Test Drive: 2016 GMC Terrain Denali, full review [with video]

This GMC Denali is photographed on Tuesday, Apr. 19, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
This GMC Denali is photographed on Tuesday, Apr. 19, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
photo The interior of a GMC Denali is photographed on Tuesday, Apr. 19, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Fast facts

* Model: GMC Terrain AWD Denali * Exterior color: Ebony Twilight Metallic * Interior color: Jet Black * Engine: 3.6-liter V6 * Horsepower: 301 * Transmission: six-speed automatic * Fuel economy: 23 mpg highway, 16 mpg city * Local Dealer: Integrity GMC * Price (as tested): $41,080

Our driveway is a like an Airbnb for new cars.

It's rare that my wife comments on one of our four-wheeled visitors, so I was surprised last week when she stopped watering the hydrangeas to remark: "That's a nice-looking SUV."

Her compliment was directed at the GMC Terrain Denali in our driveway. Denali means "bling" in auto-ese, and our Ebony Twilight Metallic tester came with plenty of chrome jewelry. There's something about a black SUV bedazzled with chrome that has an uptown look. The black-tie effect contrasts with its pedestrian mission as a suburban runabout. Our tester would be right at home depositing patrons at a Tivoli Theatre symphony concert.

The Terrain and its mechanical twin the Chevrolet Equinox went on sale in 2010 and have become mainstays in the mid-size SUV segment. Partly because of its bold styling and rugged good looks, the GMC Terrain sold more than 100,000 copies in each of the last two years.

The 2016 model year brings a mid-cycle redesign that GM hopes will boost Terrain sales to the next level. GM has concentrated on cosmetic changes such as a redesigned grille, LED running lights and new, 19-inch wheels. Each of these upgrades refines a focal point on the Terrain.

New Terrains are available locally at Integrity GMC on International Drive, and Don Ledford Automotive in Cleveland, Tenn. Prices range from $24,000 for a bare bones SL model to $41,080 for our top-of-the-line Terrain Denali with just about every available option, including all-wheel-drive.

STYLING AND FEATURES

Like the bigger GMC Yukon, the Terrain has a commanding presence. The Terrain's new front and rear fascias, with C-shaped lower chrome trim, represent smart cosmetic tweaks. Denali trim includes satin chrome door handles, outside mirrors, roof-rack side rails and rocker moldings.

For that weekly visit to Sam's Club, Terrain also has a power rear liftgate, and there's 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space available behind the second-row seats. With the rear seats folded flat, there's almost 64 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seats can be moved forward or backward almost eight inches to adjust leg-room to your occupants, a nice feature if you've got a growing family.

Inside, the Terrain has a new center stack design and instrument panel. Also new for 2016 are such safety features as cross-traffic alert and blind zone monitors. GMC's IntelliLink telematics system is managed through a color touch screen, and a subscription to GMs Onstar 4G LTE system will make your Terrain a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot.

Standard on Denali trimmed Terrains are a sweet-sounding eight-speaker Pioneer sound system and leather trimmed seats.

Under the hood, our tester features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 301 horsepower. Our all-wheel-drive Terrain tips the scales at just over 2 tons. Base Terrains have a four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower. For our Chattanooga mountain terrain, check the V-6 box, which adds about $1,500 to the bottom line.

Major options include a power sunroof ($995), navigation system ($495) and custom 19-inch Denali wheels ($400). A dealer- installed trailering package adds $365 to the bottom line.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The cabin is open and airy and outward visibility is first rate. In a week of commuting, we found the Terrain to be a pleasure to drive. Several passengers noticed the quiet cabin and smooth ride, and the Terrain's bold styling drew admiring glances from passing motorists.

The 301-horsepower motor provides 272 pound-feet of torque, which makes traversing our mountain roads a breeze. Terrains are offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configuration. While few will ever go boulder-hopping, the AWD option makes the Terrain an all-weather vehicle.

Unlike a lot of full-size SUVs, that tend to wallow on curvy roads, the Terrain tracks well and the ride is secure and composed. Steering is relatively light and the six-speed automatic transmission ticks through its cogs quietly and efficiently.

The EPA fuel economy rating in our all-wheel-drive V-6 Terrain is 23 miles per gallon highway and 16 miles per gallon city. Four cylinder, front-wheel-drive models will do significantly better, say 32 mpg highway and 22 mpg city.

BOTTOM LINE

For most small- to medium-sized families, the GMC Terrain is all the SUV they'll ever need. And with about an $18,000 spread between the cheapest and most expensive models, there's a comfortable price point for almost every buyer.

Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.

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