2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level introduced a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $44,757 in Canada. The Terrain offered more affordable SLE and SLT trims, with the latter providing standard front-wheel drive. The Denali trim added luxury. However, the Terrain's entry-level status was evident in the quality of materials and execution. The optional head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic panel, and the pushbutton transmission controls, while freeing up console space, resulted in a narrow storage tray. Despite these drawbacks, the Terrain's interior was roomy and offered numerous comfort-enhancing features.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, combined with a 4,665-lb curb weight, delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved fuel efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km combined. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The Q5's handling was characterized by a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power delivery required learning to ride the torque band for satisfaction, with a delay off the line but decent performance once rolling. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band. The Terrain offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. Torque steer was an issue in FWD mode, but AWD mitigated this sensation. The Terrain's ride was smooth on highways and city streets, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating surfaces. Off-road, the Terrain AT4 struggled with ground clearance, and the sport-terrain tires lacked grip in curves. Fuel economy was rated at 9.6 litres per 100 km in the city, 8.3 highway, and 9.0 combined with AWD.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-packaged interior with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage solutions, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching. The back seat offered proper support, legroom, and foot room, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's interior included various storage solutions, such as a small shelf in the dashboard and narrow shelves in the door panels. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a centre-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic tech feel. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Tire Fill Alert system.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain.