2022 Toyota Venza 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 SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, was a full-size SUV built on a truck platform, emphasizing its robust nature. 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 Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a premium feel, making it more appealing than its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a modern design and a focus on efficiency. Built on the TGNA-K platform, the Venza shared its underpinnings with several Toyota and Lexus models, ensuring a proven and reliable foundation. Its exterior design was sleek and Lexus-like, with a distinctive scalloped body side and LED lighting. Inside, the Venza offered an elegant and spacious cabin, with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The Venza's interior was designed for comfort, with supportive front seats and ample space for rear passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble at idle. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The Yukon also featured 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.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup provided a balance of electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with the ability to operate in electric-only mode for short distances. The Venza's handling was agile, and its ride was comfortable, making it suitable for family use. The hybrid system's regenerative braking helped recharge the battery, contributing to its impressive fuel economy.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim offered 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 improved comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat provided actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was generous, with up to 3,480 litres of space available with the seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered seating for five, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row featured a 60/40-split folding bench seat, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Venza's cabin was equipped with numerous convenience features, including an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and multiple cupholders and bottle holders. The lithium-ion battery pack was positioned beneath the second-row seats, minimizing its impact on cargo capacity. The Venza offered up to 1,560 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali came equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Ultimate Package added features like wireless device charging, a navigation system, 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 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, making it convenient for drivers without access to home charging stations. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen, with options for a 12.3-inch display on higher trims. It supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system on the XLE and Limited trims. The Venza also featured Toyota Connected Services, with various safety and remote features, and a 10-inch head-up display on the Limited trim.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with 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. The Yukon's safety systems operated smoothly, providing a reassuring driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.