Jeep Wrangler 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, enhancing its rugged appeal. GMC equipped the Terrain AT4 with a steel skid plate to protect vital components, anticipating that some owners might venture off-road. The test vehicle 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 for a vehicle in this price range, with some design choices, like the pushbutton transmission controls, proving less intuitive.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, rugged design with a boxy shape and minimal curves. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for door removal, and the optional Dual-Door Group provided half doors for enhanced visibility. The windshield could fold down, and various top options were available for open-air exploration. The Wrangler's design was simple and functional, with features like wide fenders, Jeep's seven-slot grille, and round headlights. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a unique flair to the SUV. Inside, the Wrangler offered practicality with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, though it lacked some luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

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 option, which had offered better acceleration and towing capacity. The 1.5-litre engine could tow up to 680 kilograms and required drivers to adapt to its torque delivery for optimal performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine within its torque band, though the Terrain lacked the power and acceleration of its former 2.0-litre counterpart. The Terrain AT4 featured a four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch wheels, providing a smooth ride on highways and city streets. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, with the front end scraping on uneven terrain. The Terrain's fuel economy was commendable, with ratings of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.3 on the highway.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, catering to different off-road needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 offered 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid combined electric motors with a 17.3-kWh battery pack, offering 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was enhanced by solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various transfer cases, though the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined for on-road performance.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with numerous comfort features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port for convenience. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. The Terrain also featured a foldable front passenger seat for accommodating longer items.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, though heated seats were limited to specific models or packages. The rear seat could fit three passengers in four-door models, but space was tight, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. Cargo space was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a removable hard top, a Sunrider soft top, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top, providing flexibility for open-air driving. The Wrangler also featured multiple charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Tire Fill Alert system.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system appeared complex initially but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech offerings were practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

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 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 IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, though it received a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on top models or available as options. The IIHS ratings for the Wrangler were mixed, with some trims receiving a "Poor" ranking for headlights. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover ratings, with no side crash rating available.