2016 GMC Terrain — Full Specifications
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The 2016 GMC Terrain is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 22–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a GMC Terrain workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 GMC Terrain: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 31 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4707 mm |
| Height | 1684 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 100 cu ft (2,832 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 28 cu ft (793 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 26 urban / 37 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 22 city / 31 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 216 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2016 GMC Terrain across 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 18 to 26 mpg (US), or 22 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 237 | $2,900 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/31) | 216 | $2,600 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/31) | 216 | $2,600 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (16/23) | 300 | $3,700 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/24) | 285 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 28 cubic feet (about 793 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 GMC Terrain
Running Costs: 2016 GMC Terrain
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 GMC Terrain at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 GMC Terrain Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 GMC Terrain (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Equipment (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 22V137000, reported 8 March 2022. Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Equipment — campaign 16V449000, reported 21 June 2016. Risk: If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 152 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Terrain. The most-reported areas are Engine (46), Visibility/wiper (46), Unspecified (13). Complaints include 9 reported crashes, 9 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 185 complaints across the 17 GMC Terrain model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 GMC Terrain
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (46 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Visibility (46 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Transmission & drivetrain (11 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the GMC Terrain compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 31 mpg figure is 4 mpg better than that average. Its 216 g/km CO₂ figure is 37 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
GMC models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 GMC Terrain's 31 mpg is 5 mpg above that make average. Its 216 g/km CO₂ figure is 56 g/km lower than the 272 g/km GMC average.
Of the 17 GMC Terrain model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 8th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined, against a high of 38 mpg). See every GMC Terrain year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 GMC Terrain
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2016 GMC Terrain: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 GMC Terrain?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 22 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2016 GMC Terrain cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 GMC Terrain (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Equipment (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 GMC Terrain?
Among the 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (46 complaints), Visibility/wiper (46 complaints), Unspecified (13 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 28 cubic feet (about 793 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the GMC Terrain's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.