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Subaru WRX Review

by Mark | Jul 15, 2022 | 0 comments

Let’s get back to the basics of love, the love of driving: the new 2022 Subaru WRX

An exterior front three quarter view of a white 2022 Subaru WRX

The new 2022 Subaru WRX compact sport sedan is the fifth generation of this rally-bred icon. (Photos courtesy of Subaru or as credited)

2022 Subaru WRX Overview
Pricing
Weight-Saving Designs
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Why Buy the 2022 Subaru WRX Premium?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

There is a simple mantra to driving the 2022 Subaru WRX six-speed manual: Rev, Engage, Shift, Smile, Repeat. Let those horizontally opposed pistons thrum.

And when the cornering gets tight, stab a heel-toe downshift, steady the wheel, look through the turn, power on, smile, grab a gear. And repeat.

The 2022 Subaru WRX is an all-wheel-drive, turbocharged four-cylinder compact-class sport sedan. It is a stealth S-snake hunter with impressive car control, sport-tuned transmission, and modest fuel economy.

This rowdy little “World Rally eXperimental” car was battle-tested in the World Rally Championships of the 1990s and early 2000s. I liked this unassuming all-wheel-drive performer from its first generation in the U.S., 1992-2000. It was distinctive in its Rally Blue hue and gold-painted wheels. The WRX has always been built tough and could be pumped up for 400 horsepower, and more.

Mainstream competitors of the Subaru WRX include the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N, and the VW Golf GTI and Jetta GLI.

The driver area is simple and succinct.

2022 Subaru WRX Overview

For the first time, the 2022 WRX is built on the Subaru Global Platform. Subaru says it is a solid architecture for improved dynamics and reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness.

It also was given a new powertrain. The FA24F 2.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine continues with “boxer” horizontally opposed pistons. The engine spools up 271 hp and 258 foot-pounds of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm. Engine updates this year included larger pistons, an electronically controlled wastegate, and air bypass valves.

WRX transmission choices are a new CVT, called the Subaru Performance Transmission, or a six-speed manual. The SPT all-wheel-drive system has variable torque distribution, while the manual transmission uses a center differential and viscous coupling.

The best news for the manual transmission is that there is no more rev-hang between shifts.

Big-foot metal-and-rubber trimmed pedals.

Models with the “Drive Mode Select System” get electronically controlled adaptive dampers, a first for the WRX.

Because of ever-increasing emissions regulations, Subaru says it will not offer a second-generation WRX STI high-performance model. At least not yet, and not with an internal-combustion engine.

But there is still STI attitude in the new 2022 WRX GT, the top trim level.

2022 Subaru WRX Pricing

For 2022, the Subaru WRX is sold in four trims of Base, Premium, Limited and GT.

Starting prices range from $30,600 for the Base model to $43,390 for the GT. MSRPs include the $995 freight charge from Gunma, Japan.

Add $1,850 to $2,050 (depending on trim level) for the Subaru Performance Transmission, a continuously variable transmission. The option also adds EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with advanced adaptive cruise control, auto vehicle hold, steering wheel paddle shifters, SI-Drive, and an electronic parking brake.

Standard Base model features include power windows, door locks, and side mirrors; dual USB input ports in the front center console; welcome lighting; remote keyless entry; combination gauge array with color display; roof rack mounting brackets; and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.

Also included are 17-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, multi-mode vehicle dynamics control with track mode, and incline start assist.

Standard on WRX is a new center information display with dual 7-inch high-resolution touch screens. The top screen controls smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and audio, a rearview camera, and satellite radio and Travel Link. The bottom screen manages HVAC and vehicle settings.

No factory upgrade option packages are available for the Base model. But there are lots of accessories (for all trim levels). Among them are:

STI Duracon (manual) shift knob, $99.95
STI performance mufflers, $1,200
Stainless steel exhaust tips, $299.95
And a cool-looking cherry-red STI starter button, $249.95

Find current pricing and available incentives here.

The fabric seats in the WRX premium are grippy but not overly bolstered

The fabric seats are grippy without extreme bolstering.

Pricing Sweet Spot

Many WRX enthusiasts will find all the grip and grin they need in the Base model. But the WRX Premium, $31,605, is the sweet spot for added conveniences at a modest price.

Today’s tester is the WRX Premium, starting at $33,100. The tester included the Harman Kardon audio system (11 speakers) and power moonroof, $1,875. As tested, it cost $34,975.

Standard WRX Premium features include an upgrade to 18-inch alloy wheels in a dark gray finish, LED fog lights, a low-profile rear spoiler in body color, and automatic headlights with on and off when using the windshield wipers.

The Premium model also has standard keyless locking and push-button ignition. The premium black seat fabric is trimmed in red stitching. Other conveniences include dual automatic climate control with voice activation and dual USB charging ports in the rear center console. The standard All Weather Package adds heated front seats, side mirrors, and a windshield wiper deicer.

Also new for upper trim levels is a tablet-style high-definition center information display. The 11.6-inch Starlink Multimedia Plus system has direct-touch controls for multimedia, heat and AC, and vehicle settings. As with a smartphone, app icons on the touchscreen can be moved and configured based on personal preference. The new multimedia system also offers a split-screen display that can simultaneously show two types of information such as navigation and audio.

Weight-Saving Designs

The new wide-body WRX design strikes a powerful stance without being overhyped by a big rear wing or other fan-racer add-ons.

Aerodynamic improvements include an air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel opening. The outlet allows air to exit from the wheel well more freely, which reduces lift on the front tires for more grip and stability.

A white example of the aluminum WRX hood

The aluminum hood with integrated scoop.

Aluminum front fenders reduce the overall vehicle weight by 5 pounds, Subaru says. The hood, too, is aluminum, which helps lower the center of gravity.

With a curb weight of 3,320 pounds, the WRX manual is a relative lightweight when factoring its all-wheel drive. (Opting for the CVT adds just 137 pounds.) The usual sport-compact competitors of the WRX are front-wheel drive. For example, the Honda Civic Si weighs 2,952 lbs., the Hyundai Elantra N weighs 3,186 lbs., and the VW Jetta GLI is 3,272 lbs.

Other aero tricks include:

Another air outlet at each side of the rear bumper to reduce body sway due to air trapped behind the bumper;
Molded wheel arches and lower body trim have an aerodynamic texture to reduce air resistance;
An engine undercover also has an aerodynamic texture to help channel airflow and increase downforce at the front of the car.

The gauge array has bold features for optimum presentation.

WRX Powertrain and Fuel Economy

The Subaru WRX is a visceral performer but not muscle-bound. The FA24F 2.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine has a clenched-teeth resolve to achieve the driver’s intent.

WRX performance can be lap-dog friendly or turn vicious with a big rev and downshift. And even the stock exhaust has a well-muscled and deep tone.

With peak torque of 258 lb.-ft., Car and Driver cite 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 101 mph.

The manual gearbox has a rewarding, rifle-bolt engagement with a comfortably sprung clutch. And Subaru’s hill-start assist brakes the WRX for a few seconds while the driver engages a gear. If all stick-shift cars had this simple tech, there would be many more manual-transmission users today.

Fuel economy ratings are 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 mpg combined. Premium fuel is recommended for peak performance. My test week’s average mileage ranged from 18.1 to 22.5 mpg. But for a small car, it has a big gas tank of 16.6-gallons.

For my modest mileage numbers, I blame — and praise — the manual transmission.

There is so much low-end pull that there is no need to rush the shifts. It’s a great second- and third-gear speedster. Roll on the power at 15 to 20 mph in second gear, and the engine will get up to speed quickly.

The 271 horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter 4 cylinder WRX engine

The FA24F 2.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine.

WRX Ride and Handling

The sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension is engineered for total car control. There is no front-end push and no rear rotational inertia. The car just sticks where the driver points it, within the bounds of physics.

At speed, the WRX runs flat and steady, but the ride quality of its stiff dampers can become monotonous on a long daily commute. And at 65 mph, the engine is spinning loudly at about 2,500 rpm.

The 18-inch Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 600 A (245/40) tires are a razor’s-edge match to the suspension. But enjoy these soft black erasers because they have a very low treadwear rating (UTQG) of 200. Low means better road adhesion. But these tires might not last a year of driving for the win — and replacements run $350 a pop.

Four-wheel disc braking gives an absolute response without nosedive. The front rotors have 12.4-inch ventilated discs and dual-piston calipers. At the rear are 11.4-inch ventilated discs with a single-piston caliper.

Quick-ratio electric power-assisted steering has light weight but precise resolve, with 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. The turning circle is a trim 36.7 feet, which compares to, or is better than, the front-drive competitors.

18-inch Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 600 A (245/40) tires. (Mark Maynard photo)

WRX Interior Function

The driver area is simple and succinct. The gauge array has bold and functional features for optimum presentation when pushing the redline.

The cabin is handsomely dressed in black with contrast red stitching and legitimate-looking carbon-fiber-pattern trim. The fabric front buckets are grippy in cornering, without extreme side bolstering. The driver’s seat is six-way manually adjustable and heated.

I especially enjoyed the flat-bottom steering wheel, the handbrake at driver’s right, and the big-foot metal-and-rubber trimmed pedals.

The Premium model’s 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system is big and bold but has limitations. While the tablet does have some physical controls for the climate system and stereo, selecting other functions is a two-touch process that sometimes takes eyes from the road. The tablet measures 9 inches across, but the viewable screen is just 6 inches wide, which makes for a narrow rear camera view.

The back seat is roomy enough for the kids, with max legroom of 36.5 inches.

With max legroom of 36.5 inches, the back seat is roomy enough for the kids.

Why Buy the 2022 Subaru WRX Premium?

There is a naked honesty to the stick-shift Subaru WRX Premium. There is plenty of power to feel the weight transitions and to coax a little more. There is no semi-autonomous drive mode, wireless charging, or advanced cruise control. But it has all the essentials for driving.

Let’s get back to the basics of love, the love of driving, in the 2022 Subaru WRX.

The new 2022 Subaru WRX is built on the Subaru Global Platform.

2022 Subaru WRX Specifications

Body style: compact, 5-seat, 4-door AWD sedan with aluminum
hood and front fenders

Engine: 271-hp, turbocharged and direct injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder; 258 lb.-ft. torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm

Maximum turbo boost: 12 psi

Transmission: 6-speed manual, with hill-start assist and SI-DRIVE
performance management

AWD system: Continuous all-wheel drive with viscous-coupling locking center differential and 50:50 torque split (transfers more torque to wheels with the best traction)

Fuel economy: 19/26/22 mpg; premium fuel recommended for peak performance

Suspension: sport-tuned 4-wheel independent; front, MacPherson-type struts with coil springs and stabilizer bar; rear, double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar

Braking: 4-wheel discs; dual diagonal system with electronic brake-force distribution, 4-channel 4-sensor ABS, brake assist and brake override; front, 12.4-inch ventilated discs dual-piston calipers; rear, 11.4-inch ventilated discs, single-piston calipers (11.8-inch discs with EyeSight option)

Steering: Quick-ratio electric power-assisted rack and dual pinion

0-60 mph acceleration: 5.5 seconds; quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 101 mph (Car and Driver)

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 16.6 gallons

Trunk space: 12.5 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 38.8*/43.1 inches *39.8 w/o sunroof

Rear head/leg room: 36.7/36.5 inches

Length/wheelbase: 183.3/105.2 inches

Curb weight: 3,320 pounds

Turning circle: 36.7 feet

FEATURES

Standard Premium model equipment includes: Keyless entry with push-button start and PIN-code vehicle access, Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus, rearview camera, 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching, leather-wrapped shifter handle, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, analog speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel gauges, 6-speaker audio system, auto on/off headlights, power windows with auto up/down, electronic cruise control, steering wheel controls, dual front USB input ports, dual rear USB charge ports, tilt-telescoping steering column, dual cup holders in center console, single bottle holder in each door panel, rear center armrest with dual can holders, sun visors with dual-illuminated vanity mirrors, center console with LED-illuminated storage tray and 12-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control system, 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatback, LED headlights and fog lights, heated side mirrors, windshield wiper deicer

WRX performance equipment: 18-by-8.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a dark gray finish, 245/40 97Y summer-performance tires, performance-design front seats, fabric upholstery with red trim, sport-design electroluminescent gauges, front and rear underspoilers, rear bumper with integrated diffuser, trunk spoiler, exhaust system with quad stainless-steel outlets

Safety features include: 7 air bags, Vehicle Dynamics Control with active torque vectoring, disc brakes, hill-start assist, and brake assist

PRICING

WRX Premium base price: $33,100, including $995 freight charge; price as tested $34,975

Options on test vehicle: Harman Kardon audio system (with 11 speakers) and power moonroof, $1,875

Where assembled: Gunma, Japan.

Warranty: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain

GMC Terrain AT4 Review

by Mark | Jul 12, 2022 | 0 comments

The 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 is more of a country rambler than a trail-conquering SUV, but it looks the part

A side view of the black 2022 GMC Terrain small suv

The 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 is new the lineup and has standard all-wheel drive and special off-roading elements. Pricing starts at $37,145. (Photography by Mark Maynard)

Overview
Pricing
5 Star Safety Rating
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Performance and Fuel Economy
Ride and Handling
Why Buy the 2022 GMC Terrain AT4?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Ggeneral Motors’ GMC division is panning for pay dirt in its off-road-defined AT4 sub-brand. It was launched in 2019 and is now offered across its line of SUVs and pickups. New to the AT4 lineup (All Terrain 4WD) is the 2022 GMC Terrain AT4 small SUV.

All-Terrain4 is a premium treatment, which GMC says is bringing in more affluent and younger customers new to GMC. According to GMC market research, their truck owners are 3.5-times more likely to actively use their vehicle for camping and carrying outdoor sports gear.

The AT4 treatment is primarily a cosmetics package. Among the AT4 design accents are a black-chrome finish to the grille and exterior trim, with gloss black roof rails. The Terrain AT4 has exclusively styled 17-inch gloss-black painted aluminum wheels with Goodyear Sport Terrain tires. There is a front steel skid plate and a traction select system with modes of standard AWD, front-wheel drive, and off-road.

The Terrain SUV steering wheel and dashboard

A hands-on control center.

GMC Terrain Overview

The Terrain is GMC’s smallest vehicle and slots below the Acadia midsize SUV. The Terrain debuted in April 2009 as a 2010 model, sharing an architecture with the Chevrolet Equinox. For the 2013 model year, the GMC Terrain introduced the Denali trim, which featured more chrome and slightly improved interior quality.

The Terrain had its first midcycle refresh in 2016. And the second-generation GMC Terrain debuted in 2017 for the 2018 model year.

In February 2020, General Motors unveiled a refreshed version of the GMC Terrain that would go on sale in mid-2020 as a 2021 model. However, production issues and pandemic-related complications delayed its release. The lightly facelifted Terrain finally went on sale in summer 2021 as a 2022 model.

AT4 trim features.

New For the 2022 Terrain

Redesigned front fascia and grille designs.
Redesigned LED headlamps and LED taillamps on all models.
New 18-inch and 19-inch wheel designs.
Three new exterior colors, $495 each: Marine Metallic (mid-blue), Desert Sand Metallic (AT4 only), and Cayenne Red Metallic, which is a 2022 color only, and a new red will be introduced for 2023.
New interior trim elements and fabrics.
Tech Package made available for SLT and AT4. The package includes HD Surround Vision, a new Head-Up Display, and front and rear park assist.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Built-in Amazon Alexa.

Terrain front seats in a black and gray interior

Headroom of 38.2 inches with the panoramic sunroof should fit most adults.

GMC Terrain Pricing

For 2022, the GMC Terrain is sold in four trim levels of SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. All have the same powertrain of a 170-hp, turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. AWD models include terrain modes and a low mode for hill-descent towing control.

Starting prices range from $31,045 for the front-wheel-drive SLE to $39,745 for the Denali with standard all-wheel drive. Retail pricing includes the $1,395 freight charge from San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Today’s tester is the Terrain AT4 with standard AWD. Its pricing starts at $37,145 and totaled $41,810 with five options.

Check here for current GMC Terrain pricing. And find current offers and incentives here.

GMC Terrain Safety Features

With its full suite of safety features, the GMC Terrain has earned NHTSA’s top overall five-star safety rating. The rating includes five stars for the driver and front passenger in a frontal crash; five stars front and rear in a side crash; and four stars for risk of rollover.

Standard safety features on all Terrain models include six air bags, hill-descent control, and Stabilitrak traction controls.

And Terrain’s standard safety technologies are notable.

The GMC Pro Safety package layers on automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert and front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and auto-dimming IntelliBeam headlights.

And I would choose two more safety options because of their safeguards, which contributed to the top NHTSA safety rating:

GMC Pro Safety Plus, $645, includes Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist. The package also includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Safety Alert Seat.

Tech Package, $850, includes HD Surround Vision, Head-Up Display and Front and Rear Park Assist. The head-up display rises from a small plastic panel behind the gauge array. The small screen can be an obstruction to sightlines in heavy traffic, but it can be closed.

GMC Terrain AT4-specific 17-inch Goodyear Sport Terrain tires with gloss-black alloy wheels.

GMC Terrain Interior Function

Terrain designers pack a lot into a compact cabin, and that includes soundproofing.

With the many updates over the years, the AT4 cabin has a desirable collection of standard features. Among the conveniences are smart key entry with push-button ignition, leather-trimmed and perforated upholstery, HD rearview camera, heated steering wheel and two-function heated front seats, leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel with cruise controls and redundant audio controls, 4.2-inch color driver-info gauge display, eight-way power driver seat and a four-way power front passenger seat.

Headroom of 38.2 inches with the panoramic sunroof should fit most adults. Omit the sunroof and there is tall headspace of 40 inches. But the more significant fit consideration is what feels like a subcompact cabin. Shoulder and elbow room are snug, and the front seat bottoms are short in length for large-adult thigh support.

Sightlines are OK across the hood and at the side mirrors, but the ascending body line challenges over-the-shoulder views at the rear quarter. The rearview camera is a big help in cramped parking, but the screen is small; the optional 360-degree camera would be even better.

Making the most of a small space.

There are many areas, ledges, and nooks for small-item storage, front and rear.

At first glance, there is lots of black plastic throughout, with the good stuff up high where it is seen and felt. Harder plastics are below, which are suitable for scuff and wear resistance.

The shift console neatly packages an e-bin charging area with two USBs, audio input, and a 12-volt plug. But while there is ideal space for a wireless charging pad, there is no availability for that, yet. The armrest console box is deep with two more USBs and a slim pencil-box type of tray.

GMC Terrain Back Seat and Cargo

With the flat floor, a long 39.7 inches of legroom, reclining window seats, and the pano sunroof, the back seat is a pleasant but subcompact space. The three-position bench is short on adult thigh support, but the 60/40 folding seatback has a wide, fold-down armrest with a pair of can or small cup holders. Other conveniences include two more USB ports, a 12-volt plug, and a 120-volt, 150-watt household plug.

The cargo capability has an asset not talked about much by GMC. Because the front passenger seat can fold flat forward, it is possible to have almost 9 feet in length. Think of the possibilities for carrying lumber, ladders, stage props or long surfboards. It adds excellent utility, when few other small SUVs offer such a fold-forward front seat. But folding the seat is a bit of a struggle. The seat-side lever (at door-side) is about 2 inches too short to grasp easily with your hand wedged between the seat and door.

Raise the power-opening tailgate, and the cargo opening is wide at 43 ½ inches, with 29 ½ inches tall from floor to headliner. Fold the back seat for about 6 feet in length.

The cargo space includes a pair of seatback levers and a 12-volt plug but just two cargo tiedowns when four is the norm. There is no lighting or roller cover, but a $210 package includes the roller cover and a vertical cargo net.

Terrain back seat with long legroom and reclining seatbacks.

With the flat floor, a long 39.7 inches of legroom, reclining window seats, and the pano sunroof, the Terrain back seat is a pleasant but subcompact space.

Terrain AT4 Performance

The previous-gen Terrain had three turbocharged engine choices: a 252-hp, 2.0-liter; a 170-hp 1.5-liter; and a 137-hp 1.6-liter turbo-diesel, with 240 foot-pounds of torque.

For 2022, the 1.5-liter four-cylinder is the only choice, and it will feel underpowered to most drivers. The engine has fuel-economy ratings of 25 mpg city, 28 highway and 26 mpg combined, on 87 octane fuel. My best average was 29.2 mpg with much highway driving. Daily around-town driving yielded a max of 22.8 mpg. With careful driving, the AWD fuel tank of 15.6 gallons could yield a driving range of up to around 450 miles.

The Terrain’s 170-hp, turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Transmission

Gear engagement is by a short row of switches at the base of the center stack of cabin controls. The style and action are similar to window-lift switches. The process isn’t particularly smooth at first, but it gets easier in time.

The nine-speed automatic rolls easily through the gears, but the shifting performance is for fuel economy.

A Sport mode would be most helpful to put some spark into the acceleration, especially for the 3,659-pound Terrain. “Fuzzy logic” transmission calibrations attempt to provide shift performance keyed to the driver’s manner of driving. But when a burst of acceleration is needed, there is a three-count before tapping into the torque range of 2,000-4,000 rpm. By that time, the emergency is over. But the system continues to provide sharper performance for a while and then relaxes into mileage mode.

And remember to shift this transmission to Neutral when using an automatic car wash.

Levels of storage in the Terrain front door panels.

Low Mode

Somewhat unique to the transmission modes is an “L” setting at the transmission-select keys. This mode is for hill descents when towing. Engaging Low mode allows manual shifting and a one-pedal drive function to help control downhill speed by using engine braking.

The Terrain is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds with an unbraked trailer.

Up to 9 feet in length for cargo capacity.

Fold the front passenger flat forward for almost 9 feet in length.

Terrain AT4 Ride and Handling

Despite what appears to be a blunt front end, the wind noise at highway speeds is well controlled and the cabin feels snug. The Terrain’s settled highway ride is due in part to its long wheelbase of 107.3 inches. It is a few inches longer than many of its compact-class competitors, including the Jeep Cherokee, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

The Terrain AT4 is more of a country rambler than a trail-conquering SUV, but it looks the part. GMC says it worked with Goodyear to develop a suitable Sport Terrain tire. The result is the 17-inch, 225/65 Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT. It has aggressive-looking tread blocks at the tread edge for the off-road stance. The tire has a fairly hard 680 treadwear rating, which translates to a 65,000-mile warranty.

Despite the off-roader appearance, the ride is not noisy or with vibration. The tall sidewall is good curb protection and contributes to the comfy ride quality, but the tires’ flex and softness also curb enthusiastic driving.

An independent suspension helps keep tires pressed to the pavement or trail; front MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar; four-link rear independent.

Four-wheel-disc brakes give a firm response without grab. For longer service, the brakes feature low-drag calipers and Duralife rotors formulated for hardness and to resist corrosion. The front rotors are 11.8 inches, with 11.3- inch rotors at the rear, with ABS and electronic stability control.

Underfloor storage, with the temporary spare below.

Underfloor cargo space.

Why Buy the 2022 GMC Terrain AT4?

The GMC Terrain is an economical vehicle with SUV function and low-cost maintenance. This current generation will be at its best when the weather is at its worst.

The mild redesign of 2022 will be short-lived. A more significant redesign (but not a complete re-engineering) is scheduled for 2024. But with all of the supply-chain issues that continue to impact vehicle production, it might be wise to wait for the redesigned 2024 models. The new Terrain will be much improved — but also more expensive.

A rear view of a Ebony Twilight black Terrain

The AT4 subbrand is bringing in more affluent and younger customers new to GMC.