2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 GMC Yukon

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a striking presence on the road, especially for those with a penchant for chrome. Even the base SLE model exuded a premium aura, thanks to its shiny accents. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome elements became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The oversized, multi-dimensional grille, reminiscent of an industrial cheese grater, was 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, adding to its allure. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim had its own unique styling, featuring a dark grille, skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks, offering a distinct look.

Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle featuring the Teak/Light Shale colour combo, which added a premium touch with its contrasting colours, unique stitching, and natural wood details. The AT4 trim featured a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details, providing a custom look. All three rows were comfortable, even for taller passengers, and the Denali's interior was particularly luxurious with heated and cooled front seats.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with buyers needing to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style. The Wrangler's design was highly customizable, with options for different engines, transmissions, and four-wheel-drive systems. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle was the High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The Wrangler's Hydro Blue paint sparkled brilliantly in direct sunlight, and the Sunrider Fliptop offered a unique open-air experience.

Inside, the Wrangler's interior was basic but functional, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once aboard. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels and a small tray on the dashboard. The Wrangler's cargo space was practical, with 898 litres available behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 engine producing 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 engine with 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 Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8, had a tow rating of 3,629 kilograms. The Yukon's independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, although some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and touchy brakes. However, it offered an immersive and adventurous experience, especially with the top and doors removed.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample passenger space across its three rows, with the recent redesign increasing third-row legroom to 886 mm. 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 fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easy access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding centre console with additional storage space. Power-retractable, illuminated assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package, aiding entry and exit.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was basic but functional, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once aboard. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels and a small tray on the dashboard. The Wrangler's cargo space was practical, with 898 litres available behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, a 15-inch multi-colour 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 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades such as satellite radio and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Denali trim added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small overlap crash protection.