2021 Subaru Forester vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that embodied a rugged yet refined aesthetic, positioning itself as a premium-grade vehicle between Chevrolet and Cadillac. It was available in various trims, including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, with the Denali trim offering an exclusive dashboard design and upscale interior features like real wood trim and leather-wrapped panels. The Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, was noted for its luxurious appearance, featuring a distinctive grille, chrome accents, and a sophisticated cabin. Despite its premium feel, the Yukon was not cheap, with the Denali Ultimate option package pushing the price to $83,720.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, though redesigned in 2019, retained a familiar styling that appealed to SUV shoppers with its boxy, upright shape. The Forester Sport model added visual flair with orange striping and black alloy wheels, enhancing its clean and unpretentious look. The Forester's interior was practical, with a no-nonsense mix of materials designed to withstand daily wear and tear. While it lacked some of the luxury touches of the Yukon, the Forester offered a spacious cabin with excellent visibility and a functional design, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble, though it was not fuel-efficient, averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop. The Yukon also boasted an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, improving ride quality and handling. Its Active Response 4WD system enhanced cornering performance and traction, making it capable on various terrains. However, its towing capacity was slightly less than its predecessor, with a maximum of 8,400 pounds for 2WD models.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, connected to a CVT. While adequate for most situations, the engine lacked the thrust needed for quick highway maneuvers. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll and bounce on uneven surfaces. Standard AWD and X-Mode provided better traction on different surfaces, and the Forester offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it more capable off-road than many compact crossovers. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while heated and ventilated, lacked a massage function and could feel hard over long drives. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered improved thigh support and space, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 122.9 cubic feet available in the standard Yukon and 144.7 cubic feet in the Denali XL, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2021 Subaru Forester provided above-average headroom and legroom, thanks to its tall roofline, which also contributed to excellent visibility. It offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some competitors. While it lacked a sliding second-row bench, a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Forester's interior featured practical storage solutions, though it lacked wireless charging and a standard power-adjustable driver's seat. The controls were user-friendly, but the steering wheel had an overwhelming number of buttons.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, was equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It offered upgrades like wireless charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system, though the latter was criticized for its flat sound. The Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch displays was a highlight, though it required some setup for streaming content. Additional tech features included a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views for easier maneuverability.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Harman Kardon audio system. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface, though it was slow to start. The Forester also featured a secondary screen for additional information, which some found redundant. Despite this, the Forester's tech package was considered comprehensive for its class, offering essential connectivity and entertainment features.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came with a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Teen Driver technology. Higher trims added features like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The ADAS was noted for its smooth operation, enhancing the driving experience. However, crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with EyeSight, a camera-based driver-assist system offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Forester also featured a unique DriverFocus system to monitor driver distraction. While EyeSight's lane-centering function was less smooth than desired, the overall safety package was comprehensive and effective.