2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 GMC Yukon

In the 2021 GMC Yukon, GMC sought to strike a balance between its “professional grade” and “premium grade” identities, situating itself between Chevrolet and Cadillac. While Buick also occupies this middle ground, GMC's representation was tougher and more refined. The redesigned 2021 Yukon, a truck-based full-size SUV, came in both standard and extended body lengths, priced from about $50,700. It was available in trims such as SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, with the AT4 being a new addition targeting off-road enthusiasts.

However, the Denali trim saw the lion's share of sales. Analyzing its appeal, GMC’s marketing suggested buyers sought substance over flashy branding, leading to an as-tested price of $83,720 for the fully loaded model. The Denali trim distinguished itself from equivalents like the Chevrolet Tahoe High Country with more sophisticated design elements, intricate grillework, and exclusive dashboard designs featuring real wood trim and leather-dressed panels.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness redefined the Outback's traditional station wagon roots, presenting a model more akin to a Jeep. Hosting 9.5 inches of ground clearance and wearing aggressive all-terrain tires, the Wilderness aligned itself closer to off-road SUV capabilities. It sported unique design features like a specialized grille, black 17-inch wheels with Anodized Copper accents, a matte black hood decal, and a robust roof rack supporting rooftop camping.

Inside, it embraced functionality with dark-gray StarTex upholstery, water-repellent seats, and a heated seating arrangement. Its exclusive Geyser Blue paint made it stand out, but the interior, notably with non-ventilated seats, placed it slightly behind in terms of comfort on hot days. Its off-road credibility paired with a luxurious feel was a testament to its versatility.

The 2021 Yukon offered three engines, notably the 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 for most trims and a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 exclusive to the Denali. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine expanded options later. Driving the Denali’s V8, one could experience robust acceleration courtesy of the 460 lb-ft torque paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the trade-off was fuel economy, with an average of 14.4 mpg in mixed-use and 16.2 mpg in two-wheel-drive mode.

The SUV's ride quality benefited from an independent rear suspension and Four-Corner Air Ride support, despite 22-inch wheels introducing some road irregularities. The new Active Response 4WD system with its array of driving modes enhanced its off-road prowess, though the Denali was more about secure handling than thrilling driving experiences. The towing capacity ranged from 8,300 to 8,400 pounds depending on the configuration, although it fell short of competitors like the Ford Expedition in this regard.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It supplied sufficient power for a midsize crossover and could tow up to 3,500 pounds. Fuel efficiency was decent, with an EPA estimate of 24 mpg combined, though real-world conditions reduced it to 21.3 mpg in mountainous terrain.

The Outback’s performance was marred somewhat by the CVT, which lacked the dynamic feel of a dual-clutch transmission. However, its all-wheel-drive system and modified suspension delivered impressive off-road capabilities, particularly with 9.5 inches of ground clearance and the advanced X-Mode traction system. Its redesigned bumpers allowed for aggressive approach and departure angles, making it a true off-road contender.

The 2021 Yukon excelled in space due to its new independent rear suspension. While the front seats bore rich leather upholstery and heating/ventilation, they could feel hard over long drives and lacked a massage function. Second-row seating improved with sliding and flat-folding features, enhancing both comfort and cargo space access. The third-row seats provided real thigh support for adults—an improvement over many rivals.

Cargo space in the Yukon Denali was substantial, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row (41.5 in Denali XL), 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded (93.8 in Denali XL), and a maximum cargo volume of 122.9 cubic feet (144.7 Denali XL). This made it spacious enough to rival minivans in terms of storage capabilities.

The Outback Wilderness, though smaller, made strategic use of its interior. StarTex upholstery provided a water-repellent finish but could be uncomfortable in hot weather due to the lack of ventilation. Heated seats and effective climate control attempted to mitigate this discomfort. Rear seat comfort was ample for two adults or three children, with added conveniences like USB ports and air vents.

Cargo space measured at 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and expanded to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The roof rack's enhanced load capabilities emphasized its appeal for outdoor adventures.

The Yukon Denali offered comprehensive infotainment with a 10.2-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity features. Upgrades included a navigation system, 14-speaker Bose audio, and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch screens. Users experienced some difficulties with streaming, though overall, the technology provided a positive experience. The package also included a large head-up display, rear camera mirror, and several surround-view camera angles.

The Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system but relied heavily on the touchscreen for controls beyond basic functions. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the voice recognition system was not very user-friendly. A notable omission was a premium sound system. Subaru did, however, offer PIN code entry technology for secure, convenient access during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Yukon included numerous safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) improved with higher trims, adding adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The system’s smooth operation improved the overall driving experience, making it responsive but not overbearing.

The 2022 Outback Wilderness prioritized maintaining effectiveness for its standard EyeSight ADAS. This suite included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system added to its safety feature set. Though it lacked Subaru’s DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology, it maintained a high safety standard with expected impressive ratings from leading bodies.