2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. The test vehicle came with extra-cost Ebony Twilight metallic paint, the blacked-out AT4 treatment, and a black leather interior. It was equipped with the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, a Skyscape panoramic sunroof, and a three-year subscription to OnStar services, bringing the MSRP to $41,810, including the $1,395 destination charge. The Terrain's interior was roomy and offered numerous comfort-enhancing features and storage solutions. However, the quality of materials and execution of details reflected its status as GMC's entry-level model, with some design choices, like the pushbutton transmission controls, being less intuitive.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. This drivetrain provided smooth, effortless power and included variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during rigorous testing. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain in the torque band, but the engine's power delivery was delayed off the line. The Terrain's ride was smooth on highways and city streets, but it exhibited more body motion on undulating surfaces. The AT4 model offered 7.9 inches of ground clearance and had off-road capabilities, but it scraped the ground during testing. The Terrain's fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg, and it achieved 26.2 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The Elite trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats to maximize cargo space was cumbersome.

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 back seat offered proper support and plenty of legroom, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain had numerous storage solutions, including a large storage bin under the trunk floor. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and HondaLink connectivity. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk systems. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, but it was not a touchscreen.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Tech Package included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting were also useful features.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, including 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 Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, with a "Marginal" rating in the new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2022 Terrain.