GMC Terrain vs Lexus TX

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 brought a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. A steel skid plate was added to protect vital components, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and was equipped with several packages, raising its MSRP to $41,810. Despite the upscale appearance, the interior materials and execution did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle in this price range. The pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive, and the storage tray was too narrow for a smartphone, highlighting some design oversights.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid standing out due to its standard panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint. The vehicle featured 22-inch wheels and retained a large grille design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. The interior provided two color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. Ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, but the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though they seemed unnecessary. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row that accommodated adults comfortably, and the vehicle offered ample cargo space, even with the battery pack.

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 power delivery required learning to ride the torque swell between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm for satisfaction. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band, but the absence of the previously available 2.0-liter engine was felt. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. Torque steer was an issue in FWD mode, but AWD mitigated this. The AT4's suspension provided a smooth ride on highways, though off-road capabilities were limited by ground clearance. The sport-terrain tires lacked grip in curves, and the overall driving experience was dull, with numb steering and brakes. Fuel economy met expectations, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The vehicle offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. Sport mode increased throttle sensitivity, though it wasn't aggressive. The TX provided a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system distributed power effectively, and Trail Mode maintained traction on slippery surfaces. The suspension absorbed bumps well, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2022 GMC Terrain's interior was spacious 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 caramel-color contrast stitching. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. Storage solutions were plentiful, though the storage tray was narrow. 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 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and USB-C ports. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. Climate controls were mostly on-screen, with physical dials for temperature. The center console was narrow but deep, with a dual-opening lid. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

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

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled volume and adaptive cruise control, but their functionality was confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. In-dash navigation required a subscription, as did other features like the voice assistant and digital key. The backup camera was clear, with an available Advanced Park system for automated parking. The rear-camera mirror provided an unobstructed view. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with a 120-volt outlet in the second row.

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

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was confusing. The NHTSA had not rated the 550h+, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five stars. The IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" score for the passenger's side.