2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique features, including a distinct turn signal stalk. Its elegance and understated styling were impressive, especially for a vehicle of its size, riding on 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the luxurious feel, making the Navigator a formidable competitor in the luxury SUV market.

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, giving it a commanding presence. The Yukon offered a variety of trims, each with its unique styling, such as the off-road-oriented AT4 with its dark grille and skid plate. Inside, the Yukon provided a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim offered exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle featuring the Teak/Light Shale colour combo, adding a premium touch. The Yukon also boasted practical features like power-folding second-row seats and a power-sliding centre console, enhancing its functionality and appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor. With 3.5 litres of displacement, it delivered an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, providing a sprightly performance for a vehicle of its size. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, the Navigator offered a responsive driving experience. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds). However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging in the double digits, aligning with the estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in handling, the Navigator excelled in refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, known as the "Baby Duramax," was also available, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Yukon featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard on SLE and SLT trims, and four-wheel drive on AT4 and Denali. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 3,810 kilograms (8,400 pounds) with the right configuration. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, although some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension enhanced the ride, especially on highways, and provided additional ground clearance for off-roading.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, accommodating six adults comfortably. It was technically a seven-passenger SUV, but the third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 behind the second, and 2,925 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for accessing the cargo area. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous shortcomings in third-row space, increasing legroom by over 25 centimetres to 886 mm. Cargo space behind the third row also improved, offering 722 litres of capacity. The Yukon's redesign included a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension, contributing to the increased space. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. Our test vehicle featured power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats. The Denali trim included a power-sliding centre console with hidden storage, adding to its practicality. Power-retractable, illuminated assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package, enhancing accessibility. The pushbutton transmission controls, located near the infotainment touchscreen, required some adjustment but became intuitive with use.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to newer offerings. While it lacked some advanced features like full-screen navigation maps and high-resolution cameras, the system was intuitive and easy to use. It included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless device charging, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. Drive mode animations added a touch of flair to the instrument panel, and the overall simplicity of the technology was appreciated.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-colour head-up display, the largest in its class, offering a wealth of information, including safety aids and off-road data. The Yukon's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Bose 14-speaker audio system, while adequate, didn't quite meet expectations. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats. The system required an adapter for phone or tablet connectivity, which was not included.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Pro Safety Plus package added features like lane-change alert 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. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Yukon.