2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and interior trim enhancements. The introduction of the AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, along with AT4 badges. A steel skid plate was also included to protect the vehicle's underbody, aligning with GMC's claim of the Terrain AT4 being a "small off-road SUV." The test model featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and a suite of packages, bringing its MSRP to $41,810. Despite these upgrades, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle in this price range, with some features like the head-up display and pushbutton transmission controls falling short in terms of user-friendliness and practicality.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and off-road prowess, was a highly sought-after vehicle. It introduced two new models, the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor, with the Everglades designed for swamp trekking and deep water. The Bronco lineup offered seven trims, each with increasing off-road capabilities. Despite being sold out for the year, the Bronco provided options for two-door or four-door body styles, engine choices, and removable roof types. Its design focused on off-roading, with features like short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and modular construction. Inside, the Bronco maintained a utilitarian theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, while also offering advanced technology like G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel. The Bronco's combination of ruggedness and technology made it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and everyday driving.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previously available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which had offered better acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds and required drivers to utilize its torque band effectively for satisfactory performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine's torque, but the Terrain lacked the rapid acceleration needed for certain driving situations. The AT4 model featured a four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch wheels, providing a smooth ride on various surfaces. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, with the front end scraping on uneven terrain. The Terrain AT4's fuel economy was commendable, achieving 26.2 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The four-cylinder engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, featuring a crawl gear for low-speed driving, while the V6 was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All Broncos had four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive, with models like the Everglades excelling in challenging conditions. On-road performance was also notable, with the Bronco offering a smoother ride and better handling than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's combination of power and refinement made it a versatile performer both on and off the road.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior with numerous comfort features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, with additional features like a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite some storage limitations, the Terrain's interior was designed to simplify daily life with its practical features.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its generous interior space, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some maneuvering, but the four-door version offered easier entry. Cargo capacity varied based on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 52.3 cubic feet of space with the seats folded, and the four-door hard top providing up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, enhancing its utility. The vehicle's design included external mounting points for additional gear, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLE trim featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and higher trims equipped with an 8-inch display. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar 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. Additional tech features included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the Terrain's convenience and safety.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while maintaining driver engagement. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred settings. A forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist feature aided in navigating challenging terrain. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features, combined with off-road apps, made the Bronco a technologically advanced vehicle for both on and off-road adventures.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not fully evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Additional features, such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear parking sensors, were available in optional packages. The Bronco's safety systems functioned effectively, with no false alarms. The NHTSA awarded the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave the Bronco "Good" ratings in frontal, side, and roof strength tests, with an "Acceptable" rating for head restraints and seats.