GMC Terrain vs Lexus TX

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 brought a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. A steel skid plate was added to protect vital components, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and was equipped with several packages, including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II. Despite these enhancements, the Terrain's interior materials and execution did not fully meet expectations for its price range, with some design choices, like the pushbutton transmission controls, proving less intuitive.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package and the TX 500h hybrid starting with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The TX's exterior retained a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the rear featured LED lighting and a small roof spoiler. Inside, three interior colour options were available, complemented by ambient lighting and suede trim. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a notable change, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

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 torque, but the absence of the previously available 2.0-litre engine was felt, especially in situations requiring rapid acceleration. The Terrain offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system available. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The AT4 model, with its 17-inch wheels and 20.1 centimetres of ground clearance, provided a smooth ride on highways but struggled off-road, often scraping the front end.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had full-time AWD, while the TX 500h employed Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX wasn't designed as a sports car, but the 500h's adaptive suspension and rear steering improved handling.

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 AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, and the Terrain included various storage solutions. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable centre console, while the third row was spacious with a recline function. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy, 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 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was responsive, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues arose. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added 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 NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The NHTSA rated the TX five out of five stars for crash safety, while the IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" score for the passenger’s side.