2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's minivan-like design and the exterior's lack of flair did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced chrome to stand out among large SUVs. The Denali trim, in particular, featured a chrome-dominated front with a distinctive grille, giving it a commanding presence. The Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted interior, with seating for up to nine in the SLE trim. The Denali trim boasted unique interior designs and premium materials, enhancing its luxury appeal. The AT4 trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with its rugged styling and features.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD system provided smooth and refined power delivery. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride with its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and its handling was unexpectedly athletic. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Yukon featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD on the AT4 and Denali trims. Its independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted on rough surfaces. The Yukon excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 3,810 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, with seating for up to eight. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped front seats with heating and ventilation. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, providing easy access to the third row. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with up to 3,092 litres available with the seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 GMC Yukon improved third-row space significantly, offering 886 mm of legroom. Cargo capacity behind the third row increased to 722 litres. The Yukon featured power-folding second-row seats and a power-sliding centre console for added convenience. The Denali trim included power-retractable assist steps and pushbutton transmission controls, adding to its modern appeal.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options. However, the system's small screen and limited HondaLink services were drawbacks.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch driver information centre and a 15-inch head-up display on the Denali trim. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package added a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, offering extensive entertainment options.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS, though some areas were rated as "acceptable."

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with strong side crash protection but lower rollover resistance scores.