2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 GMC Yukon

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling since its third generation debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango maintained a distinct look, aligning more with Dodge's muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger. The 2021 model year saw a refreshed design, especially evident in the new SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a revised front end. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and exterior colors, with a cabin that boasted a new instrument panel and the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior ranged from standard cloth upholstery to premium leather options, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors adding a funky flavor.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced a chrome-heavy design, especially in the Denali trim, which featured a vast, multi-dimensional grille and C-shaped headlights. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels and dark Redwood Metallic paint added to its commanding presence. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim had unique front styling with a dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale color combo. The AT4 trim had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. The 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat boasted 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension that passed bumps to the cabin. The Hellcat's Brembo brakes provided ample stopping power, and the R/T's Tow N Go Package allowed for a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The AT4 trim was only available with 4WD. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, with its 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon's independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, though some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced ride quality and off-road capability.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It offered seating for five to seven passengers, with spacious front and second-row seats and a more accommodating third row compared to many rivals. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, and its fit and finish had significantly improved over the years.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for first and second-row passengers, with a significant improvement in third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The Yukon's redesign included a nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and six inches of additional length, along with an independent rear suspension for a lower floor and more usable space. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with higher trims getting a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was five times faster than its predecessor and offered user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players and two 9-inch screens. The gauge cluster had a half-circle shape that made it difficult to read the exact speed, but the TomTom navigation system was a standout feature.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 15-inch multi-color head-up display on the Denali trim. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, wireless phone charging, and an available WiFi hotspot. The Denali trim featured 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 connections.

The 2021 Dodge Durango came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, following distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Yukon also featured a Safety Alert Seat and an adjustable rear camera mirror. The NHTSA gave the Yukon an overall rating of four out of five stars, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.