GMC Yukon vs Kia Telluride

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 you moved up to the Denali trim, the chrome became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of it. The oversized chrome grille, reminiscent of an industrial cheese grater, gave the Denali a unique and commanding presence. The Yukon also offered a tastefully crafted, spacious 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 our test vehicle featuring the elegant Teak/Light Shale colour combination.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride's interior updates were subtle, with a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The X-Line featured a unique grille design, raised roof rails, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride offered new interior colours and minor trim changes, with the X-Line and X-Pro trims featuring embossed trim names on the front seatbacks. The Telluride's interior was spacious and comfortable, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats.

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's maximum towing capacity was 3,810 kilograms, with the 5.3-litre engine and Max Trailering Package. The Yukon featured independent rear suspension, providing better handling and a smoother ride, especially for third-row passengers.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models had a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms with an improved cooling system. The Telluride delivered a smooth and quiet ride, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres and the X-Pro returning 11.5 L/100 km.

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.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third row was more comfortable than many competitors, with easy access and decent leg support. The Telluride offered a "smart" power tailgate and generous cargo space, with 601 litres behind the third row and up to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, a 15-inch head-up display, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In. The Denali trim included a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. The Yukon offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were also available. The Telluride offered an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. 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 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and more. The IIHS rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+. The Telluride's Advanced Highway Drive Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways.