2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to 1948. The original Defender was known for its rugged, utilitarian design, characterized by round headlamps, a boxy cabin, and a flat windshield. The new Defender retained some of these iconic features, such as the flat-topped fenders and floating roof, while incorporating modern elements like half-round LED headlights and a structural-looking grille. The interior was a blend of exposed structure and luxury, with high-quality materials and a digital instrument panel, creating an authentic and thoughtfully designed space.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain underwent updates to its front styling, wheel designs, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille, black alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, giving it a more rugged appearance. The interior was equipped with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control, providing comfort and convenience. Despite its upscale appearance, the Terrain's interior materials and execution did not fully meet expectations for its price range, and some design choices, like the pushbutton transmission controls, were not intuitive.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup producing 395 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response were standard, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Defender boasted impressive off-road specs, such as a 30.1-degree approach angle and 35.4 inches of wading depth. On-road, it was quick and comfortable, with a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped manage the torque, but the engine lacked the power of its predecessor's 2.0-liter option. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, and the ride was more suited to highways and city streets. The Terrain's fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender's unibody platform, shared with other Land Rover models, provided strength and weight reduction. Its four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension enhanced both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available in the 110 model.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, and the AT4 trim included leather upholstery with contrast stitching. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Terrain also featured various storage solutions throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and multiple camera views for off-roading. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with optional Meridian sound systems and a head-up display.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised, though the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Tech Package included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking aid. It underwent extensive durability testing, but crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, though it received a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness.