2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from the brand. Its exterior design, while featuring an aggressive nose and a sloping hood, seemed to lose its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, making it reminiscent of its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to mitigate its minivan-like appearance, but the GLE struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a testament to luxury, with a red and black interior that was both bold and opulent. The quality of materials, from wood to leather, was exceptional, although some controls felt less robust. The GLE's interior exuded a sense of indulgence, though achieving this level of luxury required significant investment in options.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates that enhanced its visual appeal, particularly with the introduction of the AT4 trim. This version featured a bolder grille, black alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, giving it a more rugged look. The AT4 trim also included a steel skid plate, hinting at its off-road capabilities. The Terrain's interior, while not as luxurious as the GLE, offered practicality and comfort. The black leather interior with caramel-coloured stitching provided an upscale feel, and the vehicle was equipped with numerous features like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof. However, the quality of materials and execution of details reflected its position as GMC's entry-level model. The head-up display, for instance, was a clear plastic panel rather than a projection onto the windshield, highlighting some cost-saving measures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the vehicle to adapt to various driving conditions. The hybrid EQ Boost system added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, enhancing performance without significantly improving fuel efficiency. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kg was impressive, and its driving dynamics were akin to a smaller sedan, offering a remarkable blend of comfort and agility.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked the power of its predecessor's 2.0-litre engine, the Terrain's turbocharging helped it perform adequately, especially at higher elevations. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the engine in its optimal torque band, but the vehicle's acceleration was not particularly quick. The Terrain AT4 offered different driving modes, including FWD, AWD, and Off-Road, but torque steer was noticeable in FWD mode. The Terrain's ride quality was generally smooth, though it exhibited more body motion on uneven surfaces. Its off-road capabilities were limited, as the vehicle's ground clearance and suspension were not sufficient for serious off-roading. Fuel economy was reasonable, with a combined rating of 9.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The second-row seats were power-adjustable, providing comfort and ease of access to the third row. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all seats folded. The Coupe variant, however, had less cargo space and a more confined rear passenger area due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring a single touchpad and intuitive controls. The vehicle's setup required some initial adjustment, but it was less complicated than previous models.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, with a USB charging port for convenience. The Terrain's cargo space was practical, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for additional cargo length. Storage solutions were abundant, with various slots and trays throughout the cabin, though some were not ideally sized for modern devices.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE's technology suite included a head-up display with customizable layouts, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The vehicle offered a plethora of electronic features, from seat kinetics to semi-automated driving functions, making it one of the most technologically advanced SUVs on the market.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the AT4 trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain's head-up display was part of the Tech Package, which also included park assist sensors and a surround-view camera. The vehicle's technology offerings were practical and user-friendly, though not as advanced as the GLE's.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The GLE also included unique features like Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for enhanced protection in a crash. The vehicle's safety systems were designed to provide maximum protection and assistance to the driver.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included 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 Terrain's safety features were effective and subtly integrated, encouraging their use. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, though it received a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2022 Terrain at the time of review.