2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's dual identity as both "professional grade" and "premium grade," positioning itself between Chevrolet and Cadillac within the General Motors lineup. This full-size SUV, redesigned for 2021, was available in various trims, including the rugged AT4 and the upscale Denali. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching, offering a sophisticated and upscale cabin experience. The Yukon Denali's exterior, with its intricate grillework and chrome accents, provided a more refined look compared to its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart, appealing to buyers seeking substance over a fancy badge.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, embraced Jeep's design traditions while offering a fresh take on the classic SUV. Available in multiple trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee catered to a wide range of preferences. Its design paid homage to the original 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable and quality interior, with higher trims featuring premium leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The Grand Cherokee's styling and features made it a versatile choice for those seeking both off-road capability and on-road comfort.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient. The Yukon Denali's fuel consumption averaged 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres with 4WD, slightly higher than the previous generation. The Yukon also featured an independent rear suspension and optional Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. However, the 22-inch wheels could make the ride less smooth. The Active Response 4WD system, with its electronic limited-slip differential, improved cornering and traction, making the Yukon capable on various terrains.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 engine, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine provided good acceleration and efficiency, while the V8 offered a thrilling sound and increased towing capacity. The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Drive II system offering serious off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim, equipped with Quadra-Drive II, excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its air suspension and all-terrain tires. On-road, the Grand Cherokee felt nimble and athletic, with excellent ride quality, though the Quadra-Lift air suspension could dull the driving experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new 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. However, the front seats could feel hard during long drives, and the upper door panel edges were not comfortable for elbows. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered improved thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. The Yukon Denali provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,480 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable interior, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. Higher trims added ventilated seats, massagers, and more. Visibility was improved, aiding off-road and on-road driving. Rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior was well-designed, offering a sense of quality and substance.

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

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration. The front passenger interactive display allowed the passenger to assist the driver and enjoy their own entertainment options.

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

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of ADAS, with a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. Standard features included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. The Grand Cherokee also introduced Active Driving Assist, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of this system was expected to arrive in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's safety features aimed to improve its crash protection, though crash-test ratings were not yet available.