2016 GMC Terrain: First Look

• Competes with: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape
• Looks like: The Terrain got some new bumpers
• Drivetrains: 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 301-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2015

Much like its Chevrolet Equinox corporate twin, the GMC Terrain gets a light refresh for 2016. We’ll get a chance to see it up close today at GM’s reveal ahead of the 2015 New York International Auto Show, so stay tuned for our impressions.

Related: More 2015 New York Auto Show News

A bit larger than their compact SUV rivals, the Terrain and Equinox straddle the line between small and midsize SUVs, though pricing and features fit more with the former group. The Terrain comes in SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT and Denali trims. GMC says the 2016 Terrain will arrive at dealerships in fall 2015, so expect pricing closer to that date.

Exterior

The Terrain’s revised bumpers have chrome bracketing that aims to give the SUV a wider look, GMC says. The visual changes square out its appearance a bit more, though the SUV still has the same fender-flared look. LED daytime running lights are optional. SLE-1, SLE-2 and SLT trims have a new grille with concentric frames; GMC also redesigned the Denali’s textured grille.

Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are available; Denali editions have 19s.

Interior

The five-seat cabin has fewer changes. The center controls drop last year’s CD player for a small storage shelf; Denali editions have more dashboard stitching and a unique steering wheel. The Terrain is one of the few SUVs in its class to offer a power front passenger seat, yet dual-zone climate control, which is widely available among small SUVs, isn’t available.

The Terrain still has GM’s MultiFlex adjustable rear seat, which slides forward and backward but has an attached floor panel that prevents any cargo-catching gaps in the space behind it. Cargo volume behind the backseat totals 31.6 cubic feet, with 63.9 cubic feet of maximum room with the seat folded down.

Under the Hood

The Terrain’s engines carry over with a 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 301-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional on all but the SL. With the V-6, maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

Safety

Lane departure and forward collision warning systems are optional, but the latter lacks auto-braking, an important provision that’s included in most other collision-warning systems. Rear cross-traffic alert and a blind spot warning system, which were previously available only on the Denali, are now optional on most trims.