2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 GMC Yukon signaled a noteworthy presence on the road with a rugged yet refined demeanor. Expanding the General Motors spectrum between Chevrolet and Cadillac, the Yukon aimed for a look that was both professional and premium grade but with a touch more ruggedness compared to Buick's plush reputation. The redesigned 2021 Yukon was a truck-based, full-size SUV available in both standard and extended-length body styles, with trims ranging from SLE, SLT, and the off-road-oriented AT4 to the upscale Denali. Priced starting around $50,700, the Yukon endeavored to blend substance with a premium appeal, as seen in the 200 miles driven in the luxurious Denali trim priced at $83,720. The Denali Ultimate package introduced a high-end feel with features such as Midnight Blue paint, 22-inch shiny wheels, intricate grillework, and detailed interior elements like real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and a panoramic sunroof.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda Passport lived up to its role as a compact and accommodating SUV, often seen as a shortened variant of the Honda Pilot. Showcasing visual and functional similarities with the Pilot, the Passport housed two rows of seats and shared the same basic dashboard layout, which included the somewhat controversial "button shifter" design. It sported a spacious interior with high-quality materials and provided ample headroom and legroom for a comfortable seating arrangement. Depending on the trim level (Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite), the Passport added features like leather upholstery, power moonroof, and advanced technologies, enhancing both the style and functionality of the SUV. The Passport had a rugged exterior appeal while maintaining an overall sense of refinement inside.

The 2021 Yukon offered three engine types. Standard across all trims except the Denali was a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine. The Denali featured a robust 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, capable of achieving 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. A ten-speed automatic transmission complemented these engines, making for a smooth and powerful driving experience. Despite the impressive performance, fuel economy figures were less stellar, with real-world tests showing an average of 14.4 mpg with the 6.2-liter V8 in 4WD Auto mode. The Yukon excelled in handling and capability, thanks to the new Active Response 4WD system, making it adaptable for various road conditions and moderate off-road adventures. It boasted a towing capacity up to 8,400 pounds with 2WD and slightly less with 4WD, though these figures were below what the previous generation could achieve.

In contrast, the 2021 Passport was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine offered strong acceleration and handled power distribution efficiently, although the stop-start system could be somewhat abrupt. The ride was fine-tuned for comfort and refined handling, suitable for daily commutes and weekend getaways. With an 8.1-inch ground clearance and different driving modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud, it could tackle various terrains despite not being geared for hardcore off-roading. When it came to towing, the Passport could manage up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and up to 5,000 pounds with AWD.

The redesign of the 2021 Yukon brought substantial enhancements in passenger and cargo space, primarily due to the new independent rear suspension. Denali trim featured leather-upholstered, 12-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with a unique power sliding console providing additional storage solutions. However, some comfort elements like massaging seats were absent, and front seats could feel hard over extended periods. Significantly improved third-row seating now offered better thigh support and space, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was notably high with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded, reflecting minivan-like cargo capabilities.

On the other hand, the 2021 Passport provided a commendable 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and up to 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. Additional under-floor storage trays added extra convenience. The upright seating position ensured excellent road visibility, and the interior layout included practical storage solutions such as a deep center console bin and plenty of door pockets. The rear seats were designed for comfort, featuring ample headroom and legroom, alongside reclining and sliding capabilities.

The 2021 Yukon Denali, particularly with the Ultimate Package, featured an impressive suite of technology. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard across all Yukons supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and GMC Connected Services, with over-the-air updates to keep the features current. The Denali could be equipped with wireless device charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and a dual 12.6-inch touchscreen Rear Seat Media system. However, the audio system received mixed reviews. Convenience features like a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles were also available, enhancing driving experience and vehicle maneuverability.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, accessible via an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While this was a step forward, the infotainment interface was criticized for its dated graphics and complex menu layout. The volume dial felt like an afterthought, and overall, the system lacked some modern touches compared to its competitors, despite the inclusion of essential smartphone connectivity.

The 2021 Yukon came equipped with an extensive selection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). These included standard features like forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim featured adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. While crash-test ratings were unavailable during the review, the substantial curb weight suggested a robust safety profile.

Similarly, the 2021 Passport excelled in safety, featuring standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Passport received an impressive five-star overall rating from NHTSA and positive scores from IIHS, although headlights, child-seat anchor ease, and front crash prevention tech had room for improvement.