GMC Yukon vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a testament to the brand's affinity for chrome, offering a premium look even at the base SLE model. 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 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 contrasted beautifully with the dark Redwood Metallic paint, while the AT4 trim offered a unique off-road-oriented look with a dark grille and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim offered exclusive interior designs, with the Teak/Light Shale colour combo providing a premium feel through contrasting colours, unique stitching, and natural wood details.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, on the other hand, was a showcase of Cadillac's commitment to hot exterior styling. Its long hood and low ground clearance gave it the appearance of a long sedan, reminiscent of the Seville's better years. The Lyriq featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille, with its lighting effects, varied across trims, with the Sport trim offering a muted dark triangular motif. The Lyriq's design was further accentuated by wraparound taillights and a steeply raked glass window. Inside, Cadillac paid meticulous attention to detail, with leather-wrapped seats, polished window switches, and a sleek three-spoke steering wheel. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, though the floating centre console offered limited functionality. Despite some design missteps, the Lyriq's interior was a testament to Cadillac's luxury aspirations.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 hp, both featuring fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, known as the "Baby Duramax," delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel efficiency. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard on SLE and SLT trims, and 4WD on AT4 and Denali. The Yukon's towing capacity reached 3,810 kilograms with the right configuration. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted on rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension enhanced the ride, especially on highways and off-road.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, while not as sporty as its exterior suggested, excelled on highways with its calm and poised ride. The dual-motor powertrain delivered 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offering a range of up to 505 kilometres. However, real-world range was closer to 420 kilometres. Charging was efficient, though peak fast-charging rates were not always achieved. The Lyriq's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. Braking was strong, with regenerative braking options available. The AWD Lyriq had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms, but the overall chassis performance left room for improvement.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space across its three rows, with significant improvements in third-row legroom and cargo capacity. The redesign added over 12 centimetres to the wheelbase and 15 cm to the length, enhancing interior space without sacrificing cargo volume. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options eased access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding centre console with hidden storage, while power-retractable assist steps facilitated entry and exit. The pushbutton transmission controls required some acclimation but offered a modern touch.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its midsize dimensions, offered generous headroom and legroom, though cargo space was limited compared to compact SUVs. The interior featured a 33-inch OLED screen with intuitive controls, but functionality issues arose with the glovebox and floating console. The rotary selector for the touchscreen was less user-friendly than direct touch, and drive mode selection was cumbersome. While the Lyriq's interior had luxurious elements, some components felt poorly integrated, detracting from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, a 15-inch head-up display, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system were standard, though the audio quality was underwhelming. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with sections for lighting, trip odometer, and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Super Cruise system offered hands-free driving, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo provided variable surround sound modes, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 GMC Yukon included GMC's Pro Safety suite with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Pro Safety Plus added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety, though the NHTSA rated it four out of five stars overall. The IIHS had not tested the Yukon as of the writing.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The IIHS rated its headlights poorly and its front pedestrian collision avoidance system as acceptable. The NHTSA had not crash-tested the Lyriq.