2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design and premium appearance. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, especially with its distinctive grille and elongated profile. The Venza was available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included dual chrome-tipped exhausts, LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with higher trims offering additional luxuries like a 12.3-inch screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its styling, including a bolder grille and new wheel designs. The AT4 trim, in particular, featured black 17-inch alloy wheels and a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test model came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, equipped with the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, and GMC Pro Safety Plus Package. While the Terrain's interior was roomy and offered features like a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control, the quality of materials and execution did not quite meet expectations for its price point. The head-up display and pushbutton transmission controls were noted as less intuitive, and the overall cabin design lacked the premium feel suggested by its price.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Blazer. Its handling was confident and typical of a Toyota, with a focus on comfort and reliability.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's power was adequate, it required careful management of the torque band for optimal performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain momentum, but the absence of the previously available 2.0-litre engine was felt. The Terrain's ride was smooth on highways and city streets, but its off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and suspension tuning. Fuel economy was reasonable, with a rating of 9.0 L/100 km combined, but not as impressive as the Venza's.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console with resizable cup holders and a wireless charging pad. The seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and a spacious feel. Cargo space was 816 litres, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The Venza's interior was more refined than the RAV4, with elegant styling and a focus on comfort.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior 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 back seat offered generous legroom and support, while the cargo area provided 838 litres of space, expandable to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite the numerous storage solutions, some design choices, like the narrow storage tray, were less practical.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, with a 12.3-inch screen available on higher trims. The Entune system, while improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu interactions for simple tasks. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system available on higher trims. Toyota also offered connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch screen on the SLE trim and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen, paired with the Infotainment Package II, included connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was particularly impressive, accurately responding to various prompts. Additional tech features included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the Terrain's technological appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning a Top Safety Pick designation and a five-star overall rating.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The 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 earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2022 Terrain at the time of review.