2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's positioning as a "premium grade" brand, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic that set it apart from its softer Buick sibling. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, was a full-size SUV built on a truck-based platform. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, providing an upscale cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its intricate grillework and chrome accents, offered a more sophisticated appearance compared to the Chevrolet Tahoe High Country, despite the higher price tag.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, presenting a traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. Inside, it offered high-end features like 24-way power front seats with massage functions and Nappa leather upholstery. The Grand Wagoneer's interior was further enhanced with aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, providing a luxurious feel. Despite its impressive features, the Grand Wagoneer felt ungainly at higher speeds, with a bouncy ride and imprecise steering.

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 distinctive V8 burble, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient. The Yukon Denali's Active Response 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, aimed to improve cornering performance and traction. Despite its size, the Yukon Denali was capable of hustling when necessary, though it was not particularly fun to drive. The Yukon Denali's towing capacity was 3,629 kilograms, slightly less than its predecessor and competitors like the Ford Expedition Platinum.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer featured a standard Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, along with a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. This setup provided impressive off-road capabilities, with a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres and the ability to ford up to 60 centimetres of water. However, the Grand Wagoneer's size limited its off-road prowess, and its ride was too bouncy at higher speeds.

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 heated steering wheel. The second-row seats could slide and collapse to fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres of space available with all seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven or eight, with more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, space up front was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. Its towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. The Grand Wagoneer featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was somewhat limited.

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

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates. Second-row passengers had their own 10.25-inch touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added a pair of 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer also offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, allowing for screen sharing and navigation control.

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 Yukon Denali's ADAS operated smoothly, providing a subtle yet effective driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured standard safety equipment such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, though a hands-free version was planned for future release. Crash-test ratings were not available for the Grand Wagoneer at the time of review.