2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a sophisticated design that combined elegance with athleticism. Built on Volvo's SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles, offering a cohesive and stylish lineup. The exterior featured a tailored two-box design with short overhangs, an upright grille adorned with Volvo's iron mark logo, and distinctive Thor's hammer LED headlights. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian charm with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, though initially polarizing, became more accepted over time. The interior's attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, 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 AT4 badges, aiming to enhance its off-road appeal. However, the Terrain's entry-level status was evident in the quality of materials and execution of details. The optional head-up display projected information onto a clear plastic panel, and the pushbutton transmission controls, though freeing up console space, were not intuitive. Despite these shortcomings, the Terrain offered a roomy interior with comfort-enhancing features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, providing a comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with AWD only, delivered 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, plug-in hybrids, combined a turbocharger, supercharger, and an 87-hp electric motor to achieve 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further increased output to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and agile driving experience, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the SUV in the torque band, though acceleration was delayed off the line. The Terrain's AWD system offered versatility, with modes for FWD, AWD, Off-Road, and Hill Descent Control. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's ride was smooth on highways and city streets, but off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and suspension tuning. Fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg, and our test vehicle achieved 26.2 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality. Its front seats were highly adjustable, and the heating system effectively handled sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, with intuitive controls for passengers. Cargo space measured 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior with numerous comfort features. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. Storage solutions were abundant, with various slots and shelves throughout the cabin. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system's portrait orientation and function quadrants were intuitive for frequent iPad users, though there was a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the larger 8-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly accurate, though the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Tech Package option included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist. Volvo's decision to limit the top speed to 112 mph further emphasized its safety-first philosophy.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The optional GMC 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 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.