2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon, positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the General Motors lineup, aimed to blend ruggedness with refinement. It was available in various trims, including the new AT4 designed for off-road adventures and the upscale Denali. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, priced at $83,720, featured a striking Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, making it more upscale than its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart. However, the high cost of certain features raised questions about the value proposition.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, available in multiple trims including the new Wilderness, emphasized functionality and practicality. Priced from $25,195 to $35,295, the Forester Wilderness was designed for rugged adventures with features like a suspension lift, higher ground clearance, and protective cladding. Inside, the Forester focused on function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three display screens could be cumbersome. Overall, the Forester's design prioritized utility and ease of use, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

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, except for the AT4 trim. The Denali's 6.2-liter V8, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble. However, fuel economy was a weak point, with the Denali averaging 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 enhanced cornering performance and traction, making the Yukon capable in various driving conditions. Towing capacity for the Denali was 8,300 pounds with 4WD, though this was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. All Foresters came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness trim featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness averaged 25.9 mpg during testing, close to its EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved responsiveness. The dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different terrains, enhancing off-road capability. The Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks, along with all-terrain tires and a skid plate, made it adept at handling rough terrain.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console. However, the front seats could feel hard during long drives, and the upper door panel edges were not comfortable for elbows. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and collapse for better cargo room. The third-row seat offered improved thigh support, making it more 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 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality with easy entry and exit, thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The upgraded roof rails could accommodate a three-person roof tent. Comfort levels were high, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space included door panel bottle holders, seatback pockets, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. Folding the rear seat down increased cargo capacity to 74.2 cubic feet, making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

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 audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. However, the rear-seat entertainment system had some connectivity issues, and the Bose audio system was not up to par for an SUV at this price. Additional technology included a 15-inch head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The Harman Kardon system provided clear, rich sound, though the navigation system lacked a breadcrumb function. The Forester also offered a PIN Code Access feature, allowing owners to leave the key fob in the vehicle and use a PIN code to re-enter.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The SLT trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim included adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, making the Yukon more manageable in various driving conditions. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight provided a sense of security.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering twice the field of vision for improved accuracy. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).