The 2022 GMC Terrain is a compact crossover SUV that has been launched for a base MSRP of $29,095 and comes in four trim configurations. Even though this 2022 iteration comes with some major changes from the outgoing 2021 like the subtle styling refresh, new wheel designs, and the new AT4 trim, it still brings with it the ethos of the outgoing model year. A few other interior and infotainment features are onboard too.One of the other main changes this 2022 iteration received is the removal of the 2-liter turbocharged inline-4 motor. As a result, the car lacks the grunt of the outgoing model, and it has to do with the lackluster 1.5-liter motor. Nevertheless, the car does score highly when it comes to the spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and beautiful exterior design. Fuel efficiency is not bad either. Competing with the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Honda CR-V, here are 10 things you need to know before buying the 2022 SUV.RELATED: Here's What The 2010 GMC Terrain Costs

10 Acceleration Is Lethargic

2022 GMC Terrain Denali comes with luxury features unlike others

Unlike the previous model year of the GMC Terrain, this 2022 iteration comes with a single powertrain only, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 motor producing 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. This motor comes mated to a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission and can be had with both FWD and AWD drivetrains.

2022 GMC Terrain engine bay view
Via: Gmauthority.com

The performance is subpar, especially when compared to the refined and torquey motors offered by the rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. The low-end feel lethargic and the car takes its own sweet time to build up revs and acquire speeds on the highways. Fast overtaking needs a lot of planning too. The 0-60 mph time of 8.9 seconds and the quarter-mile time of 17.2 seconds were one of the worst in its class.

9 Spacious Cabin

2022 GMC Terrain dashboard layout
Via: Media.gmc.com

The 2022 GMC Terrain sees no changes to the space, and we appreciate that. Ever since the second generation of the Terrain came out in 2018, it was considered as one of the best in terms of interior space, and it still retains this quality even after four years of being in continuous production.

2022 GMC Terrain seating layout view
Via: Gmc.com

The front and the rear seat offer excellent under-thigh support and lower back support, and the wide armrest makes the passengers pretty comfy throughout the journey. The legroom, headroom, and shoulder room are excellent too, making it ideal for five passengers. With more than enough storage spaces coupled with a decent cargo capacity on offer, the family buyers would have no problems with the Terrain in the space front.

RELATED: Here's Everything We Know About The 2022 GMC Terrain

8 Fuel Efficiency Isn't Terrible

via Motor1

The 2022 GMC Terrain turned out to be a pretty well-rounded SUV in the segment, and hence the model managed to surprise us in terms of fuel efficiency as well. With no changes to the powertrain, the car could do 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which equates to combined gas mileage of 27 mpg.

via GMC

The 14.9 gallons fuel tank capacity is one of the highest of the segment, and that equates to a decent combined tank range of 402 miles. However, if you are looking for something that does better on the fuel efficiency front, both the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V managed a superior combined gas mileage of 30 mpg.

7 Exterior Design Stands Out

White 2022 GMC Terrain
Via SellAtEase

The exterior is where GMC has managed to shove in the most changes for the 2022 Terrain. When viewed from the front, the 2022 GMC Terrain can be noticed with an even more masculine front bumper, updated grille design with neatly embossed GMC grille, and sharp-looking LED headlights with LED DRLs. The Denali and AT4 trims get slight front-end tweaks too.

White 2022 GMC Terrain
Via YouTube (FrontSeatReviews)

The classy design language has been used on the side and rear profile as well, however, the design remains quite identical to the 2021 model year. The subtle character lines, 19" wheels (depending on the trim), black side cladding, and many more highlights the side profile. The rear end gets a LED taillight, integrated rear spoiler, and chrome and black accents, all of which look pretty elegant.

6 Interior Quality Leaves A Lot To Be Desired

2022 GMC Terrain
GMC

The interior quality is where the 2022 GMC Terrain truly disappoints us. The cabin of the Terrain is filled with hard scratchy plastic and that does bog down the traveling experience quite a bit. Coming at a base MSRP of $29,095, it is the most expensive compact SUV, and when compared to the rivals, the interior quality is not acceptable.

Red  2022 GMC Terrain
Via 2022GMC

The dashboard and door cards come covered with cheap plastics that are found in the much more economical Chevrolet Equinox. The panel fitment was pretty uneven in some places, and that is not acceptable at this price point. In comparison, the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5 were miles ahead in interior quality and fit and finish. The car also exhibited squeaks and rattles, which can also be attributed to the poor build.

RELATED: GMC Unveils Refreshed 2022 Terrain For Battle In The Industry's Most Competitive Segment

5 Sharp Braking Performance

2022 GMC Terrain front third quarter view
Via: Media.gmc.com

The 2022 GMC Terrain scores highly in terms of braking performance. Coming with the 11.8" front rotors and 11.3" rear rotors, along with 4-wheel ABS, high-performance Duralife rotors, and a few more braking features, the 2022 Terrain managed to do the 60-0 mph braking in just 130 feet.

2022 GMC Terrain Elevation front third quarter view
Via: Media.gmc.com

Mash on the brake pedal while driving on the highways and this compact SUV manages to shed speed with utmost comfort. The car doesn't lose its composure when doing so, and the superb braking progression on offer means that the car comes to a halt in no time. The brake fade and nose-dive are minimal, too.

4 Superb Ride Quality

2022 GMC Terrain,
Via : YouTube

Ride quality has always been a USP of the GMC Terrain, and we are happy to report that GMC hasn't changed that. The soft suspension setup on the Terrain makes for a comfortable traveling experience at slow city speeds, absorbing all the bumps and potholes on the roads with ease.

2022 GMC Terrain AT4 front third quarter view
Via: GMC

Even while driving through the freeways, the soft suspension doesn't produce any pitching and bobbing. The vertical movement is well under control and even the body roll which is commonly seen in cars with the softer setup turned out to be pretty low. All of these help the car to be ranked pretty high in the list of family buyers.

3 Driving Dynamics Is Not Its USP

Gray 2022 GMC Terrain
Via lexus2022.com

With a soft suspension setup and steering that is not very communicative, the 2022 GMC Terrain is not going to excite anyone who drives it. Drive the car enthusiastically on some tight winding roads, and you would be pretty disappointed with the overall driving feel this SUV puts across, especially in comparison to the dynamically sorted Mazda CX-5.

2022 GMC Terrain AT4 in the snow
Via: Media.gmc.com

The car rewards you with quite a lot of understeer, and that is something the enthusiasts hate while taking corners. The chassis is not very communicative, and the steering is a bit of a disappointment due to no major feel and feedback on offer. However, take things a bit slow, and you would be alright with how the car behaves.

RELATED: 2021 GMC Terrain: Costs, Facts, And Figures

2 Scores Well On The Safety Front

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Via: GMC

There are no changes to the build quality of the 2022 GMC Terrain, which has always been impressive. The exterior panels are made of high-tensile steel, and the car does feel very taut and well put together. All the safety and driver-assistance features are offered as standard too.

2022 GMC Terrain
Via YouTube

The standard driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and many more. However, adaptive cruise control is an optional extra. With the good build quality and a long list of safety features on offer, the car received an overall crash safety rating of 5-stars in the NHTSA crash and a good rating in many of the subsections of the IIHS crash test.

1 Infotainment Is Intuitive

22-terrain-denali-interior-jet-black
Via: GMC

The 8" GMC Infotainment System comes unchanged to the 2022 Terrain and retains all the qualities of the outgoing model. This includes a long list of features like wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, aux connectivity, voice recognition, and many more. However, the in-dash navigation is offered as standard with the Denali trim only.

2022-terrain-rear-view
Via: GMC

The heads-up display is standard for the Denali trim too, however, all the other trims can have it from the optional list. When it comes to the interface, we found this touchscreen infotainment to be pretty intuitive, even though it is not as polished as the ones you get with the Honda CR-V. The 6-speaker audio system offers great audio quality too.