2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "premium grade" positioning, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic that set it apart from its siblings in the General Motors family. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the upscale Denali, was a full-size SUV built on a truck platform, emphasizing its robust nature. The Denali trim, in particular, showcased an exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, creating an upscale cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a more luxurious feel compared to its Chevrolet counterpart, the Tahoe High Country. Despite its high price tag, the Yukon Denali was a popular choice for those seeking substance over a fancy badge.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a distinctive design that required an acclimation period for some. Its bold front end and floating roof design gave it a unique appearance, though its styling could overwhelm with cartoonishly-flared quarter panels. The Highlander Hybrid was available in several trims, with the Platinum trim offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a host of premium features. While the Highlander Hybrid's interior was comfortable and offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery, it suffered from some design quirks, such as reflections on the infotainment screen and a busy gauge appearance at night. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid aimed to deliver a fuel-efficient and comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient. During testing, the Yukon Denali averaged 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres with a full load and 14.5 L/100 km with just the driver. The Yukon boasted an independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. However, the 22-inch wheels could make the ride less smooth. The Yukon Denali's Active Response 4WD system, with its various driving modes and electronic limited-slip differential, improved cornering and traction. While not tested off-road, the Yukon Denali was capable of towing up to 3,629 kilograms, though this was less than some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower. It was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving, a significant improvement over the previous generation. During testing, the Highlander Hybrid averaged 7.4 L/100 km, showcasing its efficiency. However, the trade-off for this efficiency was a lack of driving excitement. The Highlander Hybrid's power was adequate for most situations, but the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs. The steering was lifeless, and the ride could become sloppy on uneven roads. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban environments, offering immediate electric motor torque and a quiet ride on the freeway. However, it was not particularly enjoyable to drive, especially for those prone to motion sickness.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while comfortable, lacked a massage function, and the door panel edges could be uncomfortable for elbows. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and collapse for improved comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with the Yukon Denali holding 722 litres behind the third row and up to 3,480 litres with all seats folded.

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with heated and ventilated seats. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 2,387 litres with all seats folded. While storage was plentiful, some design choices, such as the placement of the wireless charger, could be inconvenient.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the Ultimate Package offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system featured dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays, though it required some trial and error to stream content. The Yukon also included a 15-inch colour head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points, enhancing maneuverability.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility. The JBL sound system, while powerful, could sound boomy and muddy with certain music genres.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, providing a subtle and effective driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure with steering assist. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The Highlander's adaptive cruise control could feel uneven, and the lane-centring assistance was overly sensitive. However, the Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.