2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Despite its age, the GX's styling was coherent, with a massive grille that contributed to its tough, aggressive look, appealing to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior feel was somewhat outdated.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced chrome to create a premium look, especially evident in the Denali trim with its vast chrome grille and 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels. The Yukon offered a commanding presence, with unique styling for the off-road-oriented AT4 trim. Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, adding layers and textures for a premium feel, while the AT4 trim had a custom look with unique accents.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and included features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.

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 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 3,810 kilograms when properly equipped. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, while the optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced comfort. The Yukon delivered a smooth and quiet ride, with the ability to raise the vehicle for off-roading.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console storage and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous shortcomings with increased third-row legroom and cargo space. The redesign included a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension, resulting in a more spacious interior. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options eased access to the third row. The Yukon offered innovative features like a power-sliding centre console and power-retractable assist steps. The pushbutton transmission controls were a modern touch, though they required some adjustment for new users.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, analog controls were available for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, but the overall tech experience was basic for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre and a 15-inch head-up display, providing essential information in a convenient location. The 10.2-inch touchscreen featured Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, offering various media compatibility. The Yukon's tech offerings were comprehensive, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, featuring a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX did not have crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, 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 high scores for side crash protection. IIHS had not tested the current-generation Yukon.