2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling. The new model year introduced a redesigned grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim debuted a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's modern appeal by reducing brightwork. The interior received upgrades, including perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-colour floor mats, contributing to a more upscale look and feel.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced a bold, chrome-heavy design, particularly evident in the Denali trim. The front of the Denali was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional chrome grille, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights, giving the vehicle a commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim featured unique front styling with a dark grille, skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks, offering a distinct look. Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, with options for second-row captain's chairs, and a variety of interior designs exclusive to the Denali trim.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, and paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an average of 10.8 L/100 km observed during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon featured rear-wheel drive as standard on SLE and SLT trims, with four-wheel drive standard on AT4 and Denali. The off-road-focused AT4 boasted a nearly 32-degree approach angle and a front skid plate. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 3,810 kilograms, with the Denali trim offering a 3,629-kilogram tow rating. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and handling, although some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage space. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, with heated front seats and outboard mirrors standard in Canada. The EX-L Navi trim added a heated steering wheel, while the Touring grade included ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 GMC Yukon excelled in passenger space, particularly in the third row, which saw a significant increase in legroom. The second-row seats folded flat, with power fold-and-tumble bucket seats available for easy access to the third row. The power fold-flat third-row seats added convenience, and the power-sliding centre console provided additional storage space. The Denali trim featured power-retractable, illuminated assist steps, and pushbutton transmission controls. The Yukon's cargo space behind the third row increased to 722 litres, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and more. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation, while the Touring grade included a CabinWatch interior camera and CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, and streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 GMC Yukon boasted a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, a 15-inch head-up display, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In. The Denali trim featured a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Denali Ultimate Package added power-retractable assist steps and a power-sliding centre console.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA, with five stars in most categories and four stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick recommendation.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety further. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance.