2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 GMC Terrain received a facelift with 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 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 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. The Sienna's design included a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with 17-inch to 20-inch wheels depending on the trim level. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage throughout. The second and third rows provided comfortable, roomy seating with available captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third-row bench could be easily stored away, enhancing the Sienna's versatility.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which had offered better acceleration and a higher towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. 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 the power and acceleration of its predecessor. The Terrain AT4 featured 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 and sport-terrain tires limited its off-road capabilities, and the vehicle struggled with body motion on undulating surfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth and efficient power delivery, with four selectable drive modes. The TNGA platform's front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension contributed to better-than-expected handling for a minivan. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/highway/combined for AWD models.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior 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 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 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

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 highly responsive, accurately handling 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 notable features.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a standard 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The instrument panel featured a multi-information display, with a 10-inch head-up display available on Platinum trim. Limited and Platinum models could also upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

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 at the time of the review.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the cargo space wall for safety and convenience.