GMC Terrain vs Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced in 2015, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. The 2017 model was the first to include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim level was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim came with 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, dual front USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LT trim added features like heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear window tint, roof rails, LED head- and taillights, remote start, cruise control, and upgraded seats.

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, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. More affordable SLE and SLT trims were available, as well as the luxurious Terrain Denali. The Terrain's interior quality reflected its entry-level status, with some materials and design choices falling short of expectations.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, harsh over potholes, but a tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and better driving experiences.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine was discontinued. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band, but there was a delay off the line. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control. The ride was smooth on highways and city streets, but the AT4's off-road capabilities were limited. The Terrain's powertrain met fuel economy expectations, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided respectable headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats lacked bolstering. The Trax had multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items. There was no option for a power liftgate.

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 and supportive, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain had various storage slots and a large cargo space of 29.6 cubic feet, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat also folded down for long items.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

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 satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, and the Tech Package option included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors, but advanced safety features were lacking.

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 the NHTSA had not evaluated it at the time of the review.