2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and revised 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 vital components. The test model featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and a suite of packages, bringing the MSRP in Canada to $44,757. Despite the upscale appearance, the Terrain's interior materials and execution did not fully meet expectations, with some design choices, like the pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray, being less intuitive and practical.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the SUV's length, resulting in a sportier, coupe-like appearance. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the vehicle's bold and upscale look. However, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics, detracting from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious interior with generous rear legroom and a cargo area that, while smaller than the seven-passenger model, still provided ample space. The test vehicle's Pure Grey exterior and Dark Burgundy interior added to its upscale appeal, though the abundance of unlined storage areas could lead to rattles and noise.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previously available 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which had offered better acceleration and a higher towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The 1.5-litre engine could tow up to 680 kilograms and required drivers to adapt to its torque delivery, which peaked between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine within its optimal torque band, though the Terrain's acceleration was not particularly quick. The AT4 trim offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control for varied driving conditions. However, the Terrain's off-road capabilities were limited, and its handling on pavement was more comfortable than sporty, with a quiet cabin despite some road noise from the tires.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a higher towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, offering various driving modes. The V6 engine in the Execline trim felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport compared to the three-row Atlas, though the ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels and tires. The suspension was too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a less refined driving experience. However, the Cross Sport excelled on highways, where the ride was more agreeable.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with features like power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim included perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching, adding an upscale touch. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, with a 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 was available under the trunk floor and by folding the front passenger seat for longer items.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas, offering exceptional roominess for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while rear side-window sunshades provided comfort for passengers. The Atlas Cross Sport's cargo area, though smaller than the seven-passenger model, offered ample space for luggage and other items, with additional storage under the load floor.

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 connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The larger screen offered a connected navigation system 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.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity-sensing display. The system supported Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless charging. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim included automatic high beams and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

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 certain 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 at the time of review.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Canadian models also received adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, rear cross-traffic alert, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Execline trim added adaptive LED headlights, a semi-autonomous Park Assist system, and an Area View 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.