2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the aggressive styling trends of its competitors, opting instead for a sleek and smooth design that exuded elegance even at a standstill. While it didn't boast the boldness of some rivals, it took Mazda's signature design language in a refined direction. The base model featured practical elements like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims added luxurious touches such as leatherette seats and a power liftgate. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received a facelift with updated front styling, wheel designs, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level introduced a bolder grille and black alloy wheels, aiming to enhance its off-road appeal. However, the Terrain's interior materials and execution left something to be desired, especially given its price point. The pushbutton transmission controls, while freeing up space, were not intuitive, and the storage solutions were not always practical. Despite these shortcomings, the Terrain offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both delivering commendable performance. The base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, providing a balanced drive with either FWD or AWD. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available on higher trims, delivered a robust 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, enhancing the driving experience with spirited acceleration. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the non-turbo engine achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway. The turbo engine, while slightly less efficient, still offered competitive fuel economy figures.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked the punch of the previously available 2.0-litre engine, it provided adequate performance for everyday driving. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine within its optimal torque band, but acceleration was not as brisk as some competitors. The Terrain's fuel economy was respectable, with an official rating of 9.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. However, the lack of a more powerful engine option limited its appeal for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed with functionality and comfort in mind, though it fell short in cargo space compared to some rivals. The seating position and comfort level were typical for its class, but rear legroom was limited, especially for taller passengers. The CX-5 offered 875 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded. While these figures were below average, the CX-5's straightforward climate controls and user-friendly layout made it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 GMC Terrain excelled in interior space and comfort, offering a roomy cabin with power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, making it suitable for long journeys. The Terrain's cargo capacity was impressive, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,792 litres with the seats folded. Additionally, the ability to fold the front passenger seat down allowed for transporting longer items. Despite some shortcomings in storage solutions, the Terrain's interior was well-suited for family use.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was not as user-friendly as some competitors. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the lack of intuitive controls for tuning and volume adjustment detracted from the overall experience. The screen's positioning also made it difficult for shorter drivers to reach, requiring reliance on steering wheel controls for some functions.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Bose premium sound system in the Infotainment Package II. The voice recognition system was particularly impressive, accurately responding to various prompts. However, the Bose speakers did not meet the same high standards. The Terrain also offered a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system further enhanced safety. The CX-5 earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came equipped with the GMC Pro Safety Package, offering features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The optional Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. While the Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, it fell short in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2022 model at the time of review, leaving some uncertainty regarding its overall safety performance.