2022 GMC Yukon vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a striking presence on the road, especially for those with a penchant for chrome. Even the base SLE model featured enough shiny elements to give it a premium appearance. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of it. The oversized, multi-dimensional grille, reminiscent of an industrial cheese grater, gave the Denali a unique and commanding presence. The Yukon also offered a variety of interior designs, with the Denali trim boasting four exclusive options. The cabin was spacious and tastefully crafted, with standard seating for eight and the option for second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven but enhancing third-row access. The Denali's interior, with its Teak/Light Shale colour combo, added layers of texture and a premium look.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold first impression with its unapologetic size and distinct styling elements. Its front end, with a tall hood and vertical running lights, resembled a diesel locomotive, emphasizing the vehicle's bulk. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim, while the Sport trim had darkened elements. Inside, the Escalade's cabin was spacious, offering the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. However, the interior design lacked a cohesive theme, and some materials appeared cheap. Despite these minor issues, Cadillac got some details right, such as dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation and large sun visors.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, known as the "Baby Duramax," was also available, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon had a maximum towing capacity of 3,810 kilograms with the 5.3-litre engine and the Max Trailering Package. The independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, although some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD standard in Canada. The Escalade's maximum towing capacity was 3,629 kilograms with the gasoline engine and the optional trailering package. Despite its independent rear suspension, the Escalade's ride felt unsettled, with noticeable vibrations over pavement imperfections. The Escalade lacked the off-road capability of its GM cousins, making it less suitable for rugged terrains.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with a redesigned third row offering 886 mm of legroom. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 722 litres, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options were available for both the second and third rows. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding centre console with additional storage space. The Yukon also had power-retractable assist steps, making entry and exit easier, although they could be challenging to keep clean in wet conditions.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a cavernous cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with standard second-row captain's chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console offered limited storage space, and the front seats felt similar to those in GM's other SUVs. Cadillac did include useful features like dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. A 15-inch multi-colour head-up display was standard on the Denali trim, offering driving speed, safety aids, and off-road inclinometer information. 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, compatible with various media formats.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror offered a clear view without blind spots. Additional tech features included night vision, augmented-reality navigation, and a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system.

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

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assistance features like cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. The Escalade's safety ratings were not published by the IIHS or NHTSA.