2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's minivan-like design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim featured a bold grille, black alloy wheels, and a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle, with its Ebony Twilight metallic paint and black leather interior, was challenging to keep clean. Despite its entry-level status, the Terrain offered a range of trims, from the affordable SLE and SLT to the luxurious Denali. However, the quality of materials and execution did not always meet expectations, especially given its price point.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and refined power, making the SUV quick to accelerate. A nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced traction and handling, with driving modes for various conditions. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. The Pilot's suspension offered a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though its off-road capability was limited by ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as its predecessor, the engine's torque was accessible between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band, but acceleration was less impressive. The Terrain's AWD system and off-road mode provided versatility, though torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The AT4 model's suspension offered a smooth ride on pavement, but off-road performance was hindered by limited ground clearance and tire grip.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, with seating for up to eight. The test vehicle's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were standard on the Black Edition, providing comfort and flexibility. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. Storage was abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim featured upscale leather upholstery and a spacious back seat. Storage solutions were plentiful, though some compartments were narrow. Cargo capacity was 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with seats folded. The front passenger seat could also fold down for longer items.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked some user-friendly features. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature for communication with rear passengers.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the larger 8-inch screen available on higher trims. Features included wireless smartphone connectivity, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Infotainment Package II added navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, though the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Tech Package included a head-up display and parking sensors, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though some areas were rated lower.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included the GMC Pro Safety Package, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The safety systems were effective and subtle in operation. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from IIHS, though a new side-impact test resulted in a "Marginal" rating. NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain at the time of review.