GMC Terrain is a crossover vehicle that paved its success in the last 6 years when it was first introduced in 2009 at the New York Auto Show and one that’s worth watching. GMC did not let us down and what I mean by us “family”. In the past few years GMC has focused on offering safe, spacious, entertaining, well built, heavy duty car lineup. If we break them down, you have GMC Yukon that fits 8 people well built, luxury feel and yet sold out in most cases, followed by Acadia 7 seater and mid-size family car the Terrain 5 seater and finally heavy duty pick-up truck GMC.
Walk Around
Before getting behind the wheels, I have inspected 2016 GMC Terrain Denali from all angles, and undoubtedly it sports a unique rugged and athletic exterior design featuring some bold key features such as new chrome plated three bar front grille and square shaped halogen headlamps that complement the overall tough persona of this crossover. It now features a redesigned front and rear fascia with chrome accents; new LED daytime running lamps.
The standard wheel size is 18-inch; however the Denali is equipped with 19-inch exclusive rims to provide an excellent road grip. The rear features dual chrome exhaust tips and a sporty bumper, which is definitely eye-catching.
Cockpit Impression
Open the door and you would be welcomed by style and class. The 8 way powered ultra-opulent leather seats offer maximum comfort and won’t make you feel tedious during long excursions. In the middle, it has an armrest featuring storage space, plus two cup holders. The steering wheel is tilt/telescopic with cruise control and audio switches for convenience, and above it you would find a comprehensive instrument panel displaying all the important vitals of the 2016 GMC Terrain Denali. The front panel renders a 7 inch diagonal high resolution touch display with a remarkable audio system and a satellite navigation system.
Engine Specification
GMC Terrain is available in three trim levels with a V4 or V6 engines and as follow:
GMC Terrain SLE
4 cylinder VVT engine size 2.4L that generates 182 horsepower at 6,700 RPM and 233 NM of torque at 4900 RPM.
GMC Terrain SLE comes with an optional Front Wheel (FWD) or All Wheel (AWD) drivetrain.
GMC Terrain SLT
6 cylinder VVT engine size 3.6L that generates 301 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 369 NM of torque at 4900 RPM.
GMC Terrain SLT comes only with All Wheel (AWD) drivetrain.
GMC Terrain Denali
6 cylinder VVT engine size 3.6L that generates 301 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 369 NM of torque at 4900 RPM.
GMC Terrain Denali comes only with All Wheel (AWD) drivetrain.
So the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 in 6.7 seconds with a maximum speed of 220 km/h. The 3.6L powertrain consume fuel with an estimated 7 km/L city and 10 km/L highways
Driving Dynamics
Since this is the Denali edition, I can start the car with a remote from up to 61 meters away. Driving the GMC Terrain Denali was smooth and enjoyable, thanks to the responsiveness of the 6 speed automatic transmission system which provides a spectacular acceleration, especially when you try to hit high speeds on the highway. The cabin is very quiet; you will hardly hear the engine sound inside. The AWD drivetrain lets you even climb hills and go to rocky landscapes, and be confident about it. The estimated fuel efficiency rating we achieved was around 8 KM/L.
Technological Overview
It also boasts some above par technological amenities such as cruise control, 4 AUX power outlets and automatic air conditioning. The centre touch display features Bluetooth technology to help you sync your smartphone, make phone calls wirelessly and stream music. Furthermore, it takes voice commands, so you won’t have to take your hands off the wheel. The navigation system is amazing featuring multiple map views and destination input methods. The rear vision camera is helpful in parking this crossover easily.
In addition the 2016 GMC Terrain comes with a two 9” rear displays mounted behind the driver seats and front passenger seat with video input connection.
Safety
The 2016 GMC Terrain Denali comprises of a number of safety facilities to keep you and the vehicle protected. It includes 6 airbags, side blind spot alert, and rear cross traffic alert, ultra-sonic rear park assist, forward collusion alert, lane departure alert and power door locks and ABS with EBD, in addition to rear parking sensor.
Dislike
Truly this car was fun to drive especially with a dad like me with two daughters in the back seats. However, I prefer the 3.6L engine with more power rather than the 2.4L. The steering was a little stiff and limited turning circle. As I am looking forward for more quality interior materials replacing the gray colored plastic. And finally we hope to see a new color dashboard middle screen replacing the current red one.
Verdict
If you compare the 2016 GMC Terrain Denali with other competing crossovers such as Toyota Rav4, Kia Sportage, Ford Edge, Nissan Xtrail, Hyundai Tuscan. The 2016 GMC Terrain Denali stands strong and is one of the best crossovers available. It has everything a mid-size family looking for in a car, comfortable interior, safety, stylish and equipped with the latest technological equipment. Take a test drive yourself and I’m sure you would have the same opinion as ours.
The starting price for the basic SLE 2016 GMC Terrain starts from AED 98,000, the one that I test today the 2016 GMC Terrain Denali edition carry a price tag of AED 148,000.
2016 GMC Terrain Middle East Buying Guide – GMC Terrain car prices
Watch motoraty test drive: