2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous iterations, though the interior saw a refresh, especially beyond the base trim. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing the cabin's modernity. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, added a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth, plain styling maintained its lifted wagon appearance, with minor updates like new paint options and standard adaptive LED headlights.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level introduced a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test vehicle, equipped with Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, featured numerous packages, including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II, raising its MSRP to $41,810. While the Terrain's interior materials and execution reflected its entry-level status, the caramel-colored contrast stitching and piping in the AT4 trim added a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) exacerbated the issue, resulting in slow and noisy performance. However, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine available in the XT trims offered a significant improvement, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, making the Outback more capable and refined. Fuel economy for the turbo XT was slightly lower than the base engine, but the trade-off was worth it for the enhanced performance. The Outback's handling and steering were designed for comfort, with its high ground clearance and electronically-variable AWD system providing excellent off-road capability.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, lacked the acceleration and towing capacity of the discontinued 2.0-liter engine. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain in its torque band, but the vehicle's performance remained underwhelming. The Terrain AT4's 7.9 inches of ground clearance and sport-terrain tires provided a decent ride on pavement, but off-road performance was limited. The Terrain's handling was dull, with numb steering and brakes, and the powertrain's fuel economy met expectations with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, surpassing many larger vehicles, and provided ample interior space with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. The cabin featured comfortable and supportive seats, excellent outward visibility, and numerous storage solutions. However, some essential features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 GMC Terrain's interior was roomy for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim's perforated leather upholstery and caramel-colored stitching added an upscale feel. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, with rear USB charging ports. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Terrain also featured numerous storage slots and a large storage bin under the trunk floor.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, despite its dated graphics, offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 11.6-inch touchscreen on higher trims was more cohesive and useful than the base model's dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, though its reliance on cameras without radar limited its functionality in certain conditions.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the higher trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services. The Infotainment Package II upgrade added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was particularly impressive, 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 Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking were available on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, including a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including 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 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.