2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

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. 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 Terrain's interior materials and execution did not meet expectations, with features like a clear plastic panel for the head-up display and pushbutton transmission controls that were not intuitive.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator made subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, digital instrumentation, and widescreen HUD kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator continued in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels, with the test vehicle priced at $106,530.

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 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 kept the Terrain in the torque band, but the engine's 170 horsepower felt insufficient for rapid acceleration. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The AT4 model had 7.9 inches of ground clearance, less than some competitors, and struggled with off-road conditions. The Terrain AT4's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg, and it achieved 26.2 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview identified and prepared for road imperfections, providing a smooth ride despite the heavy 22-inch wheels. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled snow and mud effortlessly, thanks to its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator 4WD was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, achieving 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy 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 and piping. The back seat provided ample legroom and foot room, with a rear USB charging port. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding 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 Lincoln Navigator's 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, with the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system providing access to streaming services. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive. The Navigator offered generous storage space and cargo capacity, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 cubic feet for Navigator L).

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 through OnStar. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. 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 starting system were also useful features.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured a user-friendly interface with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. Sync 4's voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

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 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 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 at the time of the review.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also standard. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection were not experienced during testing. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself, while ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. ActiveGlide performed well but required the driver to remain attentive. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but did not eliminate the need for driver vigilance.