GMC Terrain vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a notable facelift, featuring updated 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, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. Despite these enhancements, the Terrain remained GMC's entry-level model, evident in the quality of materials and execution of details. The interior, while equipped with features like a Tech Package and Infotainment Package II, fell short of expectations for a vehicle priced over $40,000, with craftsmanship not quite living up to GMC's claims.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a more refined and stylish presence, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims. The Palisade's exterior boasted a massive grille, LED projector headlights, and distinctive LED daytime running lights. Inside, the Palisade impressed with its thoughtful design and craftsmanship, featuring H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a range of comfort-enhancing features. The Palisade's interior design was praised for its organic shapes and well-considered storage solutions, providing a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

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 delivery required some adaptation, the nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the SUV within its torque band. The Terrain's performance was adequate for most driving situations, though it lacked the acceleration of its previous 2.0-litre engine. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system, but torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's ride quality was generally smooth, though off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and tire grip.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, on the other hand, delivered impressive performance with its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery. This setup produced a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for both city and highway driving. The Palisade's advanced hybrid system optimized power distribution, enhancing handling and fuel efficiency. The cabin remained quiet and comfortable, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp and responsive, though the pedal feel was somewhat soft, creating a slight disconnect between steering and braking inputs.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, while the cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite some storage limitations, the Terrain's interior was designed to simplify life with various storage solutions.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid provided a more comfortable cabin with dual-zone climate control, second-row HVAC controls, and multiple USB-C power outlets. While the Palisade's total cargo capacity of 2,455 litres trailed some competitors, it offered more space than others in its class. The second-row legroom was slightly compromised by the battery's position, but the third row remained usable. The Palisade's interior was filled with thoughtful storage solutions, including a rubberized cargo space and hidden shelves.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy, though the Bose audio system fell short of expectations. The Terrain also offered a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows, while a 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims. The Palisade introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off. A built-in dashcam was a standout feature on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the safe-exit alert indicator was a thoughtful addition. While the 2026 Palisade had not been crash-tested, the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.