2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that embodied a rugged yet refined aesthetic, positioning itself as a premium-grade vehicle within the General Motors lineup. It was available in various trims, including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, with the Denali trim offering an upscale experience. The Yukon Denali featured a distinctive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching, creating an exclusive and sophisticated cabin environment. The exterior boasted a bold presence with its large grille, chrome accents, and 22-inch wheels, making it stand out as a more upscale option compared to its Chevrolet counterpart.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, on the other hand, offered a unique appearance with styling elements inherited from other Genesis models. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback-like silhouette. The Sport Prestige model added character with its model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70 had an elliptical-themed interior inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalistic design and a rotary gear selector. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, including Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts, providing a high-end feel.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivered robust acceleration and a classic V8 burble, though it was not fuel-efficient, averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop. The Yukon boasted an independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. It also featured an Active Response 4WD system with various driving modes and an electronic limited-slip differential, improving cornering and traction. The Yukon Denali could tow up to 8,400 pounds with 2WD, though it was less than its predecessor and competitors like the Ford Expedition.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with two engine options: a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four and a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode sharpened throttle response and held high revs, but the chassis lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 felt more comfortable on highways, though the ride was firm with 21-inch wheels. Despite its sporty intentions, the GV70 was not the gold standard for luxurious driving.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats offered leather upholstery and heating/ventilation, though they lacked a massage function. The second-row seats slid and folded flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room, while the third-row seat provided improved thigh support and adult-friendly space. The Yukon Denali offered substantial cargo volume, with up to 122.9 cubic feet of space, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating/ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It offered upgrades like wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system included dual 12.6-inch displays, though it required some trial and error to stream content. The Yukon also had a 15-inch head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles, enhancing maneuverability.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect, and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services offered remote camera activation and other features, free for three years.

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 added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, providing a subtle and sophisticated driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight offered a sense of security.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. It also had eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The system provided smooth control inputs, though lane-centering struggled with sharp curves. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.