The overall redesign of GM’s full-size SUVs for the final mannequin 12 months remodeled each model’s model for the higher, because the change to an unbiased rear suspension resulted within the actual enhancements we’ve been wanting when it comes to journey, dealing with, inside house and cargo capability. Now of their second 12 months of this technology, the 2022 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL proceed to benefit from these implausible modifications.
Simply as at all times, the GMC variations borrow closely from their sister SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. The primary variations lie within the exterior styling, and to a lesser extent, the inside. There’s additionally the matter of value, because the Yukon is positioned in a barely extra premium house than the Chevy model of this truck. Most notable on this regard is the favored, top-of-the-line Denali, which has for the primary time has an inside design that is completely different than different Yukons and each Tahoe. Regardless of this premium positioning, the Yukon is just not prohibitively costly, and it moderately competes with different full-size SUVs just like the Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer. Which of the GM SUVs you select is predicated virtually totally on seems to be and value, because the out there characteristic set, engine lineup — we recommend the money-saving diesel — and drive choices are practically the identical between them. It’s exhausting to go unsuitable, although, as a result of similar to final 12 months, GM’s full-size SUVs are our present leaders within the clubhouse as those to get.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo Area | Efficiency & Gas Financial system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Options | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2022?
Probably the most notable change for 2022 is a very new infotainment system powered by Android Automotive. It brings new software program and Google Maps as a local navigation system. One other tech enhancement is GMC swapping in its 12-inch digital instrument cluster (and making it commonplace) for the analog gauge cluster from final 12 months. Lastly, the AT4 trim is now out there with 6.2-liter V8 choice.
What are the Yukon inside and in-car know-how like?
The Yukon’s inside is an odd one, as there are two totally completely different inside designs out there relying on which trim you select. That stated, it’s simple sufficient to separate them, because the Denali (high proper) has its personal inside, whereas the remainder of the trims (high left) share the identical design that you’re going to additionally discover within the Tahoe. The Yukon’s badges, colour schemes and trim supplies are completely different, giving the cabin a extra premium look, however you’re going to get a really comparable expertise within the Chevy full-sizers.
As for the Yukon Denali, that is the place you’ll discover higher differentiation. It has a special sprint and heart stack design that integrates the touchscreen infotainment system into the sprint construction, versus putting it freestanding on the sprint. It options far nicer supplies and trim, and it really elevates the Yukon above an equal Tahoe or Suburban.
Relating to tech, all Yukons for 2022 characteristic a brand new 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs Android Automotive software program as skinned by GM. This isn’t to be confused with Android Auto, which is a typical automotive characteristic that permits the automotive’s tech interface to manage apps in your smartphone (Apple CarPlay is its iPhone equal). That is additionally within the Yukon, together with CarPlay. Although the title makes it complicated, Android Automotive is mainly an in-car tech interface created by Google (Android) that completely different automotive firms can customise that makes use of the tech large’s numerous present options. Amongst these, it integrates Google’s ecosystem properly — Google Maps works effectively because the navigation system. Nonetheless, the voice-activated Google Assistant (the Android model of Siri) requires an odd “heat up” interval while you first begin the automotive that locks you out of utilizing voice instructions for the primary 20-30 seconds. That’s inconvenient while you wish to get in and get navigation rolling, however at the very least the Google Assistant works flawlessly as soon as it’s lastly prepared. A lot of the opposite tech within the Yukon is high notch, because the 12-inch digital cluster is properly laid out with a number of viewing choices, and the massive head-up show is simply as effectively built-in. You may get a pair of 12.6-inch screens mounted on the headrests for rear passengers to devour content material on, too.
How large are the Yukon and Yukon XL?
Being full-size SUVs, the Yukon and Yukon XL are sizable, and final 12 months’s redesign made them larger than ever. The Yukon grew probably the most with an additional 6.7 inches of general size and 4.9 inches of wheelbase. The Yukon XL (in pink beneath) solely gained 1.3 inches of additional size, however the wheelbase expanded by 4.1 inches. And whereas going to an unbiased rear suspension (IRS) didn’t add any exterior measurement, it did decrease the ground and subsequently vastly develop the inside.
Unsurprisingly, the largest inside beneficial properties are loved by the extra considerably expanded Yukon. It picks up 3 inches of legroom within the second row, and a large 10.1 inches within the third row due to the IRS and the resultant decrease ground. The Yukon XL beneficial properties a little bit over 2 inches of legroom for every row. Importantly, the scale improve is noticeable in apply. The third row particularly is fairly flat, but it surely’s exponentially extra spacious and cozy than earlier than. Even tall adults can sit comfortably again there now (versus virtually nobody), and though the Jeep Wagoneer and Ford Expedition’s are extra snug and spacious general, it is a tiny distinction. Few different automobiles can high the Yukon (or Yukon XL) for third-row house. We dive deeper into the Yukon/Tahoe’s newer, bigger rear passenger space right here.
Cargo house expands considerably, too, in contrast with the smaller earlier fashions. Behind the third-row seats, the Yukon has 25.5 cubic toes of house, an enchancment of 10.2 cubic toes. That is theoretically a couple of 6-cubic-foot benefit over the Expedition on paper, however in apply, we discovered the precise distinction to be negligible. The Jeep Wagoneer, in the meantime, has appreciably greater than each. Nonetheless, the Yukon is a genuinely giant house for a three-row automobile. After all, in case you plan to routinely journey with all three rows occupied by passengers, choosing the Yukon XL and its added cargo house is a good suggestion. Its cargo house behind the third row swells to 41.5 cubic toes (a rise of two.2 cubic toes from earlier than). We also needs to observe that the change to an unbiased rear suspension final 12 months has considerably lowered the ground and subsequently liftover peak.
What are the Yukon’s gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?
The 2022 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL have three completely different engines to choose from. The bottom engine is a naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 making 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It’s coupled to a 10-speed computerized transmission and out there with both rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. With RWD, each Yukon physique types return 15 mpg within the metropolis, 20 on the freeway and 17 in mixed driving. 4WD lowers these estimates to 14/19/16. These figures are worse than these of the extra highly effective Ford Expedition.
Out there within the AT4 and Denali is a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. It makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Just like the 5.3-liter engine, it comes with a 10-speed computerized and both rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (4WD is commonplace on the AT4). Metropolis and freeway gasoline financial system differs considerably by drivetrain, trim and Yukon or Yukon XL, however all variations with this engine get 16 mpg mixed.
A singular providing for the GM full-size SUVs is the diesel 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It’s the one engine prefer it within the class and it is the one we most suggest. It obliterates the gasoline financial system of the gasoline engines, with 21 mpg metropolis, 27 mpg freeway and 23 mpg mixed for the 2WD Yukon and 20/26/22 with 4WD. The Yukon XL is mainly the identical. You may save a whole bunch of {dollars} on gasoline yearly by going with the diesel, each in comparison with the opposite Yukon engines and numerous competitor SUVs.
Towing capacities are between 7,400 and eight,400 kilos relying on physique type, engine and drivetrain. The diesel is the only option in most configurations, strengthening its case, however solely barely. A tow package deal will increase capability throughout the board and really ends in the 5.3-liter having a barely higher tow score, however once more, the distinction is small.
What is the Yukon wish to drive?
There are a wide selection of Yukon and Yukon XL powertrain and chassis combos, and we haven’t pushed all of them, however the variations we’ve pushed have been spectacular. Quite a lot of suspension choices can be found: a hard and fast metal spring and shock system; an air suspension; a metal spring suspension with magnetic dampers; and an air suspension with magnetic dampers. We have not sampled the bottom system, however we’d nonetheless counsel a Yukon with the magnetic dampers. It offers a glassy-smooth journey, restricted physique roll, and it’s managed sufficient to get rid of practically all of the shimmies and shudders that crop up in giant, body-on-frame automobiles.
The air suspension by itself lets extra of these physique wiggles by, however continues to be nice. Within the default Consolation mode, it rides pretty gentle with average physique roll, and the Sport mode stiffens issues up noticeably, however with out changing into uncomfortable. No matter suspension, you get the identical steering, which is superb. It’s properly weighted and fairly exact. And even with the extra roly-poly base air suspension, the truck handles effectively with good turn-in and a secure, composed really feel even over bumpy corners.
We’ve additionally now pushed Yukons (or Tahoes) with each out there engine. The 5.3-liter V8 offers completely satisfactory acceleration. The 6.2-liter livens issues up a bit, although we nonetheless wouldn’t name it quick. In the end, we expect the Duramax diesel is the only option. It definitely will not be quick, however its advantages are many. Its peak torque matches the 6.2-liter, however happens at 1,500 rpm somewhat than 4,100. That makes it well-suited to towing and ends in acceleration that feels stronger off the road. Importantly, you will be pumping in rather a lot much less gasoline into it than with the V8s.
What different GMC Yukon critiques can I learn?
2021 GMC Yukon Denali First Drive | Lastly residing as much as the Denali repute
Our first drive of the glitz and glam Denali mannequin the place we go over how the Yukon units itself aside and analyze its distinctive inside.
2021 Chevy Suburban Diesel First Drive | Giant, in cost and diesel-powered
This evaluate is of the Chevy Suburban, but it surely’s the place you will discover our detailed ideas on the Duramax diesel engine that we like a lot in GM’s full-size SUVs.
2021 Chevy Tahoe Rear Seat Driveway Take a look at + Video
The change to an unbiased rear suspension has profoundly elevated third-row seat house for the current-generation Yukon and Tahoe. There are a number of different new options, which we spotlight on this submit (linked above) and video beneath.
2021 Chevy Tahoe Baggage Take a look at | How a lot suits behind the third row?
The unbiased rear suspension makes an enormous distinction for cargo house, particularly behind the third row. We take a more in-depth look and evaluate GM’s full-size SUVs (on this case a Tahoe somewhat than a Yukon) to the Ford Expedition.
2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Assessment
Learn in regards to the Yukon’s Chevrolet siblings, the Tahoe and Suburban. You are going to be studying loads of the identical issues as right here on this Yukon evaluate, however you will additionally be capable of see the variations.
2022 GMC Yukon infotainment system walkthrough
How a lot is the 2022 Yukon value and what options can be found?
The bottom Yukon SLE begins at $53,795, together with the $1,695 vacation spot cost. There are three different trim ranges to select from, together with the SLT, AT4 and Denali.
If you happen to go base, the SLE consists of 18-inch aluminum wheels, roof rails, help steps, LED headlights and taillights, heated mirrors, a handbook liftgate, proximity entry, distant begin, computerized wipers, power-adjustable entrance seats, fabric upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone local weather management, 10.2-inch touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker audio system and a set of driver help gear.
The AT4 notably provides a bunch of off-road goodies together with a singular exterior design with a greater method angle, commonplace four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, tow hooks and an out there air suspension that may elevate the automobile for higher floor clearance. Quite a lot of tech and luxurious options are additionally tacked on to raised the inside expertise.
As for the Denali, it’s probably the most luxurious model of the Yukon with much more inside colours and trims to select from. It additionally comes with the next stage of ordinary gear than any of the opposite trims, and permits you the flexibility to choice much more.
A full breakdown of characteristic content material and native pricing for the 2022 Yukon could be discovered right here on Autoblog, and a pricing information primarily based on trim could be discovered beneath. The costs listed are for the most cost effective model of every trim, considering engine choices and drive varieties.
Yukon
SLE: $53,795
SLT: $60,595
AT4: $68,295
Denali: $70,095
Yukon XL
SLE: $56,495
SLT: $63,295
AT4: $70,995
Denali: $72,795
What are the Yukon security scores and driver help options?
The Yukon and Yukon XL’s commonplace driver help options embody ahead collision warning with pedestrian detection and low-speed computerized emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping help, entrance and rear parking sensors, a rear seat reminder, trailer hitch steerage and auto excessive beams. Options included on increased trims or as choices embody blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, trailer blind-spot warning (a particular and useful characteristic), rear pedestrian alert, 360-degree digicam, adaptive cruise management, reverse computerized braking, rear digicam mirror and enhanced computerized emergency braking (able to intervening at speeds as much as 50 mph).
The GMC Yukon was given a four-star (out of 5) general crash check score by the NHTSA, plus 4 stars for frontal safety, 5 stars for facet safety and three stars for rollover. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security hasn’t examined the current-generation Yukon or Tahoe on the time of this writing.
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