Since the 1990s, the GMC Yukon 2022, a near cousin of the Chevrolet Tahoe, has become increasingly distinct. The Yukon, with its refined interiors and pared-down Kenworth style, is designed to fill the void left between the proletariat Tahoe and the most upscale of GM’s large SUVs, the Cadillac Escalade. In 2021, all three cars underwent extensive redesigns to become their best-ever versions. The Yukon is still available in two lengths: the basic model, which measures 210 inches, and the enormous Yukon XL, which measures 225.2 inches and is the larger sister of Chevy’s Suburban.
All three are large body-on-frame SUVs built on GM’s full-size trucks, much like previous iterations. The updated models replaced the trucks’ live axle and 19th-century rear leaf springs with a completely independent rear suspension. In addition to creating more passenger room, this improved handling and smoothness of driving in the Yukon. GM’s engineers also introduced an optional six-cylinder turbodiesel engine with class-leading fuel efficiency. While the diesel delivers a lot of power and a combined fuel efficiency of 23 mpg, none of these barges are inexpensive to fuel.
The Yukon receives a significant infotainment overhaul, and a few new amenities for 2022, but Jeep’s Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are its fiercest new rivals. These new SUVs are better off-road and offer more space in the third row, but they also use a lot of petrol. Stretched Wagoneer Ls will compete against the Yukon XL in 2023. Aiming at the Yukon’s off-road-themed AT4, Ford has also introduced an off-road Expedition. The Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada are two more options, although a new Sequoia is anticipated later this year.
Although the turbodiesel six has a calm driving style, its fuel efficiency significantly enhances the ownership experience. The venerable but robust 5.3 and 6.2-liter V8s (available exclusively in the AT4 and Denali) provide much greater speed and a maximum towing capability of 8,400 pounds for individuals who require more power. The Yukon rides and handles better than ever because of its available adaptive dampers and revised suspension, but it’s still a big, hefty truck. The optional surround-view system comes in quite handy for tight maneuvers.
Speaking of enormous, no one will feel uneasy within the Yukon due to its immense size and effective utilization of its footprint. It shares the distinction with its GM brothers for having the largest load capacity of any big SUV—the standard model has more storage space than the extended Ford Expedition Max—and even the third row is suitable for adults. The Yukon only has so much freight space; a full-sized van is your only option. Although the Denali’s interior is pricey, it is also incredibly wealthy. Six out of ten Yukon purchasers prefer Denalis, but the SLT and AT4 provide more excellent value.
The Yukon’s infotainment revamp for 2022 would improve the systems’ overall usability and comprehensiveness, even if they weren’t all that horrible to start. Although it leads in connection and technological usability, the basic model does not include adaptive cruise control and active safety measures. Although its safety ratings aren’t excellent, it feels incredibly safe with so much metal shielding you. Though it costs more, the Yukon boasts more features than its Chevy counterpart. Just carefully read the option sheet.
Performance: GMC Yukon 2022
The Yukon has three different engine options from GMC, albeit not all versions have them. Standard on SLE, SLT, and AT4 models is a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 335 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the SLE (for $945) and SLT ($895) is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline six-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and a powerful 460 pound-feet of torque.
A 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque is standard on the Denali and a $2,515 option on the AT4, which is a new vehicle for 2022. In the latter case, the fuel reduces the charge by $1,500. All have an automated gearbox with ten speeds that power the back wheels. On the AT4, four-wheel drive is an essential feature and a $3,000 option.
The highly rapid 6.2 and the powerful but aging 5.3 engine outperform the turbodiesel in speed. However, the increased expense of the diesel will most likely be offset by fuel savings throughout the Yukon’s long-term use since it is far better in that area and offers no performance compromise. With rear-drive, the 5.3 provides the Yukon its maximum tow ratings of 8,400 pounds in the Yukon and 8,300 pounds in the Yukon XL. However, the diesel can pull similar 4WD versions of 7,800 and 7,700 pounds.
The Yukon has excellent handling characteristics for such a large car, and its brakes can rapidly bring it down from speed. Compared to prior Yukons, it rides considerably more smoothly because of the independent rear suspension, especially in extended XL models. However, moving in confined places is difficult, so we suggest using the surround-view camera option if you can afford it. The AT4, with its unique face and superior approach and departure angles, is the one you should have off-road. While still competent, Jeep’s Wagoneer is marginally superior.
Fuel Economy: GMC Yukon 2022
The Yukon and Yukon XL are massive cars, even with cylinder deactivation, a stop/start system, and a 10-speed gearbox. Depending on the configuration, this weight reduces the fuel efficiency of the gas-powered variants, which get 16–18 mpg combined. While the Ford Expedition (and the Yukon XL-like Expedition Max) perform somewhat better, the GMCs at least significantly outperform the Nissan Armada and the planned Toyota 2023 Sequoia hybrid.
However, if the Yukon didn’t have its fuel-sipping turbodiesel, we would give it a somewhat lower rating. The biggest and heaviest diesel Yukon XL with 4WD achieves 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the interstate, and 22 mpg overall. In most tests, the ordinary-size model gets around one mpg more fuel than the rear-drive variant, which gets between 1 and 2 mpg more. With this engine, we have seen higher than stated MPG in our drives of GM SUVs. There are now no plug-in hybrids available in this class of large utes, and they are almost the best in class among these enormous vehicles.
Tech for Safety and Driver Assistance:
The 2022 GMC Yukon has a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with only three stars for rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet tested the vehicle. Although GMC provides a good array of active safety systems for the Yukon, they aren’t officially standard (they cost an additional $495 for the basic model SLE but come standard on all other trims), which deducts points from the Yukon’s score in our assessment.
Lane change alert with blind-spot alerts, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic signals, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear parking assist, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams are all included in this suite, which GMC refers to as Pro Safety Plus. A few points would be added to the Yukon’s score if Pro Safety Plus was required. The Sierra 1500 pickup’s excellent safety features for towing are also included.
While there isn’t adaptive cruise control, GM’s Super Cruise technology should be available on the new Denali Ultimate grade that will be on sale this autumn if you can wait until 2023.
Room and Comfort:
Very few people will feel cramped in this large vehicle, especially if you choose the Yukon XL. LeBron James would have enough space to feel comfortable in these quarters, and the front and second rows have plenty of room for drivers of all sizes. Jeep’s new Grand Wagoneer models feature a slight but noticeable advantage in second-row legroom.
But the third-row seat in the Jeep seems somewhat more comfy and has the same amount of space as the Yukon XL. The distinction will vary depending on the passenger. The Yukon has a more prominent rear compartment than all smaller three-row vehicles, such as the Volkswagen Atlas, Chevy Traverse, and the Sequoia and Armada. The only problem is that returning there might be an intricate dance, especially in Denali, the power seat.
Infotainment: GMC Yukon 2022
Every Yukon has a 12.0-inch digital gauge display, new for 2022, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. This year’s operating system for that screen is also unique. Returning to General Motors, customers will recognize the system’s vibrant graphics and appearance. However, Google-developed software now powers it and incorporates several features for Google users, such as Play, Assistant, and Maps. Google Built-In offers a one-month trial on lesser trim levels but a three-year AT4 and Denali models subscription.
More comprehensive than GM’s previous system, the new one is just as simple. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for those who don’t like it. Optional features include wireless charging, a head-up display, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and surround-view monitoring.
Storage & Cargo Capacity:
Although the GMC’s luggage space is the finest in its class, the third row is smaller than its Ford rivals. The regular-wheelbase variant offers more room than the Expedition Max, measuring 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 76.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. With the chairs folding, the Yukon XL, the Max’s counterpart, offers a van-like 144.7 cubic feet of space.
You’ll either need to purchase a full-size van or hold off until the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, which might be somewhat bigger, comes out next year if you want more load capacity than this. Beyond its sheer size, the Yukon features a respectable amount of room for storing little items, including the Denali’s ingenious power-sliding console.
Design: GMC Yukon 2022
GMC does an excellent job distinguishing the Yukon, especially considering it shares its fundamental design with three other famous models: the Cadillac Escalade, the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, and the Chevy Tahoe. While the GMC treatment is more understated from the back, the front has a massive chrome grille that would look right at home on a Freightliner. The AT4 receives a distinctive face to increase its approach angle, whereas, in most trims, the Yukon has a brick-like appearance. This is perhaps the most appealing form, seeming lighter and more athletic than the standard model.
This recent Yukon version has improved inside materials, especially in the premium Denali model. Hand-stitched leather, genuine wood trim, and knurled chrome switches are included in that edition, although some inexpensive plastics are still present. While less flashy and more practical, lower-end versions are stylish, and the AT4 has aggressively styled seating arrangements.
Is the 2022 GMC Yukon Worth it?
For an additional $3,000, four-wheel drive is an available feature on all Yukons except the AT4. They are choosing the longer Yukon XL, which results in a $2,700 price increase. GMC provides four Yukon models, starting with the standard SLE model ($54,195 plus a $1,695 delivery charge). However, that model is rather basic, and the safety equipment is sadly extra expensive.
The SLT, which begins at $60,895 and includes a safety suite among its many standard amenities, is the most feature-rich and best-value option. We would choose a 4WD SLE with the diesel six, the $67,335 SLT luxury group (which adds HD surround vision and other goodies), and the towing package. Although there is a significant amount, the diesel will lessen the agony when filling up.
With its standard 4WD, unique interior, minor stylistic changes, and increased off-road capability, the AT4 is also an excellent bargain at $68,695. Regrettably, the diesel is not offered in this model.
When the Yukon is addressed in the media, the opulent Denali usually makes the headlines. With its standard 6.2-liter V8, it is both more powerful and more prosperous than any other Yukon. Although the starting price of a 4WD Denali is $72,295, adding extras rapidly drives up the cost, and it’s not uncommon for a 4WD Denali to reach the mid-$80,000 level, which is Cadillac Escalade territory.
How Much Does GMC Yukon Insurance Cost?
The Yukon’s insurance prices align with those of other spacious SUVs. Our research indicates that the average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record in all 50 states is $2,118 for a Yukon AT4 and $2,186 for a Yukon XL AT4. In contrast, a Ford Expedition King Ranch costs $2,123, a Chevrolet Suburban costs $1,887, and a Nissan Armada costs $2,160.
Verdict
The 2022 GMC Yukon, redesigned just a year ago, is a sophisticated, premium, and competent large SUV that outperforms many of its closest rivals. It is surprisingly easy to drive for such a massive vehicle. It has a modern, economical, powerful diesel engine or a powerful, snappy V8 that can tow up to 8,400 pounds. Regretfully, not all models come with the diesel option, and some of the Yukon’s most expensive trims don’t feel as luxurious as their sticker promises. However, if you choose the off-road-focused AT4 or a lesser grade, you may obtain a highly gratifying and massive SUV for much less than the top-tier Denali.
