2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland. The RX was available in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different performance and seating needs. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front-end design introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with options for 20-inch wheels and additional luxury touches. The interior boasted standard carpeted floor mats, chrome door handles, and power-adjustable front seats, with available upgrades like semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats.

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, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. More affordable trims like SLE and SLT offered standard front-wheel drive, while the luxurious Terrain Denali added a layer of sophistication. The Terrain's interior quality reflected its entry-level status, with some cost-cutting measures evident. The pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray were noted as less intuitive and practical. Despite these drawbacks, the Terrain's powertrain met fuel economy expectations, achieving 26 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, delivering 308 horsepower and managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The front-wheel-drive RX 350 achieved 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the AWD versions saw slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid models offered better efficiency, with up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and sportier features. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine was discontinued, reducing the Terrain's towing capacity to 1,500 pounds. The 1.5-liter engine's torque was available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, requiring drivers to ride the torque swell for optimal performance. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control, with torque steer being an issue in FWD mode. The AT4's 7.9 inches of ground clearance was less than some competitors, and its off-road capabilities were limited. The Terrain's ride quality was good on pavement, but it struggled off-road, with the front end scraping on uneven terrain. The Terrain's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg, which matched our test results.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front-seat occupants enjoyed ample space, while the second row was comfortable for adults. The third row in the RXL was tight for any age. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with numerous comfort features and storage solutions. Our Terrain AT4 had power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air-conditioning vents. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and foot room, and included a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. A large storage bin under the trunk floor and the ability to fold the front passenger seat down for longer items added to its practicality.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was less refined than competitors, and the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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 Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. Our test vehicle had the larger screen and Infotainment Package II, which added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Tire Fill Alert system.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid were not tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

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, available on SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims and standard on Denali, 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 this review.