2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that echoed the traditional SUV style, with its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive look set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most compact crossovers, enhancing its appeal as more than just an ordinary vehicle. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black wheels and red interior accents, adding to its adventurous persona.

Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, distinguishing its cabin from other Toyota models. While material quality was decent on lower trims, it didn't improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable, fitting its outdoorsy theme. However, real leather wasn't available, even on the top-tier Limited trim. Overall, the RAV4's interior combined functionality with a touch of rugged charm, though it lacked the premium feel expected at higher price points.

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test vehicle, with Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, was equipped with various packages, including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II, bringing the MSRP to $44,757 in Canada. More affordable options like the SLE and SLT trims were available, with the latter offering standard FWD.

Despite its entry-level status, the Terrain's interior materials and execution didn't quite meet expectations for its price range. The head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic panel rather than the windshield, and the pushbutton transmission controls, while freeing up console space, resulted in a narrow storage tray. The AT4's caramel-coloured contrast stitching added a touch of luxury, but overall, the cabin didn't fully reflect GMC's craftsmanship claims. The Terrain's design and features aimed to simplify life, but some aspects fell short of delivering a premium experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard FWD and optional AWD. While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and revved like a racing engine, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the "Sport" mode only added weight to the steering. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced with torque-vectoring AWD and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance in Trail and TRD Off-Road models, which also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band, but the engine's power delivery was delayed. The Terrain's turbocharging helped it perform better at elevation, but it lacked the acceleration of the discontinued 2.0-litre engine. The AT4 model offered FWD and AWD modes, with Off-Road and Hill Descent Control systems. The Terrain's 20.1 centimetres of ground clearance was less than some competitors, and its off-road capabilities were limited by its design. The Terrain's ride was smooth on highways, but its handling was dull, with numb steering and brakes.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, though legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat cushions. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space on the console was limited. The cargo area had a wide aperture, but the lip was higher than in some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Terrain's interior was roomy, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour stitching. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's interior had numerous storage solutions, including a large storage bin under the trunk floor. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row and 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not flashy, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics. However, the gasoline RAV4 lacked a head-up display.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen on SLE trim and an 8-inch screen on SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to prompts. The Tech Package added a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera. The Terrain also featured a Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It missed the "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were also available.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with a standard GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The GMC 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, but it received a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness.