2016 GMC Terrain Denali AWD First Test Review

The second-best-selling vehicle (outsold by only the Sierra pickup line) at GMC gets several revisions for the 2016 model year. The updates to the 2016 GMC Terrain are largely focused on cosmetics and more technological options, and we got a well-equipped Denali model in for testing.

Our 2016 GMC Terrain Denali AWD tester was equipped with the available 3.6-liter V-6 rated 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission backs the engine, and the available all-wheel-drive system sends power to all four wheels. A base 2.4-liter I-4 rated 182 hp and 172 lb-ft and front-wheel drive are standard.

At the track, the 301-hp, all-wheel-drive compact crossover reached 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds at 92.0 mph. Stopping from 60 mph took 117 feet. The Terrain Denali lapped the figure eight in 26.8 seconds at a 0.65 average g and pulled 0.81 average g around the skidpad.

In comparison, a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ AWD with the 2.4-liter engine we tested took 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph,17.0 seconds to finish the quarter mile at 80.9 mph, and 116 feet to stop from 60 mph. The four-cylinder-powered model lapped the figure eight in 28.3 seconds at 0.57 average g and pulled 0.79 average g around the skidpad—a significant drop from the performance of the V-6 option.

On the street, the power difference with the V-6 is noticeable. Where the four-cylinder-powered Chevrolet Equinox felt merely adequate, the more powerful Terrain Denali felt confident pulling away from side streets and parking lots and merging on the freeway.

Like the Equinox, the Terrain Denali’s electric power steering has a light off-center feel and non-linear boost that makes it seem harder to keep centered in the lane. Both testers’ optional and hyperactive lane departure warning only adds to that feel. The system was only happy if the compact SUV was traveling in the exact center of the lane.

Exterior updates to the 2016 GMC Terrain include revised headlights with LED running lights, a redesigned chrome grille, body-colored fascias and rocker moldings, and chrome trim and dual exhaust tips (with the V-6 engine). Additionally, the Terrain Denali features unique headlights and taillights and special 19-inch alloy wheels (on V-6 models). Our tester was finished in Iridium Metallic paint.

Inside, the 2016 Terrain Denali features soft-touch Jet Black leather on the seats and door inserts as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Contrast stitching is used throughout, including on the soft-touch instrument panel. Denali models also feature smoked mahogany wood trim, Denali logos embossed on the front seatbacks, and illuminated Denali front door sill plates.

With a base price of $36,650 (including $925 destination), standard safety features on the 2016 GMC Terrain Denali include forward collision alert, a rearview camera, and rear park assist, among a host of other safety systems. It also offers several standard convenience features, such as remote keyless entry, remote start, a power liftgate, and heated front seats. The infotainment system features a Pioneer eight-speaker audio system with a 7.0-inch color touchscreen, XM radio, Bluetooth phone and audio, USB and auxiliary inputs, OnStar, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot.

Options on our tester include the 3.6-liter V-6 ($1,500), Iridium Metallic paint ($395), a power moonroof ($995), 19-inch alloy wheels ($400), navigation ($495), the Trailering Equipment package ($365), the Cargo package ($280), roof rack cross rails ($195), and a cargo area closeout panel ($135). In total, our tester came to $41,410.

The 2016 GMC Terrain is one of the larger models in the segment, and the Denali trim one of the more luxurious. Just don’t forget the power with that luxury trim. The Denali AWD with the available V-6 is the best option for those who want power with their luxury.

2016 GMC Terrain AWD (Denali)
BASE PRICE	$36,650
PRICE AS TESTED	$41,410
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE	3.6L/301-hp/272-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION	6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4,224 lb (57/43%)
WHEELBASE	112.5 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	185.3 x 72.8 x 66.3 in
0-60 MPH	6.6 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.1 sec @ 92.0 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	117 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.81 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.8 sec @ 0.65 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	16/23/18 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	211/147 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	1.05 lb/mile

 

The post 2016 GMC Terrain Denali AWD First Test Review appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/1QgaEh9