2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "professional grade" ethos, offering a blend of ruggedness and refinement that positioned it between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the General Motors lineup. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the off-road-oriented AT4 and the upscale Denali, was a full-size SUV built on a truck platform. 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's exterior, with its intricate grillework and chrome accents, offered a more premium appearance compared to its Chevrolet counterparts, appealing to buyers who valued substance over brand prestige.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe and Silverado 1500. The Suburban's tall hood and large wheels contributed to its imposing presence, while its six available trims allowed for a degree of customization. The RST trim, with its Cherry Red Tintcoat and black-painted wheels, offered a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with a range of material quality, from the economically comfortable LS to the plush High Country. The RST's interior, though well-equipped, felt a bit dark due to its predominantly black colour scheme, despite the presence of chrome and red stitching accents.

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 was not particularly fuel-efficient. The Yukon Denali's 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced its cornering performance and traction. Despite its size, the Yukon Denali was capable and responsive, though not particularly fun to drive. It could tow up to 3,629 kilograms, slightly less than its predecessor and competitors like the Ford Expedition.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban also offered three engine choices, including a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six. The 6.2-litre V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, provided 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, making it a powerful option for the Suburban. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and handling, while the Magnetic Ride Control further enhanced its performance. During a tow test, the Suburban's 6.2-litre V8 demonstrated its capability, easily handling the additional weight. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms, slightly higher than the Yukon.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, which significantly improved 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 could slide and fold flat, while the third-row seat offered improved comfort and accessibility. The Yukon Denali provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,480 litres with all seats folded, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row offered ample headroom and legroom, making it comfortable for adults. The Suburban's cargo area was one of the largest in its class, with 1,175 litres of space behind the third row and 4,097 litres with all seats folded. The power-sliding centre console and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and its height could be an issue for some garages.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially 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, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment for passengers, though it required some setup for streaming content. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views for improved maneuverability.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured an array of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Infotainment 3 System, with an 8-inch or 10.2-inch touchscreen, offered wireless smartphone connectivity and a WiFi hotspot. The Suburban's audio options ranged from a basic six-speaker system to a premium Bose CenterPoint system. The Suburban also boasted 13 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhancing its tech appeal.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Yukon's substantial weight provided a sense of security.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance as standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks for side crash protection but lower scores for rollover resistance.