by Jay Traugott
There's a good reason why people flock to the GMC Yukon instead of its Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade corporate cousins. The Yukon has long been the ideal full-size SUV from GM. For some, the Tahoe is too plain vanilla while the Escalade is too much bling. The Yukon offers them the ideal blend of luxury and premium stature without going overboard. Like those two SUVs, a Yukon extended-length version, called the Yukon XL, is available, essentially a more expensive Chevy Suburban and cheaper Escalade ESV.
Our week-long tester was a fully loaded 2022 Yukon 4WD AT4 standard length, equipped with the optional 420-horsepower 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine. This motor offers the highest outputs of the three power plant options, with the other engines being a 277-hp turbo-diesel or a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, although AT4 models don't have access to the torquey diesel.
This big rig took some getting used to at first but after only a few days we came to depend on it for one key task: snowboarding. Basically, the roads to Breckenridge, Colorado were slick following sub-zero temperatures the night before departure. Black ice was everywhere. A full-size, highly capable off-road SUV such as this won't guarantee nothing bad will happen, but you're definitely in a better position to arrive at your destination safely compared to many other cars. The 2022 Yukon is a solid full-size SUV in every sense, and the AT4 off-road package makes it even better.
For the 2022 model year, the GMC Yukon receives a 12-inch digital instrument cluster across the lineup. Interior technology has also been upgraded via a new Connected Infotainment System developed with Google, while the luxurious Denali now gets the previously optional power-sliding center console as standard. Outside, the only change has been the addition of Redwood Metallic to the color palette.
This year, the AT4 variant's newest addition is the bigger 6.2-liter V8, which is an option.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
SLE |
5.3L V8 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$54,000 |
SLT |
5.3L V8 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$60,700 |
AT4 |
5.3L V8 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$68,500 |
Denali |
6.2L V8 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$72,100 |
If you're not accustomed to driving a full-size SUV then the Yukon will take some getting used to at first. It's big, but big has its benefits. GM knows trucks and SUVs very well and it's done an excellent job at making them solid daily drivers. Our AT4 came with the Magnetic Ride Control which utilizes sensors to constantly read the road and alter the shocks' damping rate accordingly, providing for a solid feel and overall control. That's vital for an SUV that tips the scales at over 5,800 pounds.
There were a number of highway curves heading to the mountains and back towards the city, and the Yukon AT4 handled them with ease. The presence of black ice was a concern so we didn't dare drive fast. In normal conditions, the SUV offered quick acceleration and engine noise was kept to a minimum. Parking is another matter. Due to its size, the backup camera and the impressive 360-degree camera proved vital. The turning radius wasn't terrible, but fitting into most parking spots requires some skill at first. The Yukon's size never lets you forget you're driving a full-size SUV, but thanks to a refined chassis, an adaptive suspension, and a powerful engine, you feel nothing but confidence behind the wheel.
The 2022 GMC Yukon is a solid player in the full-size SUV segment. The AT4 trim, in particular, is an excellent choice for those who have a more outdoorsy lifestyle. Whether the red tow hooks are ever necessary or not is one thing, but they certainly look good. In an age when crossovers are the dominant force, body-on-frame SUVs like this remain hot-sellers. GM has refined its SUV formula over the decades and today's result is an extremely comfortable, confident, and luxurious vehicle. It's the complete package for those who require its many services. Aside from other body-on-frame SUVs, the only other potential rival is an AWD large crossover. That vehicle would likely offer a slightly smoother ride and easier parking and maneuverability, but it would lack the Yukon's towing capacity and the advantages of 4WD over AWD. Even in 2WD mode, the Yukon is highly capable in a variety of conditions.
Totaling $79,175, our 2022 Yukon AT4 is anything but cheap, but it's everything many would ever need a vehicle. It's luxurious, off-road ready, and spacious enough for the entire family and/or your friends and all of their weekend ski and snowboarding gear. Adventure awaits.
Competitor | Horsepower | MPG | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|
GMC Yukon | 355 hp | 15/20 mpg | $57,400 |
Chevrolet Tahoe | 355 hp | 15/20 mpg | $50,400 |
Ford Expedition | 380 hp | TBC | $54,155 |
These corporate cousins share the same engines and platform. As a result, they're similar to drive, perform equally well, and even have the same maximum tow rating. As always, the GMC offers a bit more luxury and this is why it costs more. Whereas the Tahoe begins at $50,200, the Yukon has a base price of $52,100. Interestingly, the top Tahoe trim, the High Country, begins at $500 more than the Yukon Denali. If we're comparing those two, we'd easily choose the Yukon Denali with its bespoke dashboard and impeccable quality. Lower in the respective lineups, the Yukon gets a nicer touchscreen interface, but there's not a significant gap between the two. Unless you're looking for the most luxurious, opulent version of these two, the Tahoe is by no means an inferior product.
The 2022 Ford Expedition is a strong seller in this segment. Starting at $51,080, it's a little cheaper than the Yukon. However, the GMC now offers a better balance between three spacious seating rows and overall cargo capacity. While we like the V8 burble of the GMC, its gas mileage specs are not as good as the Ford's twin-turbo V6, and the Expedition can also tow more. There's also an extremely powerful 440-hp version of the Ford, along with an off-road-capable Timberline. Then again, the Yukon does have that more efficient turbodiesel in some trims. The Ford's interior received a welcome upgrade this year, and upper trims nearly match the Yukon Denali for luxury. Following the Ford's latest improvements, we'll give the slight edge to the Expedition in this contest.
The most popular competitors of 2022 GMC Yukon: