Ford Escape vs GMC Terrain

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, aiming to enhance its off-road appeal. Despite these enhancements, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle priced over $40,000. The pushbutton transmission controls, while freeing up console space, were not intuitive, and the storage tray was too narrow for a smartphone. The head-up display, projected on a clear plastic panel, was another area where the Terrain fell short of premium expectations.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its previous blocky exterior. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford blue oval logo. The Escape, particularly in the ST-Line Elite trim, presented an upscale appearance with 19-inch wheels and body-colour mirror caps. Inside, the Escape offered diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat allowed for easy customization. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy and poorly reinforced.

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 band for optimal performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the torque band, but the absence of the previously available 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. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's suspension provided a smooth ride on highways and city streets, but off-road performance was limited by its ground clearance and sport-terrain tires.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The latter, available on higher trims, provided better acceleration and high-speed performance. Despite the impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters for manual gear changes. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, and the AT4 trim included perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching. Cargo space was generous, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded. The Terrain also featured a large storage bin under the trunk floor and the ability to fold the front passenger seat for longer items.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape's cargo space was slightly less than some competitors, with 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the second row folded. Passenger space was adequate, with good headroom and deeply scalloped front-seat backs to maximize rear-seat legroom.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Tech Package option included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured Sync 4 technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and offered a well-organized interface with tiles for navigation, music, and Bluetooth pairing. The system included a static "Home" button for easy navigation. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its feature set and layout were impressive. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with a Bang & Olufsen system available on higher trims.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, with a "Marginal" rating in the new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain at the time of review.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal- and side-crash tests. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a "Marginal" score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and lane-centring technology.