2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

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 also added a steel skid plate under the front end to protect vital mechanical components, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, 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 fully meet expectations, with some design choices like the pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray falling short.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints. The CX-5's trim levels were restructured, with the 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo options offering different performance and pricing tiers. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo, came with optional Soul Red paint, navigation system, and additional features, totaling $39,445.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was equipped with 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 engine's torque was available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, but there was a delay in acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, keeping the Terrain in the torque band. The Terrain AT4 featured FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain AT4 had 7.9 inches of ground clearance and a four-wheel independent suspension, providing a smooth ride on highways and city streets. Off-road performance was limited, with the front end scraping on rough terrain. The EPA rated the Terrain AT4 at 26 mpg, and the test vehicle achieved 26.2 mpg.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD improved performance. The EPA rated this powertrain at 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The EPA rated the 2.5 Turbo at 24 mpg, but the test vehicle achieved 21.1 mpg. The CX-5 featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. The 2022 model had increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved, with reduced body roll and enhanced handling, making it feel more like a premium vehicle.

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 with rear air-conditioning vents. The eight-way power driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel allowed for a comfortable driving position. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and foot room, and included a rear USB charging port. The Terrain had various storage compartments, including a small shelf in the dashboard and narrow shelves in the door panels. 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 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new furnishings. The new seats provided better comfort and support, and the driving position was sportier. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was a source of frustration, with the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was limited, with a small bin under the center armrest and door armrest trays. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition 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. The larger screen offered connected navigation, natural voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The test vehicle had the larger screen and Infotainment Package II, which included connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and the Bose audio system. The voice recognition system performed well, accurately responding to various prompts. The Tech Package option added a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Terrain also featured a Tire Fill Alert system and a remote engine starting system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services. The CX-5 included a three-year trial subscription to connected services, excluding WiFi. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed adequately. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard from this trim level.

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, available on SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims (standard on Denali), 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 the review.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured the i-Activsense package, which included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The Signature trim also included Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense system operated mostly in the background, making it more likely to be used. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.