2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to the brand's commitment to a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. While it maintained a modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights, it avoided the overly sharp designs seen in some competitors. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive masterpiece, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC Coupe, while stylish, sacrificed some cargo space for its sharp look.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain featured updated front styling, wheel designs, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level added a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, giving it a rugged appearance. The Terrain's interior was roomy and practical, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim offered perforated leather upholstery with caramel-coloured contrast stitching, adding a touch of luxury. Despite its entry-level status, the Terrain provided numerous storage solutions and a spacious back seat, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The GLC offered a range of drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. While not overly sporty, the GLC's powertrain was responsive, and its steering was precise, providing a refined and confident driving experience. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S offered significantly more horsepower with their twin-turbocharged engines.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked the acceleration of the previously available 2.0-litre engine, the 1.5-litre engine provided adequate power for most driving situations. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain in the optimal torque band, although there was a noticeable delay off the line. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control for added versatility. However, the Terrain's performance was hindered by torque steer in FWD mode and a lack of power, making it less engaging to drive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced this to 1,400 litres. With the rear seats up, the GLC provided 550 litres of cargo space, and the Coupe offered 500 litres. The GLC's interior was well-designed, with a decently sized centre console and deep door pockets for storage. Rear-seat space was adequate, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the SUV, although the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided 838 litres of cargo space behind the second row, with a large storage bin under the trunk floor. Folding the rear seat down increased cargo space to 1,792 litres, and the front passenger seat could be folded for longer items. The Terrain's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port for added convenience. Despite some storage limitations, the Terrain's interior was practical and comfortable.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, centre console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch controller and touchscreen options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, although switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also offered a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its technological offerings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package. However, the parking sensors were overly sensitive, leading to false positives at intersections.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, although it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.