GMC Terrain vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and revised 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, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. A steel skid plate was added to protect vital components. The test model featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and a suite of packages, raising its MSRP to $41,810. Despite the premium features, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not fully meet expectations for its 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 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a distinct design with three styles—Core, Rugged, and Sport—across seven trims, though the PHEV was limited to the Rugged Woodland and three Sport grades. The RAV4 maintained its footprint but added buffer bumpers for increased length. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road aesthetics with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and a black roof rack. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents, with the GR Sport showcasing racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, and the interior offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with a streamlined design and improved user interface.

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, with a delay off the line but decent performance once rolling. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band, though the absence of the previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine was felt. The Terrain's towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds. The AT4 model 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 Terrain's suspension provided a good ride on pavement, though off-road capabilities were limited by ground clearance and tire grip. Fuel economy met expectations with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The AWD system included a front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor. In EV mode, the RAV4 excelled at quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The Hybrid and Charge modes optimized battery use and recharging. The power transition was seamless, with paddle shifters for manual control. The RAV4's chassis enhancements improved ride comfort, though its weight affected cornering. The GR Sport trim offered sportier handling with lower ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB port for convenience. Storage solutions were abundant, though some were narrow. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could also fold for longer items.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim included a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. The interior featured SofTex upholstery, with ventilated seats on higher trims. The RAV4's dimensions remained similar to its predecessor, with optimized storage solutions like dashboard shelves and a versatile center console. Passenger space was comfortable, though the panoramic sunroof reduced headroom. Rear legroom was adequate, but cargo space was slightly reduced to 33.6 cubic feet due to the PHEV system. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 63.5 cubic feet, with a flat floor and a temporary spare tire.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the SLE trim and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The larger screen added connected navigation 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. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine start were practical features.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and improved graphics. The Arene operating system enhanced responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant handled a range of commands. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

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 Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. The suite featured automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, a safe-exit alert, and an enhanced rearview camera. A surround-view camera system was available on higher trims. The RAV4's safety record was strong, with the NHTSA rating the 2025 model at five stars.