2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with its decade-old styling theme, received subtle updates for the new model year. These included a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, known for its chrome-heavy design, especially in the Denali trim, showcased a commanding presence with a vast, multi-dimensional grille resembling an industrial-sized cheese grater. The Denali's front was almost entirely chrome, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights. The test vehicle's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim featured unique front styling, including a dark grille, skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, with the test vehicle featuring the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium look.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, supporting the adaptive cruise control's stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, including a 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. The standard 5.3-liter V8 engine produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the Denali's 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The AT4 trim featured a two-speed transfer case for better off-road control. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, with the 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon featured independent rear suspension for better handling and a smoother ride, though some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard on all but the base LX trim, was comfortable with inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space behind the third row measured 32.8 cubic feet, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous third-row space issues with a redesign, increasing third-row legroom by over 10 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, with power fold-and-tumble bucket seats available for easier access to the third row. The test vehicle featured power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats. The Denali trim included a power-sliding center console with hidden storage and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced the traditional gear shifter, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system, available on Touring and Elite, featured a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, displaying driving speed, speed limit, audio information, and safety aids. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless phone charging, and an available WiFi hotspot. The Denali Ultimate Package added a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens. However, the Bose audio system's sound quality was underwhelming.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The EX trim added blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. The Odyssey received top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which earned four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was expected to award the Odyssey a Top Safety Pick recommendation.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, following distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package, standard on SLT and above, added lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The test vehicle featured a Safety Alert Seat and an adjustable rear camera mirror. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet tested the current-generation Yukon.