2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was built on Volkswagen's MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback, and was introduced to North America as a crossover, a strategic decision given the market's preference for such vehicles. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4's appearance was more akin to its hatchback sibling, the ID.3, and it shared a similar aesthetic challenge with other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level introduced a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test model featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, which proved challenging to keep clean. The Terrain AT4 was equipped with various packages, including the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, and GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, raising its price significantly. While the SLE and SLT trims offered more affordable options, the Terrain remained GMC's entry-level model, evident in the quality of materials and execution. The interior featured pushbutton transmission controls and a head-up display, though the latter was less advanced than expected. Despite these features, the Terrain's interior did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The RWD setup provided balanced handling, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. While not sporty, the ID.4 prioritized comfort, offering a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for a more familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power delivery required some adjustment, with torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine within its optimal torque band. While the Terrain's competitors were not significantly more powerful, the absence of the previously available turbocharged 2.0-litre engine was noticeable. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's suspension provided a comfortable ride on various surfaces, though it struggled with off-road conditions, and the sport-terrain tires offered limited grip.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats, which proved effective in cold conditions.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's interior included various storage solutions, though the storage tray forward of the cupholders was disappointing. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, with a large storage bin underneath the trunk floor. Folding the rear seat down expanded cargo capacity to 1,792 litres, and the front passenger seat could be folded for longer items.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads for controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield for driver communication. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on the SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting were practical additions.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Travel Assist, which added automated lane centring, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with a standard GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. 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, though 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.