2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 some off-road use. The test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. However, more affordable SLE and SLT trims were available, and the luxurious Terrain Denali was an option for those willing to splurge.

Despite the high price tag, the Terrain's interior materials and execution did not fully meet expectations. The head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic panel rather than the windshield, and the pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive. The storage tray on the center console was too narrow for a smartphone, which seemed like a significant oversight. While the caramel-colored contrast piping and stitching in the AT4's interior were nice, the overall cabin did not reflect the "craftsmanship at its finest" that GMC claimed.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, launched in North America in 1996, evolved from a tiny alternative to big SUVs into a mature crossover SUV. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped the SUV sales charts in the United States. The RAV4's exterior styling featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches, crisp lines, and expressive headlights, creating a playful yet aggressive look. Toyota's traditional fit-and-finish elevated the exterior's quality.

Inside, the RAV4 had a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for minimal distraction, and the interior design included distinctive cues like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern. The Adventure-trim test vehicle had 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to the overall aesthetic.

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 no longer available. 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 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, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system available. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode.

The Terrain AT4 had a four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch wheels with 225/65 tires, offering 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The ride was smooth on highways and city streets, but the AT4 struggled off-road, scraping the front end on rough terrain. The sport-terrain tires lacked grip in curves, and the steering and brakes felt numb. The Terrain AT4's fuel economy met expectations, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg and an observed 26.2 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD models had a fuel economy of 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models had slightly lower ratings. The RAV4 Hybrid used a 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor to produce 217 combined net hp, with an EPA rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid had a 2.5-liter engine, an 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and 302 hp, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined and up to 42 miles on electricity alone.

The gasoline Adventure AWD model tested had a smooth and immediate power delivery, with no turbo lag. The eight-speed transmission provided familiar sensations and quick kickdowns during acceleration. The RAV4 retained car-like handling, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. AWD models had Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring, improving handling. Gasoline AWD models also had a fuel-saving rear-driveline disconnect.

The 2022 GMC Terrain's interior was roomy for a compact crossover, 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 AT4's perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching and piping looked upscale. The back seat offered proper support, plenty of legroom, and a rear USB charging port.

The Terrain had various storage slots, including a small shelf in the dashboard, narrow shelves in the door panels, and a storage tray forward of the cupholders. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a large storage bin underneath the trunk floor. Folding the rear seat down created 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and the front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had grown through the generations, offering 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The RAV4 had a healthy payload of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. Towing capacity varied by trim, with LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades towing up to 1,500 pounds, Adventure and TRD Off-Road models towing up to 3,500 pounds, and Hybrid and Prime models towing up to 1,750 and 2,500 pounds, respectively.

Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with plenty of legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the front row. The second-row split-folding bench seat could accommodate five passengers in a pinch. The cabin had numerous cupholders, bottle holders, a roomy glove compartment, and covered storage beneath the center armrest.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems. The SLE trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims had an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The larger screen offered 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 Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting system were also useful features.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, with the Premium Audio setup available on Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE, featuring an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime had five USB ports, two 12-volt/120-watt auxiliary power outlets, an available 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, blue ambient illumination, a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

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, available on SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims and 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 IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, with a "Marginal" rating in the new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota's Star Safety System, including enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The RAV4 also had LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, Safety Connect, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The 2022 RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the RAV4 Prime was a Top Safety Pick+. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.