2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 fully meet expectations, with some design choices like the pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray falling short.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, giving it a stylish appearance. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe, priced at $77,800 before options, had a luxurious interior with high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and ambient lighting. The vehicle's design masked its complexity, and while the lack of traditional controls could be challenging for newcomers, the overall experience was high-tech and sumptuous. The GLE Coupe's interior was both comfortable and supportive, with features like Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner.

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 rpm and 4,000 rpm, but the 170 horsepower didn't arrive until 5,600 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain in the torque band, but the vehicle lacked the rapid acceleration of the previously available 2.0-liter engine. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system. However, the vehicle's 7.9 inches of ground clearance and sport-terrain tires limited its off-road capabilities. The Terrain AT4's ride was smooth on highways and city streets, but it struggled with body motion on undulating surfaces and lacked grip in curves.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,800 rpm. The engine included EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and was paired with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes enhanced performance. The GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made urban driving easy, while the AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a comfortable ride. In Sport+ mode, the GLE Coupe demonstrated impressive performance on winding roads, with excellent grip and braking.

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 included 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. The Terrain's 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 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe could hold up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage, while the back seat provided ample legroom and foot room. The cargo hold measured 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. The GLE Coupe's interior featured high-end materials and comfort upgrades like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated armrests, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

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. 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 option included a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system was easy to use, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound 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 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional safety systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with lane-keeping assistance technology providing decisive support. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.