2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and updated taillights and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level added a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges, enhancing its rugged appeal. The AT4 was marketed as a "small off-road SUV," equipped with a steel skid plate to protect its mechanical components. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and a suite of packages, bringing its MSRP to $44,757 in Canada. Despite these enhancements, 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 usability and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a more luxurious and high-tech interior. The test vehicle's Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a modern touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. Although the interior design appeared simple, it masked the vehicle's complexity, requiring some acclimation to operate the technology effectively. Overall, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a more sumptuous and sophisticated cabin compared to the Terrain.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by 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 learning to ride the torque swell for optimal performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the SUV within the torque band, but the absence of the previously available turbocharged 2.0-litre engine was felt, especially in situations requiring rapid acceleration. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system for varied driving conditions. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode, and the AT4's off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and tire grip. Despite these limitations, the Terrain AT4 delivered a smooth ride on highways and city streets, with fuel economy ratings of 9.6 L/100 km in the city, 8.3 highway, and 9.0 combined with AWD.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by an EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup provided robust acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rating of 12.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering multiple driving modes for varied conditions. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization contributed to its nimble and composed handling. The GLE Coupe excelled in urban environments, with speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering and a tight turning radius. In Sport+ mode, the SUV demonstrated impressive performance on challenging roads, though its size and weight were noticeable. Overall, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a more dynamic and engaging driving experience compared to the Terrain.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a spacious and practical interior, 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, adding an upscale touch. The back seat offered ample legroom and comfort, with a rear USB charging port for convenience. The Terrain's cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional storage solutions included a large storage bin under the trunk floor and a foldable front passenger seat for longer items.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four adults. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the 655-litre cargo hold expanded to 1,790 litres with the second-row seats folded. The GLE Coupe featured additional comfort upgrades, such as a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated armrests, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLE trim featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The test vehicle had the larger screen with the Infotainment Package II, adding connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness, though the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Tire Fill Alert system for added convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." Optional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester surround-sound audio system, and an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition. The GLE Coupe also offered an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its technological appeal.

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-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, available on SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims, 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, 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.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with lane-keeping assistance technology providing decisive intervention when needed. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.