2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Kia Telluride

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 AT4 with a steel skid plate under the front end to protect vital mechanical components, anticipating some off-road use. The 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 meet expectations, with the head-up display and pushbutton transmission controls being particularly disappointing.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride maintained its muscular design and balanced proportions, with only minor changes to the grille pattern and new Kia badges. The Telluride continued in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with pricing ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The SX test vehicle, equipped with AWD and the SX Prestige Package, totaled $48,325. The Telluride's interior was well-organized and appealing, though the glossy plastic in the lower half of the cabin detracted from its overall look. New standard features for 2022 included a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and advanced driving aids.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which offered better acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, was discontinued. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain in the torque band, but the vehicle lacked rapid acceleration. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control, but torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The AT4's 7.9 inches of ground clearance was less than competitors, and the vehicle struggled off-road. The Terrain AT4's fuel economy met expectations, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg and an observed 26.2 mpg.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, provided satisfying performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD with Lock mode ensured good power delivery. The Telluride's 8 inches of ground clearance and limited wheel articulation made it suitable for mild off-roading. The vehicle's brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and various driving modes contributed to a smooth and controlled ride. The Telluride's fuel economy was close to the EPA estimate, with the AWD model achieving 21.1 mpg. The Telluride's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior with numerous comfort-enhancing features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and foot room. The Terrain provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. The SX Prestige package added Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride featured heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, dual sunroof panels, and a Smart Power Liftgate. All three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The flat load floor made it easy to transport large items.

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, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, but the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Tech Package included a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine start were also useful features.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wire. The Telluride featured USB charging ports in all three rows, a wireless smartphone charging pad (except in LX trim), and Kia Connect with a one-year free trial. Kia Connect included emergency assistance, remote engine start, and rear occupant alerts. The Telluride also had Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions. The SX trim added a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

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 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 Kia Telluride included numerous standard safety features under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella, such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. The Telluride also had Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control-Curve, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added Blind-Spot View Monitor technology. The NHTSA awarded the Telluride a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS gave it a "Top Safety Pick" designation.