2022 GMC Yukon

There's a good reason why people flock to the GMC Yukon instead of its Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade corporate cousins. The Yukon has long been the ideal full-size SUV from GM. For some, the Tahoe is too plain vanilla while the Escalade is too much bling. The Yukon offers them the ideal blend of luxury and premium stature without going overboard. Like those two SUVs, a Yukon extended-length version, called the Yukon XL, is available, essentially a more expensive Chevy Suburban and cheaper Escalade ESV.

Our week-long tester was a fully loaded 2022 Yukon 4WD AT4 standard length, equipped with the optional 420-horsepower 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine. This motor offers the highest outputs of the three power plant options, with the other engines being a 277-hp turbo-diesel or a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, although AT4 models don't have access to the torquey diesel.

This big rig took some getting used to at first but after only a few days we came to depend on it for one key task: snowboarding. Basically, the roads to Breckenridge, Colorado were slick following sub-zero temperatures the night before departure. Black ice was everywhere. A full-size, highly capable off-road SUV such as this won't guarantee nothing bad will happen, but you're definitely in a better position to arrive at your destination safely compared to many other cars. The 2022 Yukon is a solid full-size SUV in every sense, and the AT4 off-road package makes it even better.

The latest GMC Yukon is a significant improvement over its predecessor in terms of its appearance. It's got more presence than before, especially thanks to the enlarged grille and distinctive headlights. All models come with standard LED technology for the headlamps, fog lamps, daytime running lamps, and taillamps. The base model makes do with 18-inch alloys, whereas the rest of the lineup has larger 20-inch items. On the rugged AT4, you'll find red recovery hooks and a performance front skid plate. A panoramic power sunroof is standard on the Denali and available on most other trims, such as our AT4 sampler. The Denali also boasts Satin chrome bodyside moldings and a unique grille.

The Yukon AT4, in particular, offers very attractive exterior styling. Our Satin Steel Metallic (a $495 option) tester came with the $8,650 AT4 Premium Plus Package that adds power-retractable assist steps with cool LED perimeter lighting, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and an adaptive air suspension. This package has, however, recently been discounted. The 20-inch aluminum wheels with Carbon Grey Metallic accents came wrapped in all-terrain tires, though we would have preferred a set of winter rubber for this time of year. All in all, this is a very attractive-looking SUV that easily fits in at a world-class ski resort.

There's nothing dainty about the latest Yukon. The 120.9-inch wheelbase is concealed in a body with a length of 210 inches, so it's easily longer than its predecessor. The width is 81 inches without the mirrors and the height is 76.5 inches. The best approach/breakover/departure angles in the lineup are 34.5/22/22.5 degrees, respectively, belonging to the AT4 with Air Ride. As for ground clearance, this varies between eight and ten inches.

The lightest model is the one equipped with rear-wheel drive and the 5.3-liter V8 at 5,490 pounds. With the diesel engine and four-wheel drive, that number increases to 5,922 lbs.

The base Yukon SLE is available in a choice of seven exterior colors. Summit White is free of charge, but all the other colors are premium and carry an additional cost. Onyx Black costs $495, as do these metallics: Pearl Beige, Midnight Blue, Satin Steel, and the newly added Redwood. The most expensive color is Cayenne Red Tintcoat at $645. The SLT shares all the same colors but also adds White Frost Tricoat at $1,095, whereas the AT4 drops Pearl Beige. Finally, the Denali has all the SLT's colors but adds model-specific Hunter metallic at $495.

Three capable powertrains are provided to get this large SUV moving. The most powerful of these is the 6.2-liter V8 which generates 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Available with rear- or four-wheel drive, this V8 can propel the Yukon from 0-60 mph in a decent six seconds, based on independent testing. It can only be equipped to the AT4 or Denali. The 5.3-liter V8 makes 355 hp and obviously takes a bit more time to get up to speed, occasionally feeling a bit lazy- it's available to the three lower trims. Finally, the 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel matches the bigger V8's peak torque but is down on power at 277 hp. It's far more economical than the V8s, though it can't be had on the AT4 trim.

The highest towing capacity goes to the 5.3-liter V8 model with RWD, which can haul up to 8,400 lbs when properly equipped. Our Yukon AT4 came with the optional 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 that adds a dual exhaust system. The V8 is ideal for keeping this big rig moving fast, especially when you want to accelerate. It's not at all sluggish and torque kicks in right when it should. Helping this is the smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission that automatically directs power to the rear wheels. Engaging 4WD is done with the simple push of a button.

Rather than go the route of downsizing and forced induction, GMC has stuck with natural aspiration and pure displacement for the pair of V8s. These engines are familiar and also found in the Chevrolet Tahoe. The smaller 5.3-liter V8 produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, but you'll need to go all the way to 4,100 rpm to realize that peak torque figure. The 6.2-liter V8 makes a stronger 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, giving it a clear edge off the mark and when overtaking at higher speeds. The 3.0-liter turbocharged Duramax inline-six makes just 277 hp, but this engine is all about its 460 lb-ft delivered at only 1,500 rpm.

Regardless of the engine choice, every Yukon is equipped with a smooth and decisive 10-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox does a much better job of making the most of the smaller V8's lower outputs, as opposed to the six-speeder used for the previous-generation Yukon. Unfortunately, the AT4 cannot be equipped with the oil burner, the engine that would probably serve this trim best thanks to the torque kicking in early in the rev range.

If you're not accustomed to driving a full-size SUV then the Yukon will take some getting used to at first. It's big, but big has its benefits. GM knows trucks and SUVs very well and it's done an excellent job at making them solid daily drivers. Our AT4 came with the Magnetic Ride Control which utilizes sensors to constantly read the road and alter the shocks' damping rate accordingly, providing for a solid feel and overall control. That's vital for an SUV that tips the scales at over 5,800 pounds.

There were a number of highway curves heading to the mountains and back towards the city, and the Yukon AT4 handled them with ease. The presence of black ice was a concern so we didn't dare drive fast. In normal conditions, the SUV offered quick acceleration and engine noise was kept to a minimum. Parking is another matter. Due to its size, the backup camera and the impressive 360-degree camera proved vital. The turning radius wasn't terrible, but fitting into most parking spots requires some skill at first. The Yukon's size never lets you forget you're driving a full-size SUV, but thanks to a refined chassis, an adaptive suspension, and a powerful engine, you feel nothing but confidence behind the wheel.

Two old-school V8s and a curb weight approaching 6,000 lbs is not a recipe for great gas mileage. The best you'll get out of the 5.3-liter V8 model is 15/20/17 mpg city/highway/combined in RWD guise. Surprisingly, 4WD models with the same engine return exactly the same figures. The EPA lists 14/19/16 mpg for another 5.3-liter V8 derivative with 4WD, and we presume this applies to the more rugged AT4. The smaller V8 engine is compatible with regular gasoline.

The 6.2-liter V8 manages 14/20/16 mpg with 2WD or 14/19/16 mpg with 4WD. Premium gas is required for this model. If efficiency is more important to you, look no further than the turbodiesel model. It'll return 21/27/23 mpg with 2WD or 20/26/22 mpg with 4WD.

All Yukons have a 24-gallon gas tank. Whereas the 6.2-liter V8 will be restricted to a range of around 384 miles, the turbodiesel can cover approximately 552 miles before needing to visit the pumps again.

GMC has worked hard to lift the new Yukon above not only its predecessor but its rivals, and this is clear when you climb into the cabin. It is exceptionally spacious, and even adults in the third row will be comfortable. Materials are mostly good, but it's here that we should point out that the luxurious Denali has been distanced from the rest of the lineup even more with a unique cabin design and especially premium materials. Impressively, all 2022 models now come with a digital gauge cluster. Even the entry-level Yukon comes with power-adjustable front seats and tri-zone automatic climate control, while the fully loaded Denali has a power-adjustable steering column, a 15-inch color head-up display, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. Jet Black leather seats provide a nice contrast to the Satin Steel exterior.

As part of our AT4's pricey Premium Plus Package, rear-seat passengers benefited from a media system consisting of dual rear-mounted 12.6-inch color LCD touchscreens bolted to the driver and front passenger seats. This is something that'll very much come in handy for road trips, entertaining kids and adults alike.

Overall, the GMC's cabin is spacious but not every row is equal. Our passengers appreciated the second-row heated bucket seats which, for another $370, get a power-release function that allow them to fold at the push of a button.

The third row is not tiny but not nearly as spacious or comfortable as the middle seats. Headroom and legroom are also plentiful. Front passengers have 42.3 and 44.5 inches of head and leg space while second-row occupants have 38.9 and 42 inches, respectively. If you require the third row, your friends will enjoy 38.2 and 34.9 inches of the same space. Not bad.

What we didn't like as a driver is the push-button shifter located on the dash between the steering wheel and infotainment screen. It's just awkward to use and we don't understand why a shifter knob on the center console couldn't have been done. Hopefully, that'll come with the mid-life refresh.

The base SLE comes with cloth seating upholstery in a choice of Jet Black or Dark Walnut/Slate. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard. Spending a bit more on the SLT introduces perforated leather upholstery in the same color choices, while the AT4 is limited to Jet Black perforated leather. The Denali is a significant step up in terms of its overall material quality. This model comes with perforated leather upholstery in Very Dark Ash Gray with Dark Walnut interior decor, Jet Black leather with either Jet Black or Brownstone decor color themes, or Light Shale leather with Teak interior decor. It feels special, but it must be said that the Yukon models don't feel dramatically higher in quality than the cheaper Chevy Tahoe.

Many three-row SUVs have a small trunk space left when the third row is in use, but the GMC Yukon is a vehicle where this isn't a concern. Even with all the seats up, the cargo area measures 25.5 cubic feet in size. Even a large car like an S-Class can't match that, and it's enough to accommodate around six carry-on suitcases, and it's better than what the Ford Expedition can manage. Lower trims have a manual 60/40-split-folding third row, whereas the top two trims have a power-folding third row. When this row is folded, cargo space expands to a generous 72.6 cubes. With both the second and third rows folded, the Yukon's cargo area measures a massive 122.9 cubes.

Interior storage space is equally generous. There's a large front center console with a removable organizer tray and cupholders. In the Denali, a power-sliding center console is standard. There are tiered door pockets, seatback map pockets for second-row occupants, and cupholders for both second- and third-row occupants.

Although some driver-assist features have questionably been relegated to the options list, the new GMC Yukon SUV is generally well-equipped. The base SLE has a ten-way power driver's seat and an eight-way power front passenger seat, but they're not heated. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard, too, as well as a digital instrument cluster, 12- and 120-volt power outlets, basic cruise control, forward collision alert, front/rear parking sensors, and an HD rearview camera. The SLT adds heating and ventilation for both front seats, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, wireless charging, and a universal home remote.

The AT4 and Denali are a substantial step up from the previous two trims. They both add a heated steering wheel, heated second-row outboard seats, a driver's seat memory setting, a power-folding third row, and a power steering column. Our AT4 tester came with the optional 15-inch multi-color head-up display (included in the Premium Plus Package) that's packed with vital driver information projected onto the windshield like the speed limit, audio info, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert.

Finally, the top-of-the-range Denali clearly has premium German SUVs in its sights. This model adds the convenience of a 15-inch color head-up display for the driver, as well as an HD surround-view system. Power-release second-row bucket seats, a power-sliding center console, and rear pedestrian alert are equipped to the Denali. It's a pity, though, that even this expensive model doesn't come with standard adaptive cruise control.

The Yukon comes standard with a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and a new infotainment system developed in partnership with Google. Like most GM vehicles, the Yukon's 10.2-inch infotainment system is, for the most part, easy to use, though we prefer the Uconnect system in Stellantis vehicles because of its simpler user interface. We also appreciated the Wi-Fi hotspot and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. If your smartphone has the capability, there's also a wireless charging pad.

Sound on the base model is channeled through a standard six-speaker setup, while a nine-speaker Bose audio system is standard on SLT and AT4 models. The top-spec Denali gets a premium 14-speaker sound system from Bose. A rear-seat media system can be optioned on to the top three trims and includes dual 12.6-inch touchscreens that feature tilting and screen sharing capabilities.

The 2022 GMC Yukon was rated at an overall 81 out of 100 by J.D. Power, but the specific quality and reliability rating isn't so good, at 73/100. At the time of writing, no recalls were on record for the 2022 model, but it's a totally different case for the 2021 model, which suffered from a disappointing nine recalls. The problems were wide-ranging and included a potential fuel pump failure, faulty rear-wheel driveshaft assemblies, an incorrectly calibrated brake system, a loss of power steering assistance, malfunctioning airbag lights, a fuel tank that could leak, and three separate recalls relating to the seat belts. Hopefully, reliability reviews of the 2022 model won't be as disappointing in a year or two from now.

The standard warranty runs for three years or 36,000 miles, and the powertrain/drivetrain warranty runs for five years or 60,000 miles. Five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance and one scheduled maintenance visit in the first year are also part of the package.

Perhaps disappointingly for such a new SUV, the 2022 Yukon missed out on a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Still, four stars isn't all bad. It scored full marks for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crashes, and three stars in the rollover evaluations. No GMC Yukon safety review has yet been conducted by the IIHS for the 2022 model.

Although the basics are all in place, GMC has been a bit stingy with some driver-assist features. At least every model gets seven airbags, including head airbags for outboard seating positions and a driver inboard seat-mounted side-impact airbag. However, if not equipped with front bucket seats, the latter airbag is removed. Electronic stability control with traction control, as well as trailer-sway control, will hopefully help drivers to avoid an accident in the first place.

Every model also has automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, front/rear parking sensors, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, an HD rearview camera, hill start assist, and hitch guidance.

Considering its lofty price, we find it disappointing that the Denali doesn't come standard with adaptive cruise control. This is available as an option on this trim. At least the Denali gets an HD surround-view camera system, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. Unique to the off-road-focused AT4 is hill descent control. With all the options, the Yukon's complete list of safety gear is mightily impressive. Buyers can add an auxiliary trailer camera, a trailering technology pack with trailering assist guidelines, hitch guidance with hitch view, and trailer side blind zone alert.

The 2022 GMC Yukon is a solid player in the full-size SUV segment. The AT4 trim, in particular, is an excellent choice for those who have a more outdoorsy lifestyle. Whether the red tow hooks are ever necessary or not is one thing, but they certainly look good. In an age when crossovers are the dominant force, body-on-frame SUVs like this remain hot-sellers. GM has refined its SUV formula over the decades and today's result is an extremely comfortable, confident, and luxurious vehicle. It's the complete package for those who require its many services. Aside from other body-on-frame SUVs, the only other potential rival is an AWD large crossover. That vehicle would likely offer a slightly smoother ride and easier parking and maneuverability, but it would lack the Yukon's towing capacity and the advantages of 4WD over AWD. Even in 2WD mode, the Yukon is highly capable in a variety of conditions.

Totaling $79,175, our 2022 Yukon AT4 is anything but cheap, but it's everything many would ever need a vehicle. It's luxurious, off-road ready, and spacious enough for the entire family and/or your friends and all of their weekend ski and snowboarding gear. Adventure awaits.

The price of the GMC Yukon begins at an MSRP of $52,100 for the SLE with the 5.3-liter V8 engine and 2WD. The SLT costs $58,900 with the same motor and drivetrain. Switching out either for the Duramax diesel engine adds $845 on the SLT and $895 on the SLE. For 4WD, add $3,000 to the bill.

The AT4 starts at $66,600 with standard 4WD and the 5.3-liter V8. Opting for the 6.2-liter requires an additional $2,440. The top-end Denali with 2WD retails for $70,000, and if you want it with 4WD, that'll add another $3,000. The manufacturer doesn't stipulate a price difference between the available engines on the fully-loaded model. These prices all exclude a destination charge of $1,695. The GMC Yukon can cost over $95,000 for a fully loaded Denali.

Due to the ongoing chip shortage, GM is offering a credit of $50 and above for certain features that may not be equipped to the Yukon. This means that depending on when you purchase your 2022 model, the prices here may be marginally lower. Our tester, which included the AT4 Premium Package, optional 6.2-liter V8, and smaller things like the cool power-sliding center console, came to a total of $79,175.

The 2022 GMC Yukon lineup consists of four models: SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The SLE, SLT, and AT4 all come with the 5.3-liter V8 engine as standard, but only the AT4 gets standard 4WD. The other two are 2WD by default but can be upgraded to 4WD. The SLE and SLT can both be upgraded to the 3.0-liter turbodiesel. The Denali gets the turbodiesel as standard and the 6.2-liter V8 optionally, while the AT4 can be upgraded to the bigger V8.

The range begins with the SLE and it comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, and parking sensors at both ends of the body. Inside, there's a digital instrument cluster and 10.2-inch touchscreen interface. Standard features include power-adjustable front seats, tri-zone climate control, an HD rearview camera, and forward collision warning.

Next is the SLT. This model adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, perforated leather upholstery, and heated/ventilated front seats. A nine-speaker Bose sound system and a driver's seat memory function are also added. It also adds lane change alert with blind-spot monitoring.

The rugged AT4 has the best approach angle of all the models. Equipped for off-roading, it comes with a front skid plate, red recovery hooks, and hill descent control. A heated steering wheel and heated second-row outboard seats are also added here.

Finally, the lavish Denali comes with superior interior materials and a unique dashboard design. A 15-inch color head-up display is a premium touch, and there's a shiny grille to set this model apart from the rest. An HD surround-view system and a power-sliding center console are further enhancements to the Denali.

The base SLE has access to the fewest packages. For $495, you can, however, add the GMC Pro Safety Plus Package with lane change alert, side blind-zone alert, and rear cross traffic alert. For $465, the Max Trailering Package adds a smart trailer integration indicator, hitch guidance with hitch view, and a ProGrade trailering system, and is available to the other trims, too.

Going for the SLT opens up far more customizations. For $3,530, the SLT Premium Package comes with loads of kit like an HD surround-view system, rear pedestrian alert, second-row heated seats, a power panoramic sunroof, and a lot more. The cheaper SLT Luxury Package at $2,030 adds some of the same features but is less comprehensive.

The AT4 can be equipped with a $1,150 Technology Package, which bundles together a head-up display, HD surround vision, and rear pedestrian alert. But, if you opt for the AT4 Premium Plus Package at $8,650, this comes included, as well as the Max Trailering Package, the Premium Capability Package (adaptive air ride suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, and Active Response 4WD) a sunroof, and power-retractable steps. A cheaper AT4 Premium Package selects some of these features for $6,390.

Headlining the Denali's list of upgrades is the Denali Reserve Package at $9,310. This adds 22-inch wheels, the Max Trailering Package, a panoramic sunroof, an Air Ride adaptive suspension (2WD models), the contents of the Advanced Technology Package, and more. As for that Advanced Technology Package, it costs $1,880 on its own, and includes, among other things, adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror.

Call us biased, but we genuinely liked having the Yukon AT4 at our disposal. Expensive? Yes, but its long list of standard and optional features will make you feel confident the SUV can handle just about any scenario. As we previously noted, we'd like to see GMC offer the AT4 with the inline-six diesel. That would be our ideal choice, but since it doesn't exist (yet), opting for the bigger gasoline-powered V8 is worth the extra money. We'd add one of the two Premium Packages, or - at the very least - the Technology Package for the added driver assists, and leave the rest as is. If you require additional space, there's always the Yukon XL, but the standard length version is probably big enough for a majority of buyers.

These corporate cousins share the same engines and platform. As a result, they're similar to drive, perform equally well, and even have the same maximum tow rating. As always, the GMC offers a bit more luxury and this is why it costs more. Whereas the Tahoe begins at $50,200, the Yukon has a base price of $52,100. Interestingly, the top Tahoe trim, the High Country, begins at $500 more than the Yukon Denali. If we're comparing those two, we'd easily choose the Yukon Denali with its bespoke dashboard and impeccable quality. Lower in the respective lineups, the Yukon gets a nicer touchscreen interface, but there's not a significant gap between the two. Unless you're looking for the most luxurious, opulent version of these two, the Tahoe is by no means an inferior product.

The 2022 Ford Expedition is a strong seller in this segment. Starting at $51,080, it's a little cheaper than the Yukon. However, the GMC now offers a better balance between three spacious seating rows and overall cargo capacity. While we like the V8 burble of the GMC, its gas mileage specs are not as good as the Ford's twin-turbo V6, and the Expedition can also tow more. There's also an extremely powerful 440-hp version of the Ford, along with an off-road-capable Timberline. Then again, the Yukon does have that more efficient turbodiesel in some trims. The Ford's interior received a welcome upgrade this year, and upper trims nearly match the Yukon Denali for luxury. Following the Ford's latest improvements, we'll give the slight edge to the Expedition in this contest.