2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a classic SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a unique retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred a subtle electric vehicle look. The interior was minimalist yet luxurious, featuring high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents into a harmonious whole.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a styling refresh, with updated front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level introduced a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, complemented by a suite of packages including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II. Despite its entry-level status, the Terrain offered a range of trims from the affordable SLE and SLT to the luxurious Denali. However, the quality of materials and execution of details reflected its entry-level positioning, with features like a less intuitive pushbutton transmission control and a narrow storage tray on the centre console.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It boasted a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. The Recharge model also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The previously available 2.0-litre engine, which offered better acceleration and towing capacity, was no longer available. The 1.5-litre engine provided adequate performance, with torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, although there was a delay in acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine within the torque band. The Terrain AT4 offered various driving modes, including FWD, AWD, Off-Road, and Hill Descent Control. Despite its off-road aspirations, the AT4 struggled with ground clearance and grip, and its performance was considered dull. However, it met fuel economy expectations, with ratings of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.3 on the highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, although it was not particularly spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40 featured clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with numerous comfort-enhancing features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. The gasoline models retained the previous infotainment system. The Recharge lacked a start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park with the key fob present.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, although the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Pro Safety Plus Package added features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. 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 at the time of review.