2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 GMC Terrain received a facelift with updated front styling, new wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. GMC equipped the AT4 with a steel skid plate to protect vital components, anticipating some off-road use. The test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. Despite the high price, the Terrain's interior materials and execution did not fully meet expectations, with some design choices like the pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray falling short.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition aimed to appeal to those who love black-on-black aesthetics. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the exterior, giving the SUV a sleek, dark appearance. However, the GX's design felt dated, resembling its first-generation predecessor. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition started at $60,535 and featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner.

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 torque was available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, but the 170 horsepower arrived at 5,600 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain in the torque band, but the SUV lacked the rapid acceleration of its discontinued 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD, AWD, Off-Road mode, and Hill Descent Control. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode, and the AT4's 7.9 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The Terrain AT4's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg, and it achieved 26.2 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The GX's six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, sending 40% of power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. The GX's 0.35 drag coefficient, V8 engine, and 4WD system contributed to its 16 mpg combined fuel economy rating. During testing, the GX achieved 16.8 mpg. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride and handling, making it more stable and secure. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with capable off-road performance. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching and piping. The back seat provided ample legroom and foot room, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The GX's tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various situations. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, while the back seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-opening tailgate further complicated loading.

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, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The larger screen added connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Tech Package included a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting system were also useful features.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, and a CD player. The Lexus app and Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot, were also available. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was optional. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included 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, with a "Marginal" rating in the new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of the review.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age. However, it came standard with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The GX did not offer some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.