2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its promise, often fell short in terms of exterior design. Its aggressive front end hinted at potential, but past the A-pillar, it became reminiscent of its predecessors, lacking the refined proportions seen in competitors like BMW or Audi. The AMG trim attempted to add sportiness, but it struggled to compete visually with rivals such as the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a luxurious and cohesive design with high-quality materials and a striking red and black color scheme. The interior's attention to detail, from the LED-outlined grab handles to the plush materials, created a sense of opulence, though some controls felt flimsy.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its styling, including a bolder grille and new wheel designs. The AT4 trim added a rugged touch with black alloy wheels and a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The interior, while not as luxurious as the GLE, offered practicality and comfort. The AT4 trim featured black leather upholstery with caramel-colored stitching, and the cabin was equipped with modern conveniences like a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. Despite its entry-level status, the Terrain provided ample storage solutions and a spacious back seat, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced suspension and engine options. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, and the GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 483 hp. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered a staggering 603 hp. The GLE's air suspension, particularly the E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the SUV to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller vehicle, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience. However, its fuel efficiency was average, with the AMG GLE 53 averaging 16 mpg.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked the power of the GLE, the Terrain's turbocharging helped it feel lively at elevation. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the SUV in the torque band, but acceleration was not as rapid as the previous 2.0-liter engine. The Terrain AT4 offered different driving modes, including AWD and Off-Road, but torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's ride was smooth on highways, but off-road capabilities were limited due to its ground clearance. Fuel economy was a highlight, with the AT4 achieving 26.2 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, had reduced cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered intuitive features like seat kinetics and ambient lighting.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was spacious, offering ample legroom and comfort. 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. The interior featured numerous storage solutions, though some areas were too narrow for practical use. The Terrain's design focused on practicality and comfort, making it a suitable choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system offered a range of features, including seat massage, ambient lighting, and a natural voice assistant. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts. The GLE's technology was extensive, with options like a head-up display, navigation with augmented reality, and semi-automated driving functions.

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 a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems added an extra layer of protection in the event of a crash.

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 adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.