2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, wheel designs, 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, aiming to enhance its off-road appeal. Despite these enhancements, the Terrain remained GMC's entry-level model, with some compromises in material quality and interior execution. The pushbutton transmission controls, while freeing up console space, were not particularly intuitive, and the storage tray was too narrow for a smartphone. The interior, though equipped with features like a head-up display and leather upholstery, did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle priced over $40,000.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, staying true to its roots with a construction akin to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's design was reminiscent of the late 2000s, with a focus on function over form. Despite its dated interior, the 4Runner offered a range of trims, including the Trail and SR5 in Canada, with options like the TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, and TRD Pro packages. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense P, ensuring a blend of modern technology and traditional SUV ruggedness.

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 modest, the torque was accessible between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, providing a decent driving experience once the vehicle was in motion. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the Terrain within its torque band, although the absence of the previously available turbocharged 2.0-litre engine was felt, especially in situations requiring rapid acceleration. The Terrain AT4 offered a choice between FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system available for more challenging terrains. However, the AT4's off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and tire grip, making it more suited for paved roads.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Despite its dated design, the engine was reliable and provided a decent initial jump. The five-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with low range contributed to its off-road prowess. While the 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, it excelled off-road, with the suspension absorbing rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models further enhanced its capabilities with features like Crawl Control and a locking differential. The 4Runner's towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms was also a notable advantage over many car-based crossovers.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious 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, adding a touch of luxury. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, while the cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. The Terrain also included a large storage bin under the trunk floor and the option to fold the front passenger seat for longer items.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres available with the second-row seats in use. The three-row model offered slightly less space, with a maximum of 2,514 litres. While the 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate, it featured a power-open/close rear window, enhancing convenience. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was not cramped, but it could benefit from more efficient packaging. The interior offered plenty of storage spaces, although there was room for improvement.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with two infotainment system options, with the SLE trim featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims equipped with an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen. Both systems supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The larger screen offered connected navigation, natural voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was particularly impressive, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Tire Fill Alert system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with hard buttons and dials, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system lacked advanced features like a head-up display, it provided a straightforward and tactile user experience, suitable for off-road enthusiasts. The option to add navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, ensuring a balance of modern technology and simplicity.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was equipped with the GMC Pro Safety Package, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, 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, although it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing. The IIHS had not yet evaluated the 4Runner. Toyota backed the 4Runner with a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.