2021 GMC Yukon vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

In 2021, the GMC Yukon presented itself as both rugged and refined, living up to GMC’s "professional grade" tagline, but with a nod to premium quality that positioned it between Chevrolet and Cadillac within General Motors' lineup. The redesigned 2021 Yukon came in various trims including SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, offering both standard and extended-length body styles. Prices started at $50,700. The newly introduced AT4 trim targeted off-road enthusiasts with its enhanced approach angle, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. However, it was the plush Denali trim that caught the eye of many buyers. Senior marketing manager Stu Pierce noted Yukon buyers preferred substance over image, desiring the best SUV available without paying for a luxury badge. Upon driving the Yukon Denali for nearly 200 miles, it was clear why it appealed to many. Despite the hefty as-tested price of $83,720, the Yukon Denali impressed with its attention-grabbing design, especially the bold grille and elegant Midnight Blue paint complemented by 22-inch shiny wheels. The Denali differentiated itself with exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching and piping, especially visible in the Ultimate Package which included features like a panoramic sunroof. On the aesthetic front, the 2022 Honda Odyssey, particularly in the Elite trim level, offered a sleek and functional design, in sharp contrast to its relative, the 2022 Kia Carnival. While maintaining typical minivan proportions, Honda’s design added a touch of flair with kinked sliding doors and dramatic hockey-stick character lines. The dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels on the Elite trim further contributed to the Odyssey's sophisticated appearance. The Odyssey’s unique style and spacious openness gave it a distinct edge in the minivan category. Priced between $33,040 to $48,770, the Odyssey Elite’s interior boasted high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, and a low, open-concept design providing abundant storage space.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices. The Denali trim came with an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. This engine paired seamlessly with a ten-speed automatic transmission, providing robust acceleration regardless of conditions, although fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, averaging around 14.4 to 16.2 mpg. Independently suspended, this generation of Yukon featured a Four-Corner Air Ride suspension with Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping, significantly improving ride quality and handling. The impressive grip of the 22-inch wheels and responsive, albeit light, steering added to its drive experience. The Denali also introduced innovative technology like the Active Response 4WD system, enhancing both dry cornering performance and wet traction. However, despite its strengths, the Yukon’s towing capacity was slightly lower than its predecessor, capable of towing 8,300-8,400 pounds, falling short of rivals like the Ford Expedition Platinum. The 2022 Honda Odyssey centered around a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with dashboard-mounted pushbutton controls. Unlike competitors offering AWD and hybrid options, the Odyssey remained FWD with an EPA estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. Despite this, the Odyssey’s 22.6 mpg average during test drives demonstrated reliable fuel efficiency. The minivan’s driving character was notable for being quick to accelerate, responsive in corners, and composed on twisty roads, proving enjoyable for daily drives. Nevertheless, the Odyssey's brakes showed signs of strain, particularly on downhills, resulting in pedal vibration and noise, suggesting a need for more robust braking components for peace of mind when fully loaded.

A redesign in 2021 significantly improved the GMC Yukon’s passenger and cargo space, thanks to the new independent rear suspension. While front-seat space remained relatively unchanged, the Denali trim offered leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, and amenities like a heated steering wheel and power sliding console. Second-row seats improved in both comfort and cargo capacity, sliding and folding flat, while the third-row offered genuine thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. The Yukon Denali boasted impressive cargo capacities: 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet (early stats for the regular Yukon, with Denali XL models offering even more). Conversely, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was designed with ease of access and space in mind. Lower to the ground, it provided a comfortable entry, quality leather front seats with power adjustments, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Noteworthy storage options included shelves in door panels and a floor tray between the dashboard and center console. The second row’s Magic Slide system offered numerous configurations for extra comfort and safety, such as sliding seats to create pass-through space to the third-row or closer proximity to the front seats for easier child access. The third-row proved equally comfortable for adult passengers, with good leg support and decent foot room. Cargo capacity ranged from 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed, rivaling the cargo space of a Chevrolet Suburban.

Equipped with advanced infotainment features, the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali’s 10.2-inch touchscreen came standard across all trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and an optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle also supported over-the-air updates for up-to-date technology. Enhancements included wireless device charging, navigation, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens streaming content via Wi-Fi. Despite the entertaining rear-seat system, the Bose audio system's flat performance was disappointing for a vehicle of this caliber, coupled with a state-of-the-art 15-inch color head-up display, rear camera mirror, and various surround-view camera perspectives neatly packaged within the Yukon’s advanced tech suite. In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey, particularly the top-level Elite trim, offered all available tech amenities, though its infotainment package began to show its age. Starting from the EX trim, the 8-inch touchscreen provided satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Navigation and HondaLink services, including Wi-Fi hotspot, were reserved for Touring trim and above. Unique features for Touring and Elite trims included CabinWatch and CabinTalk, which allowed the driver to monitor and communicate with rear passengers. However, the single 10.2-inch rear entertainment screen, compatible with CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray, felt dated in the age of streaming media. The Elite trim further added an 11-speaker premium audio system and wireless charging. Nevertheless, the Odyssey’s infotainment and tech felt basic compared to more modern rivals, emphasizing a need for significant upgrades in forthcoming iterations.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came well-equipped with an array of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard across all trims were features such as forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking (below 50 mph), automatic high-beam headlights, Teen Driver tech, and a rear-seat reminder system. Higher trims added features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control available only on the Denali, which also boasted enhanced emergency braking at higher speeds. During test drives, the ADAS showcased smooth performance, absorbing subtle lane assistance inputs without disruption and responding well to changing traffic conditions. Honda’s 2022 Odyssey excelled in safety, equipped with Honda Sensing as standard on all trims. This suite included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Added features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Moreover, the Odyssey earned impressive safety ratings, scoring an overall five-star from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, Honda Sensing technology sometimes acted too abruptly, particularly when responding to nuances in road conditions, which detracted from its transparency and user-friendliness. Additionally, the placement of the blind-spot monitoring light on the windshield pillar rather than the side-view mirror seemed counterintuitive, reducing situational awareness.