GMC Yukon vs Lexus TX

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a chrome enthusiast's dream, with even the base SLE model featuring enough shiny elements to give it a premium appearance. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the deliberate use of chrome became even more apparent, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of it. The oversized chrome 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. 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 our test vehicle featuring the Teak/Light Shale colour combo, adding layers and textures for a premium look.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available with various packages depending on the powertrain, offered a modern design with a large grille retaining some of the older "spindle grille" shape. The sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting, spanning the vehicle's width, added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the TX provided three interior colour options and ambient lighting, though the material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to detail in the cabin. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row that included a recline function and ample headroom, making it comfortable for adults. The vehicle also offered excellent cargo space, with up to 2,747 litres available when all rear seats were folded.

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 four-cylinder engine, affectionately 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 boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,810 kilograms with the 5.3-litre engine and Max Trailering Package. The independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, though some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 horsepower. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive, and the TX 500h came with Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. The 500h model included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with a redesign increasing third-row legroom to 886 mm. Cargo space behind the third row expanded 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 were part of the Denali Ultimate Package. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced traditional gear shifters, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and headroom for adults. A one-touch button on the second-row seat allowed easy entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat required flipping several levers. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with up to 2,747 litres available when all rear seats were folded. The vehicle could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured 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 infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. The Denali trim came with a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens. The system was compatible with various media formats, though a lightning to HDMI adapter was needed for phone or tablet connectivity.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch colour touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues were noted. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird's-eye view and an available Advanced Park system. The vehicle included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt/1,500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety. 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 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering if the vehicle got too close to another car, pedestrian, or cyclist. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was slow to resume speed in stop-and-go traffic. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" score from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side.