2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "premium grade" positioning, offering a blend of ruggedness and refinement. Positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac, the Yukon was available in various trims, including the new AT4 designed for off-road adventures and the upscale Denali. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, providing a sophisticated and upscale cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a more luxurious appeal compared to its Chevrolet counterpart, the Tahoe High Country.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring, with its distinctive styling and character lines reminiscent of the Supra sports car. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier appearance with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, although it didn't match the performance of sportier rivals like the Ford Explorer ST. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, offered an upscale look with chrome accents and a well-crafted interior. The Highlander's interior boasted near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim, emphasizing comfort and luxury over sportiness.

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 delivered robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble, though it wasn't the most fuel-efficient choice. The Yukon Denali's fuel consumption averaged 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop, with a slightly better 14.5 L/100 km on a shorter loop. The Yukon boasted an independent rear suspension and optional Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system, with its electronic limited-slip differential, improved cornering and traction. However, the Yukon Denali's towing capacity of 3,629 kilograms was less than its predecessor and some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable performance, suitable for family use. It offered comparable horsepower and torque to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Highlander's suspension prioritized comfort, with the XSE trim adding sportier suspension tuning for those seeking a bit more excitement. However, the Highlander wasn't designed for high-performance driving, focusing instead on reliability and comfort.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from an independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console for added convenience. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo capacity. The third-row seat offered improved thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,480 litres with all seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior comfort and practicality. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs for added comfort. The third-row seats were suitable for adults, albeit with some compromise in legroom. Cargo space was adequate, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,245 litres with all seats folded. However, the Highlander's cargo capacity was smaller compared to the Yukon.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali offered a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Package added wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system featured dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays, though it required some setup for streaming content. The Yukon also included a 15-inch colour head-up display and multiple camera views for improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch unit available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade, provided good sound quality. However, the navigation system struggled with points of interest, making smartphone integration a valuable feature.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The Yukon's safety features operated smoothly, providing a reassuring driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight offered a sense of security.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.