2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a more compact version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. Its exterior design closely mirrored that of the Pilot, leading some to consider it a sportier variant of its larger sibling. Inside, the Passport's dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, sharing the same corporate design choices, including the somewhat awkward button shifter for the automatic transmission. Despite these similarities, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. It offered various trim levels, starting with the Sport, which included features like 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights. The EX-L trim added leather upholstery and a power moonroof, while the Touring trim introduced front-and-rear parking sensors and a hands-free liftgate. The top-tier Elite trim featured heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that embraced chrome as a defining design element, especially in the Denali trim, which featured a massive chrome grille and 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels. The Denali's front end was almost entirely chrome, giving it a commanding presence. The AT4 trim, designed for off-road enthusiasts, had a unique front styling with a dark grille and skid plate. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, such as the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding a premium touch. The AT4 trim had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents. The Yukon's redesign improved third-row legroom significantly, making it more comfortable for passengers.

The 2021 Honda Passport was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power effectively. The Passport's ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes. The FWD Passport could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD version could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon featured standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) with optional four-wheel drive (4WD), except for the AT4, which came with 4WD. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and handling, although some bouncing was noted on rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension enhanced ride comfort and off-road capability.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of storage was available in an under-floor tray. The EX-L trim featured a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims included a hands-free power liftgate. The Passport's upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console offered ample storage with a deep center bin and open cargo tray. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous third-row space limitations with a redesign that increased legroom by over 10 inches, resulting in 34.9 inches of third-row legroom. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The Yukon's longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension contributed to the additional space. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easy access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package. The pushbutton transmission controls, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen, required some adjustment but became intuitive with use.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While these features were a welcome addition, the infotainment system's graphics and menu layout were considered dated, and the volume dial felt like an afterthought. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of a volume dial was appreciated, as the system lacked a tuning dial.

The 2022 GMC Yukon boasted 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, offering driving speed, safety aids, and off-road inclinometer information. The Yukon's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package added a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2021 Honda Passport was equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with some "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety further. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with varying scores in individual crash tests. The IIHS had not yet tested the current-generation Yukon.