2022 GMC Yukon vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a chrome lover's dream, with even the base SLE model featuring enough shiny elements to give it a premium appearance. As one moved up the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome accents 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, gave the Denali a unique and commanding presence. The Yukon 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 striking look. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the available second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, with the Teak/Light Shale colour combo providing a premium look with contrasting colours, unique stitching, and natural wood details.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing. Despite this, the Navigator maintained its elegance and presence. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display offered ample display acreage, keeping the Navigator competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level being the sole option in Canada. The U.S.-spec Navigator Black Label, evaluated in its new Central Park theme, showcased a unique Manhattan Green exterior and matching green interior, with second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 engine 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 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, available on all trims except the AT4, delivered 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 Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8, had a tow rating of 3,629 kilograms. The Yukon featured independent rear suspension, providing better handling and a smoother ride, especially for third-row passengers. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced ride quality and off-road capability.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Navigator came standard with four-wheel drive. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms with the maximum tow package. The SUV featured an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, which identified road imperfections and adjusted damping forces accordingly. The Navigator's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered ample first- and second-row passenger space, with a redesigned third row providing 886 mm of legroom. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 722 litres. The Yukon's wheelbase stretch and independent rear suspension contributed to the additional space. 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 hidden storage and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps. The pushbutton transmission controls, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen, required some acclimation but became second nature with use.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured exceptionally comfortable heated, ventilated, and available massaging and 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs offered massaging, heating, and ventilation, with the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system providing access to streaming services. The third-row seat remained roomy and comfortable, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres of cargo capacity behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard 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, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with 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 LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well during testing. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, fortified with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services. The test vehicle featured an optional 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering a sensational audio experience.

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 lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving but emphasized the importance of driver responsibility.