2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling, positioned between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more conventional designs of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, but its compact size and tall profile created an awkward appearance. The XT5 was unmistakably a Cadillac, yet it lacked the grace typically associated with the brand. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct exterior styling, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a cohesive design theme and brand-specific markers, making it feel less distinctive compared to its competitors.

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent 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 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, equipped with various packages including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II. Despite its entry-level status, the Terrain offered a range of features, though the quality of materials and execution reflected its position in the market. The pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray were noted as design oversights, and while the AT4 trim added some luxury touches, the overall cabin did not fully meet expectations for craftsmanship.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without excessive nervousness, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power was accessible between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, though there was a delay in acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine within its torque band. The Terrain's competitors were not significantly more powerful, but the absence of the previously available 2.0-litre engine was felt. The AT4 trim offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. The Terrain's suspension provided a smooth ride on various surfaces, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. The AT4's off-road capabilities were limited, and the steering and brakes lacked engagement. Fuel economy was satisfactory, with ratings of 9.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but less than the BMW X3. It provided more legroom in both rows, though the seats were not as comfortable as expected for a luxury vehicle. Cargo space was generous, with 850 litres behind the rear seats and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen offered additional storage.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain included various storage solutions, though the storage tray forward of the cupholders was narrow. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While usability was improved, the tech offerings were merely adequate compared to other luxury brands. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

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 Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Tech Package added a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine start were also appreciated features.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though it had a "Marginal" headlight rating and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with a standard GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from IIHS, though it had a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.