Toyota 4Runner vs GMC Terrain

The 2022 GMC Terrain presented a refreshed exterior with updated front styling, wheel designs, and taillights, alongside interior trim enhancements. The introduction of the AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges, aiming to enhance its off-road appeal. However, despite these updates, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not quite meet the expectations set by its price tag, especially with the AT4's caramel-coloured contrast piping and stitching. The pushbutton transmission controls, while freeing up console space, were not particularly intuitive, and the storage tray was too narrow for a smartphone, highlighting some design oversights.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) embraced a retro aesthetic with body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze accents. The 4Runner maintained its truck-based SUV stance, offering a solid and quality feel despite the abundance of plastic in the cabin. The interior was functional, with easy-to-use controls even when wearing gloves. The 4Runner's design and features, such as the power-down rear window and spacious second-row seating, provided a practical and comfortable experience, although the third-row seat option was less appealing due to its impact on cargo space and comfort.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was equipped with 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 vehicle within its torque band. The Terrain's towing capacity was limited to 680 kilograms, a significant drop from the previous 2.0-litre engine's capability. The AT4 model offered various driving modes, including FWD, AWD, Off-Road, and Hill Descent Control, but torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's ride quality was generally smooth, though off-road performance was limited by its ground clearance and tire grip.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim providing a full-time 4WD option. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its ground clearance and off-roading technologies like Active Traction Control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner's powertrain performed reliably during elevation changes and maintained a steady speed without gear hunting.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, while the cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. The Terrain also included various storage solutions, although some were not optimally designed.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's standout feature was its power-down rear window, enhancing ventilation and providing an immersive driving experience. The interior offered comfortable seating, with the 40 ASE trim featuring SofTex artificial leather. Dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations were available, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and support, while the optional third-row seat was less practical. The cargo area offered 1,337 litres of space behind the second row, with additional storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with two infotainment systems, featuring either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The larger screen offered connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Terrain also included a head-up display, park assist sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Tire Fill Alert system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with optional navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it struggled with some commands. The 4Runner's technology was straightforward and user-friendly, appealing to those who prefer physical controls over touchscreens.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. 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 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. The 4Runner's adaptive cruise control performed well, though the lane-departure warning could be annoying. The NHTSA gave the 4Runner a four-star overall rating, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not conducted a full set of tests on the 4Runner.