2022 Lexus GX 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 General Motors siblings. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, was a full-size SUV built on a truck platform, emphasizing its robust nature. The Denali trim, in particular, showcased an upscale design with exclusive dashboard features, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, making it a standout choice for those seeking luxury without the Cadillac badge. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a sense of grandeur, further enhanced by its intricate grillework and chrome accents.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a more traditional design, reminiscent of its first-generation predecessor. Despite its dated exterior, the GX's interior was crafted with the legendary Lexus refinement, offering a quiet and comfortable cabin. The GX 460, available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, featured a high-quality interior with smooth finishes and a standard V8 engine that provided a satisfying engine note. The Black Line Special Edition added a touch of modernity with NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim, but the overall design remained rooted in its past, appealing to those who valued classic luxury over contemporary flair.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered a range of engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration and a distinctive V8 burble. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with an average consumption of 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The Yukon also boasted an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, improved cornering performance and traction, making the Yukon capable on various terrains. Despite its size, the Yukon could hustle when needed, though its towing capacity of 3,629 kilograms was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its 4.6-litre V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. While not as potent as the Yukon, the GX's engine provided a satisfying note and ample torque for a leisurely 7.8-second run to 60 mph. The GX's full-time 4WD system, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, ensured power distribution to all wheels, enhancing stability. The GX's fuel consumption was estimated at 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly better than expected during testing. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved wheel articulation off-road and reduced body motions, making the GX stable and secure. However, the GX's steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, affecting smooth driving in traffic. Despite its age, the GX remained capable off-road, especially with the Premium Package's Multi-Terrain Select and Panoramic View monitoring cameras.

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 collapse for better comfort and cargo room, while the third-row seat offered actual 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, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The interior featured comfortable seats and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim, with heated and ventilated front seats and triple-zone climate control. However, rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the third row and 1,833 litres with all seats folded, less than a Toyota RAV4. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, especially in tight spaces.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included wireless charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch displays. However, the Bose system was underwhelming, and the rear-seat entertainment system required an HDMI connection for streaming. The Yukon also offered a 15-inch head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view cameras, enhancing maneuverability.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras, but lacked other advanced technologies found in competitors.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The SLT trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, enhancing the driving experience without being intrusive. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight provided a sense of security.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, offered the Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features contributed to a more traditional driving experience, free from intrusive aids.