2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

For the 2021 Toyota RAV4, Toyota completely transformed the styling to appeal to crossover buyers seeking an SUV's rugged appeal. The RAV4 featured boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a stern front end, all evoking the robust character of traditional SUVs. This departure from the more approachable look of previous generations and the current crop of compact crossovers led to an aggressive exterior stance that distinguished it from competitors.

Despite its rugged appearance, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with models like the Camry and Sienna. While the sporty exterior suggested a 4Runner-like demeanor, the underlying mechanics spoke of a more orthodox structure. Various trims, such as the Adventure and TRD Off-Road, spiced things up with features like contrasting Ice Edge roofs, accent stitching, matte black wheels, and standard LED fog lights.

Inside, the RAV4 carried over the rugged aesthetic through features such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, enhancing both function and style. Materials were decent on lower trims but did not proportionately elevate with higher prices. Top trims like the TRD Off-Road came with SofTex upholstery for durability, though genuine leather was absent even on the range-topping Limited trim.

Contrast this with the 2022 GMC Terrain, which was updated with refined front styling, new wheel designs, and upgraded interior trims. The advent of the AT4 trim brought a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-terrain tires, and robust AT4 badges, emphasizing a "small off-road SUV" persona. The steel skid plate bolted under the front end was a nod to the Terrain’s off-road aspirations.

Draped in Ebony Twilight metallic paint and laden with a black leather interior, the Terrain AT4 exuded an upscale yet high-maintenance aesthetic. Extra-cost features and packages like the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, and the Skyscape panoramic sunroof brought opulence, driving the MSRP to $41,810. More affordable options were available with the SLE and SLT trims, or one could upscale further with the Denali trim.

However, the Terrain’s interior betrayed its entry-level origins. While attempting to offer sophistication with caramel-colored contrast stitching, the execution lacked the finesse and highlighted cost-cutting measures like the ungainly head-up display setup—a clear plastic panel rather than windshield projection. The pushbutton transmission controls were spatially efficient but not particularly intuitive, and storage ergonomics faltered with a narrow, impractical storage tray on the center console.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 housed a singular gasoline engine— the “Dynamic Force” 2.5-liter four-cylinder, pumping out 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, came in standard FWD or optional AWD. While commendable for its 40% thermal efficiency and racing-like high-revving nature (power peaks at 6,600 RPM), the transmission lagged, struggling to shift responsively, and the steering although quick, lacked tactile feedback. The steering’s videogame-like feel became more burdensome in “Sport” mode, which added unnecessary weight without improving response.

While the RAV4 thrived on highways, showcasing low cabin noise levels and adept suspension, its off-road focus showed in trims like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road. These featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and special all-terrain tires. This added some off-road capability, though limited by average suspension articulation and modest angles, falling short of true off-road prowess.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain was configured with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. This setup, while less powerful, benefited from torque available at lower RPMs (2,000-4,000 RPM), promoting livelier performance. The AWD mode mitigated the FWD torque steer, though overall acceleration and power proved unremarkable compared to its discontinued 2.0-liter variant, which had substantially more punch and towing capacity (3,500 pounds vs. 1,500 pounds).

The Terrain’s suspension ensured a balanced ride, optimized for paved roads rather than rugged trails. The 17-inch wheels with thick tire sidewalls eased road imperfections, and the model maintained highway quietness aside from minor sport-terrain tire noise. However, off-road capability remained compromised, reflected in its limited ground clearance of 7.9 inches and susceptibility to scraping even on minor undulations.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4’s tall and upright roof contributed to ample headroom and respectable visibility. While rear legroom lagged behind some rivals, front seats, especially in the TRD Off-Road trim, were commendable for comfort. Rear seats, featuring flat bottom cushions, posed a challenge for long trips. Cargo space stood at 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, presenting a competitive yet not class-leading offering. Loading ease was enhanced by a wide aperture but hindered by a high cargo lip.

Distinctively oversized knobs and accessible steering-wheel controls marked the RAV4’s interior, facilitating use even with gloves. Storage around the console was adequate, albeit less spacious due to design choices aiming for practical yet rugged aesthetics.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, offered practical design features enhancing everyday usability. Roomy for a compact crossover, the cabin boasted power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The perforated leather seats, enriched with caramel-colored stitching, elevated the upscale feel. Rear seats provided generous legroom and thoughtful amenities like a rear USB charging port.

Storage solutions abounded with compartments carved into various sections of the cabin. However, the cargo space fell behind the RAV4, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seats but expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with them folded down. The utile folding front passenger seat allowed accommodation for long items, although the actual cargo storage quantity was less practical compared to the RAV4.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Most trims boasted a 7-inch touchscreen, stepping up to 8 inches on the Limited trim, with a 9-inch screen available for the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime. A JBL premium audio system could also be optioned. While functional and user-friendly, the infotainment system’s conventional interface lacked the wow factor for tech enthusiasts, and the standard gasoline models missed out on advanced features like the head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

GMC’s 2022 Terrain offered two infotainment systems, differentiated by a 7-inch or an 8-inch high-definition touch screen depending on the trim. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar’s connected services. Higher trims added voice-recognition navigation and a Bose audio system. The larger touchscreen, along with Infotainment Package II, enhanced user interaction with intuitive voice commands responding accurately to prompts.

Chevrolet’s platform-sharing Equinox presented a slightly more refined user experience, while the Terrain’s detents like a simpler head-up display inserted into the dash rather than projecting on the windshield, reflected cost-saving choices.

Safety ratings for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 were stellar. It earned the IIHS “Top Safety Pick” accolade with top scores for crash tests and front-crash prevention technology. However, variable headlight ratings held it back from achieving “Top Safety Pick+” status. Additionally, the NHTSA awarded the RAV4 an overall five-star rating, although with four stars in frontal and rollover evaluations.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 came standard, bundling forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, auto high beams, road-sign recognition, and lane centering. Higher trims included extras like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 GMC Terrain integrated the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, encompassing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Optional GMC Pro Safety Plus added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert among other features. Despite effective operation during tests, the Terrain did not offer lane-centering.

With IIHS, the Terrain secured “Good” scores across many tests but was marred by a “Marginal” rating on a new side-impact test. NHTSA crashworthiness ratings were pending at the time.