2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, 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 Terrain AT4 with a steel skid plate under the front end to protect vital mechanical components, anticipating that some owners might test its off-road capabilities. Our test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. Despite the high price, the interior materials and execution did not fully meet expectations, with some design choices like the pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray falling short.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a more rugged and practical design. Buyers had to choose between a two-door or four-door model and various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. Our test vehicle was the High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and the Xtreme Recon package. This package included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The MSRP for our test vehicle was $58,845. The Wrangler's interior was basic but functional, with durable materials and practical features like floor drain plugs.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The engine's torque was available 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 rolling. The Terrain AT4 could switch between FWD and AWD modes and had an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain AT4 offered 7.9 inches of ground clearance and had a smooth ride on highways and city streets. Off-road performance was limited, with the front end scraping on rough terrain. The EPA rating was 26 mpg, and we saw 26.2 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option. The Wrangler High Tide averaged 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, it offered an immersive experience, especially with the top and doors removed. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were unmatched, providing a sense of freedom and adventure.

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 featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and a rear USB charging port. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit difficult, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit challenges but had agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The tailgate was heavy due to the 35-inch spare tire, requiring caution when opening.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. Our test vehicle had the larger screen with connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Tech Package added front and rear park assist sensors and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

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 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 IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings in IIHS testing. Headlight performance was rated "Poor" for standard lights and "Marginal" for LED upgrades.