Starting at
Starting at
63.3 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 54.7 |
27 | Fuel Economy (mpg) | 26 |
Std. | Wireless AppleCarPlay and Android Auto | No |
Anyone searching for a compact SUV knows that there are many models to choose from, all claiming to be the best at offering a spacious interior and a ride that’s controlled and responsive. Few actually deliver on these promises of excellence, which may cause you to be unsure which vehicle is right for your travels. Whether you’re looking for a rugged explorer or a sophisticated commuter, two models come to mind for drivers demanding more out of their travels. From their athleticism both on and off the road to their exceptional ride quality, carefully designed cabin spaces, and uncanny driving dynamics, the GMC Terrain and the Jeep Cherokee are both forces in the industry. When it comes to comparing the 2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Jeep Cherokee, you may be surprised by which model surpasses the other in the areas of interior and exterior design, as well as overall performance.
Recognized for its incredible beauty, the GMC Terrain is compact, agile, and extremely handsome, sporting plenty of upgrades for the 2022 model year. From a refreshed grille and front bumper to stunning LED headlamps and taillamps, new wheel designs, revitalized interior elements, and other stylish upgrades, the 2022 Terrain is better than ever. In addition, the Terrain welcomes the off-road-ready AT4 trim to the family this year, enhancing its appeal to adventurous drivers everywhere. You’ll find that the 2022 Cherokee showcases some upgrades of its own for 2022, including a new Cherokee X trim, featuring a 1-inch suspension lift, V6 engine, and more rugged elements throughout. Although both models are putting their best faces forward this year, it’s obvious that one compact SUV significantly outshines the other.
There’s really no competition when a GMC is involved. Known to be lavishly beautiful, the upscale ambiance you feel inside of the 2022 GMC Terrain is simply indescribable. Choosing its iconic Denali trim will amplify your experience with French-stitched leather-appointed upholstery, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, burnished aluminum accents, and more extravagant elements within. For those who are more interested in exploring the great unknown, the new AT4 trim showcases athletic styling inside that coincides with its rugged exterior, like sporty AT4 badging, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an available sunroof to enjoy the stars. The Terrain offers something for every type of driver, prioritizing luxury every step of the way.
On the flip side, the 2022 Jeep Cherokee’s interior leaves many drivers wanting more. Although it’s comfortable, it’s reported as being a little behind the times, especially when comparing it to models like the alluring Terrain. The seats are cozy, and you’ll get to enjoy even more creature comforts as you move up the trim levels, like heated and ventilated seats and leather appointments; however, many of its rivals feature better quality materials and more standard features. Because of this, the Cherokee seems like a bit of a dinosaur in the industry as the years go on.
The Terrain showcases a pleasantly sized interior, perfect for accommodating people and cargo efficiently. Split-folding 60/40 seats, an available fold-flat front seat, and 63.3 cu.ft. of cargo space make it easy to handle anything your travels entail without encroaching on the comfort of your passengers. The 2022 Terrain offers an open, airy cabin space that makes you feel as though you’re riding in a much larger vehicle, appealing to more drivers near and far. Unfortunately for the Cherokee, you won’t feel like you’re riding in a bright, open space, thanks to small windows and high window sills. You also won’t get to enjoy as much cargo volume as the Terrain either, with this Jeep staple only offering up to 54.7 cu.ft. of space for your gear.
When it comes to interior style, GMC is pretty tough to beat. The upscale interior features found in the elegant Denali trim provide drivers with superior style, while the off-road-ready AT4 and the high-value SLE and SLT trims deliver just the right amount of comfort and excitement to your trip. The Cherokee could use a little revamp when it comes to style, and its cramped interior doesn’t make it the most comfortable to travel in either. This means that where interior style is concerned, the Terrain takes top honors.
It’s difficult not to notice a GMC on the road and the 2022 GMC Terrain sports bold styling that simply can’t be ignored. This compact SUV showcases upgrades to enhance its exterior design, with rugged features to make for a commanding presence. A revitalized front end, plus a new selection of 18-inch and 19-inch wheel designs, make it a head-turner everywhere it travels. Choosing its off-road-oriented AT4 variant will offer drivers even more bold elements to enhance the feel of the drive, like sport terrain tires, gloss-black roof rails, and exclusive AT4 badging to intimidate its rivals on the trails and beyond. It’s not just about looks, though, as the Terrain delivers when it comes to practicality, with its hands-free programmable power liftgate, complete with LED logo projection, perfect for loading and unloading it in style.
We get it…Jeeps are meant for adventure, but wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy a bit of sleek style too? The Cherokee is known for its off-road tendencies; however, many drivers report that it’s a bit too cumbersome. It lacks the refinement found in stylish rivals, like the GMC Terrain, opting for a more simplistic, rugged appeal. Its grille and headlamps make for an intimidating presence, and the various trim levels tweak this design slightly, depending on which model you choose. If you’re looking for an adventure vehicle, the Cherokee does a nice job catering to this demographic, but if you want less bulk and more designer details, you may be a bit disappointed.
You can’t go wrong with a GMC where style is concerned, and with its revised design this year, as well as its selection of models to appeal to any type of driver, the Terrain is a much more versatile pick. The Cherokee is bulkier and more utilitarian than its competitors, and if this isn’t the look you’re going for, you may find it a bit too much on the adventurous side. For this reason, our pick is the 2022 GMC Terrain, as it appeals to a vast array of drivers, adding style and practicality to any type of journey.
The 2022 GMC Terrain is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which is the perfect combination for many drivers. It’s easy to handle, smooth on the road, and ready for any type of drive. You’ll be in for ample comfort during your travels, with smooth shifting, agile cornering, and a top-notch experience that’s to be expected out of this GMC favorite. The 2022 Jeep Cherokee gives you a choice of engines, with a 3.2L Pentastar V6 leading the charge and a slightly more efficient 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder available for those who are looking for maximum fuel efficiency. Although it’s nice to have your choice between engines, the Cherokee offers an average ride quality that isn’t very exciting, and with its cumbersome size, it feels a lot larger on the road.
You may think that the Jeep Cherokee has this area of the competition all sewn up, but you haven’t met the Terrain AT4 yet. Designed for adventuring, the Terrain AT4 showcases outstanding off-road swagger, with an available All-Wheel Drive Traction Select System, offering three modes to make the most out of your travels. Utilize FWD mode for ultimate efficiency, AWD for maximum traction during bad road conditions, and Off-Road mode for undeniable control and agility on any surface. An off-road-tuned suspension system, specialized shocks, and a rugged build allow the AT4 to traverse any terrain like a seasoned pro, giving competitors like the Cherokee a run for their money.
Perhaps the pioneer of off-roading, Jeep knows what it takes to perform optimally in some of the most treacherous environments. With available 4x4 systems, superior water fording capabilities, intense articulation, plus a ruggedness that can’t be rivaled, the 2022 Cherokee can certainly wow on the trails. Reinforced skid plates, a high air intake, and an off-road-ready suspension system allow the Cherokee to cascade over dirt mounds, maneuver over uneven terrain, and explore new destinations with a finesse that can only come from a Jeep.
Despite being undeniably capable off-road, where the Cherokee struggles is with its ride quality in everyday driving situations. Chances are, you won’t get to set off on an adventure every single day, which means that overall ride quality definitely matters. The Cherokee’s lack of excitement and bulky driving demeanor makes it difficult to handle during everyday driving situations, which can cause some drivers to be disappointed with it. The Terrain, on the other hand, offers the best of both worlds. It’s easy to handle and agile on the road, as well as perfectly capable of handling off-road escapades, which appeals to drivers looking for a well-rounded vehicle.