2016 GMC Terrain Denali
Class: Midsize Crossover
Miles Driven: 208
Fuel Used: 11.2 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 18.6 mpg
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | B |
| Fuel Economy | C+ |
| Value | C |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B+ |
| Tall Guy | A- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 16/23/18 (city/highway/combined)
Base price: $35,725 (not including $925 destination charge)
Options on test car: 3.6-liter V6 ($1500), sunroof ($995), navigation system ($495), 19-inch Denali alloy wheels ($400), Ebony Twilight Metallic paint ($395), Traveling Equipment Package ($365), Cargo Package ($280)
Price as tested: $41,080
Quick Hits
The great: Generous, versatile passenger and cargo room within a sensibly sized exterior package
The good: Ride and handling balance
The not so good: Cabin appointments in Denali trim, basic design feels a bit long in the tooth
Check out Consumer Guide’s Midsize Crossover Best Buys
CG Says:
The GMC crossover lineup is undergoing a transformation of sorts. For 2017, the popular Acadia largish midsize crossover is redesigned; the new Acadia is a bit smaller than its predecessor, which allows it to compete more directly with the rival Jeep Grand Cherokee.
To minimize the price/size overlap in GMC’s model lineup, the Acadia’s smaller sibling—the “compact midsize” GMC Terrain—is slated to be redesigned as a “true” compact crossover on a downsized platform shared with the redesigned-for-2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Eventually, a subcompact crossover based on the same architecture as the Chevrolet Trax will also join the GMC lineup.
But for now, the “old-size” midsize GMC Terrain is still available, and we rather like it at the size it is right now. Our Terrain arrived in top-line Denali trim and topped off with a few additional options. All told, our test Terrain listed for a cool $41,080—a lot of money for a crossover, though not really all that much given the extensive amount of equipment packed into this vehicle.
Test Drive: 2016 GMC Yukon Denali
It’s worth noting that GMC has seen tremendous success with its Denali sub-brand. Denali is the top trim level on every GMC vehicle on which it is offered; the customer “take rate” is as high as 50 percent on the Yukon large SUV, and more like 15-20 percent on crossovers like the Terrain.
On the Terrain, the Denali makeover is less convincing than it is on some other models. The exterior trim gets the job done, but the Terrain Denali cabin is only “nice,” where in the Yukon, for example, it is truly high-end. That said, we still rather like the Terrain.
Our test crossover included the optional 3.6-liter V6, which is more than enough engine for a vehicle of this size. The engine is smooth and potent, though a little louder in the Terrain than it is in other General Motors vehicles we’ve sampled it in recently.
Regardless of price or trim level, the Terrain’s primary asset is space utilization. Both rows of the cabin accommodate adults in comfort, and there’s plenty of cargo space behind the second-row seat.
The V6 engine took its toll on fuel economy, but the 19 mpg we saw in mixed driving is not unreasonable.
Our test Terrain demonstrated a fine ride and handling balance, even with the optional 19-inch wheels and tires.
We’re not sure we’d recommend going with the Denali, but if the Terrain’s particular brand of squared-off, broad-shoulder styling appeals to you, it deserves a place on your shopping list. We also suggest sampling an example with the standard 4-cylinder engine, which is especially refined and probably adequate for your needs.
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