2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a significant step forward for the brand, showcasing a refined and upscale design. Cadillac had updated the XT5 for the 2020 model year with 40 enhancements, including a new engine option, revised styling, and advanced technology. The exterior featured a more snub-nosed look with distinct trim level differentiation, standard LED lights, and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the XT5 offered a more luxurious feel than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, especially in the Premium Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, 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 several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. While the Terrain's interior was roomy and offered numerous comfort features, the quality of materials and execution did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque, which was standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided smooth upshifts but clunkier downshifts, especially in Sport mode. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in AWD during a 2,000-mile test, better than the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine was no longer offered. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds and required learning to ride the torque band for satisfaction. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band once rolling. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control. It achieved 26.2 mpg on the evaluation loop, slightly above the EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided enough room for four adults in two rows, though the back seat had limited headroom for tall occupants. The front seats were not as comfortable as they appeared for long trips. Heated front seats were standard, and the SUV offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The cargo-management system allowed for dividing and securing items, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2022 GMC Terrain's interior was roomy for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching. The back seat was spacious with plenty of legroom and a rear USB charging port. The Terrain offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The front passenger seat could also fold down for longer items.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback. The system included one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system available. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were also offered.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen for 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, and the Tech Package included a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software allowed parents to limit vehicle features and view a report card of driving habits.

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 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, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of the review.