2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 GMC Yukon

GMC had positioned itself in the automotive market as “professional grade,” yet it also sought to embody “premium grade,” fitting neatly between Chevrolet and Cadillac within the General Motors lineup. Buick was another contender in this mid-tier luxury segment, but unlike Buick’s softer and plusher appeal, GMC aimed for a more rugged yet refined aesthetic, maintaining its focus on truck sales. In 2021, GMC introduced the redesigned Yukon, a truck-based full-size SUV available in both standard and extended-length body styles. Trim levels ranged from SLE and SLT to the new AT4 and the high-end Denali. The Yukon AT4 catered to off-road adventurers with improved approach angles, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Historically, though, the Denali trim accounted for half of all Yukon sales, targeting buyers who sought substance and the best SUV experience without paying the premium for a Cadillac badge. Having extensively driven the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, it was clear why it had such appeal. The as-tested price of $83,720 with the Denali Ultimate Package wasn’t cheap, but it delivered. Draped in Midnight Blue and equipped with shiny 22-inch wheels, the Yukon Denali Ultimate stood out more than its Chevrolet Tahoe High Country counterpart, thanks to intricate grillework, vent-style fender badges, and appealing rear styling. However, Chevy offered similar paint and wheel upgrades at a lower cost, raising questions about the value proposition GMC presented. Setting the Denali apart from other Yukon trims and the Tahoe was its exclusive dashboard design. This included real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, unique interior stitching, and piping. Combining these upscale touches with the Ultimate Package’s panoramic sunroof, the Yukon Denali offered a luxurious cabin experience rivaling any other SUV within its price range. For the 2022 Lincoln Navigator, subtle but transformative styling changes were made. New headlights and taillights, different wheel designs with a new 20-inch standard option, and an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence contributed to its refreshed look. However, the reimagined front end, sporting an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, fell short of its intended elegance. Despite this, the updated grille was only a minor hiccup in an otherwise successful design refresh. Inside, the Navigator retained its reputation for dazzling occupants with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, augmented by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. This created a virtual sky—twinkling stars set against a remaining bright horizon—across all displays, evoking a distinct aesthetic flair. Enhancements also included a significantly larger 13.2-inch touchscreen for the new Sync 4 infotainment system, ensuring the Navigator stayed competitive in the evolving infotainment landscape. Both standard and long-wheelbase versions of the Navigator continued for 2022, with the MSRP starting at $78,405. The evaluated Navigator Black Label, adorned in the new Central Park theme with a matching green interior and heated, ventilated, massaging second-row captain’s chairs, came in at $106,530.

For the 2021 GMC Yukon, three engine options were available. The standard engine for all trims except the Denali was a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8. Only the Denali featured the more powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Anticipated later was a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine, though it wouldn’t be available for the AT4 trim due to its specific front-end design. Our test vehicle featured the robust 6.2-liter V8, delivering 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. Paired with an excellent ten-speed automatic transmission, this engine guaranteed speedy acceleration in any scenario, accompanied by an adored V8 burble at idle. However, fuel economy was notably poor. With the four-wheel-drive system in Auto mode, the Yukon averaged 14.4 mpg on a testing loop, and 16.2 mpg with just the driver aboard in two-wheel-drive mode. The 2021 Yukon with 4WD and the 6.2-liter V8 earned EPA ratings of 14 mpg in the city, 19 on the highway, and 16 combined—fuel economy figures slightly worse than the previous generation, which had a significant influence from the new suspension design aiming for improved ride quality. Handling-wise, GMC upgraded this Yukon with independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension boasting Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping. While opting for 22-inch wheels compromised the intended smooth ride, the SUV showed notable grip, quick steering, and impressive braking. The Active Response 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, Traction Select driving modes, and an electronic limited-slip differential lent to its capable performance, even though it wasn’t designed for fun but surefootedness. For 2022, Lincoln's Navigator remained consistent with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and available RWD or 4WD. Despite not being a V8, the turbo V6 produced an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity ranged between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the model, aided by the updated Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. This powertrain stack compared favorably to the Cadillac Escalade’s V8 and turbo-diesel alternatives. The Navigator also introduced a new adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, which prepared the vehicle to handle bumps, cracks, and potholes effectively, providing a smoother ride. During a test drive to Payson, AZ, through varied terrain, the Navigator’s suspension handled road imperfections and snow-covered patches effortlessly. Fuel economy ratings suggested the Navigator 4WD should average 18 mpg combined. Indeed, our test journey confirmed this with an observed 18.6 mpg.

The 2021 GMC Yukon significantly benefitted from its new independent rear suspension, translating to meaningful gains in passenger and cargo space. Front-seat room stayed consistent, with Denali trims featuring leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a new power sliding console for added convenience. Nevertheless, during long drives, the front seats could feel hard, and absence of a massage function was noticeable. Second-row seats now offered better flexibility and third-row passengers appreciated the newfound comfort thanks to improved bench seat design. Cargo space was a major advantage. The standard Yukon Denali could hold 25.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row (41.5 in the Denali XL), expandable to 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down (93.8 for Denali XL). Maximum cargo volume reached 122.9 cubic feet (144.7 for Denali XL), placing it on par with minivans. In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable, 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and a massaging function. Spending time to adjust settings meant long journeys were extremely comfortable. The updated second-row seats now also boasted massaging, heating, and ventilation, adding to passenger comfort. Third-row seating remained spacious and supportive, bolstered by the Navigator’s earlier shift to independent rear suspension. Regarding cargo space, the Navigator provided 19.3 cubic feet behind its third-row seat (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row tumbled (73.3 for Navigator L). The maximum cargo volume hit 103.3 cubic feet (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L), showing generous storage capacity for a luxurious full-size SUV.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali offered plenty in the technology department with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and over-the-air updates. Upgrades included wireless charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio, and a Rear Seat Media system with 12.6-inch screens. However, the rear-seat entertainment system’s interface posed challenges, and the audio system fell below expectations for an SUV at this price range. Nevertheless, a 15-inch head-up display, rear camera mirror, and surround-view camera added to its tech credentials. The 2022 Lincoln Navigator saw significant improvements with the addition of a new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The system supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and presented a compelling user experience with dual data panels. Enhanced voice recognition and the new Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV bolstered the tech offering. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio was remarkable, contributing to a well-rounded technology suite.

The 2021 GMC Yukon incorporated multiple advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), standard across all trims. This included forward collision warning, 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. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking came exclusively with the Denali trim. Although crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Yukon’s extensive safety features provided confidence. For the 2022 Lincoln Navigator, new driver assistance systems such as Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide semi-autonomous driving technology debuted. ActiveGlide, akin to Ford’s Bluecruise, allowed limited hands-free driving under certain conditions. Despite this, the driver needed to remain vigilant. The addition of a surround-view camera system as standard further enhanced the SUV’s safety profile.