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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $25,080–$30,809 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.9/10, the 2016 GMC Terrain earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.2/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.8/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 8.2/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $25,080–$30,809, 21 MPG, seating 5, the GMC Terrain sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.7/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 GMC Terrain, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 GMC Terrain ranks #2137 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 13% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $25,080 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 30%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Terrain model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $34,035 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $34,035 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $33,050 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $32,065 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $31,080 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $30,095 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $29,110 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $28,125 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.1/10 | $27,140 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $26,155 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $25,080 | |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $24,090 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Equipment / Other / Labels 21/06/2016 · 16V449000 | 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… |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting / Headlights 08/03/2022 · 22V137000 | 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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