GMC Yukon vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

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 became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The oversized, multi-dimensional grille resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater, yet it worked to give the vehicle a unique look and 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. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with 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 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim came standard with 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille framed by LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile featured body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities on the Luxury Hybrid. The rear view was equally handsome, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name and stacks of LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its organic and natural shapes, offering a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers. The interior featured H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and three-stage heating elements. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added beautiful Nappa leather upholstery, enhancing the overall luxurious feel.

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 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, known as the "Baby Duramax," was available on all trims except the AT4, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 3,810 kilograms, achievable with the 5.3-litre engine and Max Trailering Package. The independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, although some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system optimized power distribution, resulting in impressive performance and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was notably quiet, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass keeping road and tire noise at bay. The steering was sharp, with virtually no play off-centre, while the pedals felt a bit squishy. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid offered a delightful driving experience, with a peaceful cabin and responsive handling.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample passenger space, 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 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. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced the traditional gear shifter, offering a modern touch.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others like the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but the cabin remained comfortable with dual-zone climate control and seven USB-C power outlets. The Palisade Hybrid came standard with a second-row bench seat, with captain's chairs available on higher trims. The interior featured numerous storage cubbies, including a rubberized cargo space in the centre console and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre and a 15-inch multi-colour head-up display, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. 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 LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. A 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims, and the Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a built-in dashcam. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off.

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 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 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors included a safe-exit alert indicator. The Palisade Hybrid's ADAS tech performed flawlessly during testing, with no false alarms. The 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.