2022 GMC Terrain vs 2023 Acura MDX

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 for craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim arrived with Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, priced at $74,995. The fourth-generation MDX, the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the MDX's body design and gloss black plastic dashboard elements posed usability challenges. The electronic transmission switchgear also proved confusing, detracting from the overall driving experience.

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 there was a delay off the line. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band once rolling. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system. 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 good ride and decent handling on pavement. Off-road, the Terrain AT4 struggled with ground clearance and grip.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system. The MDX Type S had an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode. However, the MDX Type S's performance upgrades did not gel into a cohesive whole. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating. The driving experience was marred by inconsistent engine response and transmission behavior, making it less enjoyable than expected.

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. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and foot room. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Terrain also had a large storage bin underneath the trunk floor and a foldable front passenger seat for long items.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating for the outboard positions. The third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The MDX also had a sizable underfloor storage bin and hooks for holding grocery bags.

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 option included 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 remote engine starting.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was not user-friendly. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display. The MDX also offered several sound systems, with the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system providing excellent sound quality. However, the native voice recognition system was frustrating to use, and the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

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 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, but it received a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Certain trims added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star protection ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test.