2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 presented a sleek and smooth design that stood out in a market filled with sharply creased and angular vehicles. Its exterior was consistent across most trim levels, with the base Sport model featuring automatic LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. As buyers moved up the trim levels, they found additional features like leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced LED headlights in the Touring model. The top-tier Signature trim offered premium touches such as Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, aiming for a rugged look. However, the Terrain's interior materials and execution did not fully meet expectations for its price range. The AT4's black leather interior with caramel-colored stitching was a nice touch, but the overall cabin feel lacked the craftsmanship GMC promised. The Terrain's design choices, such as the pushbutton transmission controls and the head-up display on a plastic panel, were not as intuitive or premium as one might hope.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, making the CX-5 more engaging to drive, especially in Sport mode. Fuel efficiency varied depending on the drivetrain and engine choice, with the most efficient model achieving 28 mpg combined.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided decent torque between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, it lacked the acceleration and towing capacity of the previously available 2.0-liter engine. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine's performance within its optimal torque band. The Terrain's fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined, but its overall driving experience was less exciting compared to the CX-5.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed with comfort and functionality in mind, though it fell short in cargo space compared to competitors. The seating position and controls were typical for its class, but rear legroom was limited. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for the segment. Despite this, the CX-5's climate controls were straightforward and user-friendly.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, making it suitable for passengers. The Terrain's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet with them folded, slightly more than the CX-5. The Terrain also featured numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was not as user-friendly as expected. While it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the screen's positioning and control knob made it challenging to use. The lack of intuitive controls for tuning the stereo or navigating through options was a drawback.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the higher trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The voice recognition system was particularly impressive, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also offered a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. It earned high safety ratings, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Optional safety features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

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