2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 GMC Terrain

When the 2021 Subaru Ascent was introduced, it filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup, offering a three-row SUV that had been missing since the ill-fated Tribeca. The Ascent's design was a scaled-up version of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, making it instantly recognizable as part of the Subaru family. Inside, the cabin mirrored the dash design of other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for shoppers. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering a range of features from driver-assistance technologies to upgraded touchscreens and premium audio systems.

The 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test vehicle came with several premium features, including a panoramic sunroof and a three-year subscription to OnStar services, pushing the MSRP to $41,810. More affordable trims like the SLE and SLT were available, but the Terrain's entry-level status was evident in the quality of materials and execution of details. The pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray were notable design oversights.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, provided adequate performance for most driving scenarios. The Ascent excelled in comfort and handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance making it capable in snowy conditions and light off-roading. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The previously available 2.0-liter engine, which offered better acceleration and a higher towing capacity, was discontinued. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain in its torque band, but the vehicle lacked the power for rapid acceleration. The Terrain AT4 offered 7.9 inches of ground clearance and had modes for FWD, AWD, Off-Road, and Hill Descent Control. However, it struggled with torque steer in FWD mode and lacked the off-road capability suggested by its AT4 badge.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This was competitive within the midsize three-row SUV class. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for children. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage trays and cubbies.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also fold down for longer items. The Terrain AT4 came with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat was roomy with plenty of legroom and a rear USB charging port. Despite some design flaws, GMC maximized storage solutions throughout the interior.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured Subaru's StarLink infotainment system with logical menu layouts and large icons. The system was available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, both supported by hard buttons and dials. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Optional features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for the SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen for the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also featured a new head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ due to its crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Ascent also offered optional safety features like reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

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 optional 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 IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly “Good” crash-test scores, but it received a “Marginal” rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2022 Terrain.