GMC Terrain, Terrain Denali Greet New York

General Motors today shows in New York the ’16 GMC Terrain and Terrain Denali, restyled versions of the premium 5-passenger CUVs set to make their public debut at the New York Auto Show.

Key updates include new front and rear fascias, reworked grille designs, a power-dome hood and LED daytime running lamps for the higher-trim levels. The automaker also makes side-blindzone and rear cross-traffic alert active-safety technologies available on SLE- and SLT-trim models for the first time after previously offering them only on top-of-the-range Denali models.

The changes stop short of a full redesign but likely will provide the Terrain with additional momentum in the U.S., where sales of it and its Chevrolet Equinox platform mate have been red-hot since hitting dealers in 2009.

Terrain sales last year rose 5.5% to a record 105,016 units from 99,525 in like-2013, according to WardsAuto data. Since it launched in 2009, it has sold 479,761 copies. It also is enjoying its best start this year.

“Terrain is a popular choice in the growing compact (CUV) segment, introducing drivers to GMC’s professional grade design and features,” says Duncan Aldred, vice president-sales and marketing at Buick-GMC.

“The changes for 2016 provide consumers with even more reasons to consider Terrain as it continues to be a smart choice for customers seeking versatility, style and technology,” Aldred says in a statement ahead of its unveiling.

Terrain Denali's Light Titanium/Jet Black interior.

The Terrain also receives newly available 18-in. aluminum wheels for all trim levels and 19-in. rims for Denali models. Inside, the CUV gets a new center stack design and premium cloth seats for lower trim level models. Saddle Up leather becomes available, and a Light Titanium/Jet Black interior combination is added to Denali models.

An optional front passenger 8-way power-adjustable seat migrates down from Denali to the SLT trim. A chrome-trimmed transmission shifter is added, and two new exterior colors, a White Frost Tri-coat and Crimson Red Tint-coat, join the lineup.

“The updates for the 2016 Terrain make one of the strongest designs in the compact SUV market even more compelling,” says Helen Emsley, executive director-global design at GMC. “They create a more contemporized appearance rooted in GMC’s professional grade precision.”

Engine choices remain a standard Ecotec 2.4L 4-cyl. with gasoline direct injection or an optional 3.6L V-6 GDI. Both mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The new Terrain models go on sale in the fall. Pricing will be announced closer to their launch.

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