2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon, positioned as a "premium grade" vehicle, aimed to strike a balance between ruggedness and refinement. It was available in various trims, including the new AT4 designed for off-road adventures and the upscale Denali, which featured exclusive dashboard designs, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, priced at $83,720, boasted a sophisticated appearance with its intricate grillework, chrome lower body trim, and 22-inch wheels, making it more upscale than its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series, featured a design that was unmistakably Lexus with its spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique mesh-pattern grille, sport-bolstered seats, and a black headliner, while the Luxury trim included real leather and open-pore wood trim.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, while the Denali trim featured a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine was also available for all trims except the AT4. The Denali's 6.2-liter V8, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration and a V8 burble at idle. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, with an average of 14.4 mpg on a testing loop. The Yukon also featured an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system, with its electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced cornering performance and traction.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The F Sport trim added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, making it more dynamic on winding roads. The NX 350's turbocharged powertrain was more rewarding than the base NX 250's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The NX 350 F Sport and Luxury trims both offered a credible 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg and 25.5 mpg, respectively.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats, though comfortable, lacked a massage function and had hard edges that could cause discomfort on long drives. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and collapse to fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat provided actual thigh support, making it comfortable for adults. Cargo volume was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. The front seats were comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated options, and the F Sport trim provided better bolstering. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the Ultimate Package offered a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included wireless device charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen as an option. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and access to five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The NX also offered a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Starting with SLT trim, the Yukon included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, making the driving experience more comfortable and safe.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included several new technologies such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.