2022 GMC Terrain vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and updated taillights and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges, enhancing its off-road appeal. Despite these enhancements, the Terrain remained GMC's entry-level model, with materials and details reflecting its position in the lineup. The interior, while featuring caramel-colored contrast stitching and piping, did not fully meet expectations for craftsmanship, especially given the price point of over $40,000 for the test model. The pushbutton transmission controls, though freeing up console space, were not intuitive, and the storage tray was too narrow for a smartphone, highlighting some design oversights.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability and exclusive paint options. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior featured a notable amount of plastic, reflecting its low sales volume and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. However, it offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs, and its hood design improved technical driving visibility. While the GX's aesthetic and luxury features were appealing, the interior materials did not fully align with its luxury status.

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 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, reducing the Terrain's towing capacity to 1,500 pounds. The 1.5-liter engine delivered torque between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, requiring drivers to adapt to its power delivery. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the torque band, but the Terrain lacked the rapid acceleration of its predecessor. The AT4 model offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's suspension provided a smooth ride on various surfaces, but off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and tire grip. Fuel economy was a strong point, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The GX's weight affected its handling, but its roll was predictable and controllable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it suitable for various terrains. The GX's driving dynamics were improved over the years, with strong brakes and communicative road feel, although the steering was vague off-center.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone automatic climate control system was effective, and the AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's interior included various storage solutions, although some were not well-designed. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. The decision to use hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces was appreciated, although the abundance of buttons required familiarization. The center console lid featured sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests. The second row offered good legroom and headroom, with captain's chairs or a bench seat option. However, the third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Tech Package included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine start were practical features.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and KDSS. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

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 beams, and a following distance indicator. The 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.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Despite its older design, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While lacking some top-end features, the GX's safety technology was commendable.