2022 GMC Terrain vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common trend of mimicking competitors. Its sharp lines and chrome accents gave it a sophisticated appearance, reminiscent of the larger Navigator. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's unique charm, enhancing its air of class and luxury. The various trims, from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, provided a range of features, including synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system in the higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille, black alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, aiming for a rugged look. However, the interior quality reflected its entry-level status, with materials and details not quite matching the luxury of the Aviator. The Terrain's cabin, though roomy, lacked the craftsmanship expected at its price point. The pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray were less intuitive, and the head-up display was a clear plastic panel rather than a windshield projection, highlighting some cost-saving measures.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 21 miles. The Aviator excelled in highway driving, though its size and weight made city maneuvering less agile. The drive mode selector offered unique options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the power of the Aviator, the nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain torque delivery. The Terrain's performance was adequate for most driving situations, but it missed the acceleration of the previously available 2.0-liter engine. The AT4 trim offered off-road capabilities with its AWD mode and Hill Descent Control, but its ground clearance and handling were not suited for serious off-roading. The Terrain's fuel economy was commendable, achieving 26 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided ample cargo space, with 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel added to the comfort and functionality of the cabin. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about potential issues if the battery failed.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and a rear USB charging port. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Terrain's interior featured numerous storage solutions, though some were not ideally shaped for practical use.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the AT4 trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation and a Bose audio system, though the speakers were not as impressive as expected. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Tech Package included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, adding convenience and safety.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. 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 at the time of review.