2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2022 GMC Terrain received a facelift with updated front styling, new wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. GMC equipped the AT4 with a steel skid plate to protect vital components, anticipating some off-road use. Our test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. While the AT4 trim added some luxury touches, the overall interior quality did not meet the high expectations set by its price tag.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup provided 260 horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 32 miles. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with extra-cost paint and the S Appearance Package, had an MSRP of $57,680. The interior featured black Nappa leather and a flowing design, though it appeared somewhat dated. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality and efficiency made it a standout choice for families, despite its higher price point.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previously available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, reducing the Terrain's towing capacity to 1,500 pounds. The 1.5-liter engine's torque was available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, but the vehicle felt underpowered, especially during rapid acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain in its torque band, but the overall driving experience was lackluster. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control, but its 7.9 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The EPA rated the Terrain AT4 at 26 mpg, and our test vehicle achieved 26.2 mpg.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a combined 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, making the Pacifica feel powerful even when fully loaded. The van could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. During our Los Angeles driving loop, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline power, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience. However, the driving dynamics were uninspiring, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior 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 featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Terrain also had a large storage bin under the trunk floor and a fold-flat front passenger seat for longer items.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The Limited trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options included extra shelves in the front door panels, a large floor tray under the center console, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for the SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen for the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. Our test vehicle had the Infotainment Package II, which included improved voice recognition and the Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was excellent, but the Bose speakers were underwhelming. The Terrain also featured a new head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Tire Fill Alert system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, appealing graphics, and a simple user interface. Uconnect 5 included simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. Our test vehicle had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, though our teenage passengers preferred their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist system were useful features.

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 Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of this review.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features and driving-assistance systems. New for 2022 was a rear-seat reminder system to prevent leaving children or pets in the vehicle. The Pacifica Hybrid included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to resume travel speed and braked too hard when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.