2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 GMC Terrain

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 added to protect the vehicle's undercarriage, 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 was equipped with several packages, bringing its price to $44,757 in Canada. Despite the upscale appearance, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not fully meet expectations for its price range. The pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive, and the head-up display was less sophisticated than expected. Overall, while the Terrain offered a range of features, the execution of its interior design left room for improvement.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, emphasized functionality and ruggedness. The Wilderness model featured white paint, a dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $38,995. The Forester's design was practical, with a focus on utility rather than aesthetics. The interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. The Wilderness trim included a suspension lift, higher ground clearance, and protective cladding, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its lack of engine power and some wind noise at higher speeds, the Forester excelled in various driving environments, making it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure.

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 was delayed, but the nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain torque once the vehicle was in motion. The Terrain's towing capacity was limited to 680 kilograms, a reduction from the previous 2.0-litre engine's capability. The AT4 model offered 20.1 centimetres of ground clearance and featured a four-wheel independent suspension. While the Terrain provided a smooth ride on highways and city streets, its off-road performance was limited, with the front end scraping on uneven terrain. The sport-terrain tires lacked grip in corners, and the steering and brakes felt unresponsive. Fuel economy was reasonable, with a combined rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The engine performed adequately at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios simulated an automatic transmission, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for improved response. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system enhanced off-road capabilities, and the Wilderness trim's suspension improvements increased ground clearance to 22.9 centimetres. The Forester excelled in various driving conditions, including off-road environments, though it lacked engine power and experienced wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior with numerous comfort 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 perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching added an upscale touch. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, and the rear USB charging port was a convenient feature. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded. The Terrain's interior design included various storage compartments, though some were not optimally sized.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seat folded. The Forester's storage solutions were practical, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the AT4 trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, though the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Tech Package included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting were practical features.

The 2022 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim and higher featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial. The voice recognition system was inconsistent in its effectiveness.

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 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, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, featuring a wider field of vision and improved accuracy. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.