2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Subaru Forester, despite its 2019 redesign, retained a somewhat dated appearance due to its continuation from the previous generation. The most noticeable change was the cross-shaped taillights on the fifth-generation model. Subaru seemed to adhere to the philosophy of not fixing what wasn't broken, maintaining the boxy, upright design that appealed to many SUV buyers. The Base trim appeared plain with 17-inch steel wheels, but the overall look was clean and unpretentious. The Sport model added orange striping, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, which significantly enhanced its visual appeal, especially in complementary colors like Dark Blue Pearl. The Forester shared its Subaru Global Platform with other models, ensuring a rugged SUV feel while maintaining its sedan and hatchback roots. Inside, the Forester's no-nonsense interior featured durable materials, with the Sport trim adding orange accents. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, while leather was available on higher trims, with an All-Weather Package adding heated features.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bold grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test vehicle, with Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, was equipped with numerous packages, raising its MSRP to $41,810. More affordable SLE and SLT trims offered standard FWD, while the Denali trim added luxury. The Terrain's entry-level status was evident in its material quality and design execution. The optional head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic panel, and the pushbutton transmission controls, though freeing up console space, were not intuitive. The Terrain's interior, while featuring caramel-colored contrast stitching, did not fully meet GMC's craftsmanship claims.

The 2021 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The boxer engine configuration provided a lower center of gravity, and the Forester had a 1,500-pound towing capacity with standard Trailer Stability Assist. While adequate, the engine lacked the desired thrust for highway merging and overtaking, and wind noise was noticeable at high speeds. The suspension was softly tuned, resulting in poor body control and excessive body roll in corners. However, the Forester's standard AWD and X-Mode offered better off-road capability than most competitors, with Dual X-Mode available on Sport models. Hill-descent control and 8.7 inches of ground clearance further enhanced its ruggedness, though serious off-roaders might prefer alternatives like the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.

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 3,500-pound towing capacity, was discontinued. The 1.5-liter engine's torque was accessible between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, but there was a delay off the line. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band once moving. The Terrain's competitors were not significantly more powerful, and the turbocharging helped at elevation. The AT4 trim offered FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control, though torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's 7.9 inches of ground clearance was less than some rivals, and its off-road capability was limited. The ride was smooth on highways, but the Terrain was dull to drive, with numb steering and a lack of power. Fuel economy was satisfactory, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Forester provided above-average headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall roofline, which also enhanced visibility. Cargo space was generous, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. While it lacked a sliding second-row bench, a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Forester's cupholders were well-sized, but the phone-storage cubby was too small, and wireless charging was not offered. The center console was reasonably sized, and the audio and climate controls were user-friendly, though the steering wheel had an overwhelming number of buttons.

The 2022 GMC Terrain's interior was roomy, with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim included perforated leather upholstery with caramel stitching, providing an upscale feel. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB port for convenience. While the storage tray was disappointing, GMC maximized storage options throughout the cabin. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with it folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and USB ports. Sport models upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio, with navigation and rear USB ports on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, but the screen was slow to start. Additional displays showed secondary information, though the setup felt overly complex.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen on SLE trim and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The larger screen added navigation and a Bose sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to prompts. The head-up display, part of the Tech Package, projected data onto a plastic panel. The Terrain also featured a Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine start.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with EyeSight, a camera-based driver-assist system, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. The system performed adequately, though lane-centering was jerky.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included the GMC Pro Safety Package, with 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 safety features worked effectively and subtly. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" scores, though it received a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain.