GMC Terrain vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

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, aiming to enhance its off-road appeal. However, despite these enhancements, the Terrain AT4's interior did not quite meet expectations for a vehicle priced over $40,000. The materials and design fell short of the craftsmanship GMC promised, with the pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray being notable oversights. The test vehicle, equipped with various packages and a black leather interior, reached an MSRP of $41,810, but more affordable options were available in the SLE and SLT trims.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid adopted a conservative design approach, reminiscent of the previous-generation RAV4, which proved to be a sensible decision given the RAV4's popularity. The Grand Highlander offered a spacious interior with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families. The Platinum trim added a layer of luxury with its Portobello interior, featuring leather and artificial suede upholstery. While the interior emphasized function over form, the controls were logically laid out, and the climate system was user-friendly. However, the infotainment interface had some drawbacks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's power delivery required some adaptation, the nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the SUV within its torque band. The Terrain's performance was adequate for most driving situations, but it lacked the acceleration and towing capacity of the previously available 2.0-liter engine. The AT4 model offered a choice between FWD and AWD modes, with additional off-road capabilities like Hill Descent Control. However, the Terrain's off-road performance was limited by its ground clearance and tire grip, making it less suitable for challenging terrains.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, particularly in the Hybrid Max configuration, focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and electronic full-time AWD. This powertrain delivered 362 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration and a satisfying driving experience. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency compared to the standard hybrid, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max achieved 26 mpg on a balanced city and highway route, with slightly lower efficiency on mountainous roads. The Grand Highlander's ride quality was commendable, absorbing road imperfections with ease, although it exhibited some body motion on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The rear seat offered ample legroom and comfort, while various storage solutions were integrated throughout the cabin. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Terrain also allowed for long items to be loaded by folding the front passenger seat.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating in all three rows and nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. The Platinum trim's Portobello interior featured leather and artificial suede upholstery, enhancing its upscale appeal. The second-row captain's chairs provided flexibility for accessing the third row, which accommodated adults and tall teens comfortably. Cargo space behind the third row measured 20.6 cubic feet, expandable to 97.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. However, some storage areas were unlined, potentially contributing to cabin noise.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar 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, although the Bose speakers fell short of expectations. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various Toyota Connected Services. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, although the infotainment interface had some usability issues, such as the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim included a color head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, but a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist and Proactive Driving Assist. While the safety tech operated accurately, some features, like the PDA system, were found to be irritating. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.