargo Area Close-Out Panel, and it came in at $41,215.00 including destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
