Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and was equipped with several packages, bringing its MSRP in Canada to $44,757. Despite the upscale appearance, 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 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained its previous design with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid's design was characterized by exaggerated forms and oversized elements, both inside and out, which some found visually overwhelming. The interior featured large air vents, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and mismatched textures, contributing to a less cohesive look. Despite these design choices, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride, although the quality of materials and execution left room for improvement.

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 torque once the vehicle was in motion. The Terrain's AWD system offered versatility with modes for FWD, AWD, Off-Road, and Hill Descent Control, although torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain AT4's suspension provided a smooth ride on various surfaces, but its off-road capabilities were limited by ground clearance and tire grip. Fuel economy was rated at 9.6 L/100 km city, 8.3 highway, and 9.0 combined.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. The hybrid system allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds, but the gas engine's torque was limited, affecting high-speed performance and towing capability. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with AWD and a Trail mode for light off-road use. Fuel economy was a highlight, with a rating of 6.7 L/100 km combined, although real-world testing showed 8.2 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim included leather upholstery with contrast stitching, providing an upscale feel. The rear seat was roomy, with ample legroom and support, and the Terrain featured various storage solutions. Cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded, and the front passenger seat could be folded for additional length.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. The interior included three-zone climate control and heated seats, with the Platinum trim adding ventilated front seats and heated second-row chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, with limited comfort and access. The Highlander Hybrid offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row down. Storage solutions were present but not always practical, with some design choices hindering usability.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured two infotainment systems, with the AT4 trim offering an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, while the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Terrain also offered a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new infotainment system. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless smartphone integration, and connected services. The Drive Connect plan added natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The Highlander Hybrid also included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which provided decent sound quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

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 a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with the ADAS performing well in most situations.