2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for added luxury.

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, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test vehicle, with Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, was equipped with the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, a Skyscape panoramic sunroof, and a three-year OnStar subscription, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. More affordable SLE and SLT trims offered standard FWD, while the Denali trim added luxury. Despite its entry-level status, the Terrain's interior materials and execution fell short of expectations, with a less intuitive pushbutton transmission control and a narrow storage tray. The AT4's caramel-colored contrast piping and stitching added a touch of style, but the cabin didn't fully reflect GMC's craftsmanship claims.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The XC60 B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 came with standard FWD or optional AWD, while the B6 was AWD only. Despite a slight decrease in output from the 2021 models, the XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The B6 XC60 R-Design impressed with its smooth power delivery and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 4.9-second zero to 60 mph time.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, known for its acceleration and 3,500-pound towing capacity, was discontinued. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds. The engine's 170 horsepower peaked at 5,600 rpm, with torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band, though there was a delay off the line. The Terrain's turbocharging provided liveliness at elevation, but the absence of the 2.0-liter engine was felt during rapid acceleration needs. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD mode for fuel conservation, AWD mode, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control. Torque steer was noticeable in FWD mode but disappeared in AWD. The AT4's 17-inch wheels and 7.9 inches of ground clearance provided a smooth ride on various surfaces, though off-road capabilities were limited. The Terrain's powertrain met fuel economy expectations, achieving 26 mpg on the evaluation loop.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom, tying with the Audi Q5 for the worst in its segment. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with numerous comfort 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 vents. The eight-way power driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel ensured a comfortable driving position. The AT4's perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching added an upscale feel. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's interior featured various storage slots, including a small shelf in the dashboard and narrow shelves in the door panels. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Android-specific features, with Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. Android users could sync profiles, and the Google Play Store offered third-party apps. The system supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster displayed a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The larger screen offered connected navigation, natural voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. Our test vehicle featured the Infotainment Package II, enhancing voice recognition and audio quality. The voice recognition system excelled in responding to prompts, though it wasn't connected to the climate control system. The Terrain's head-up display, part of the Tech Package, included park assist sensors and a surround-view camera. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting added convenience.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering, was available as an option.

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, optional 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 a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain.