2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's familial design and styling attributes, featuring sharp design lines and a sculpted exterior that gave it a familiar appearance akin to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, as expected from Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to the all-digital displays in competitors like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, featuring a rare CD player and elevated climate-control buttons, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX remained functional, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, particularly in its Denali trim, was a chrome lover's dream. The front of the Denali was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional chrome grille, giving it a unique and commanding presence. The test vehicle's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels contrasted beautifully with the dark Redwood Metallic paint. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim had its own distinct look, featuring a dark grille, skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks.

Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale color combo. The AT4 trim had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents. The third row, previously a cramped space, now offered significantly more legroom thanks to a redesign that included a nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and independent rear suspension. The power-sliding center console and power-retractable assist steps added convenience and a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind the smoother transitions offered by eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the car's speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, offered up to 650 instantaneous compression and damping adjustments. The NX featured three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, including a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. The standard 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the Denali's 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet. The turbodiesel, available on all trims except the AT4, produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Most trims came with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive as an option. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD, featuring 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 its 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, especially for third-row passengers. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced ride comfort and off-road capability by allowing the vehicle to be raised by two inches for better ground clearance.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but cargo space was limited. With the rear seats up, there were 17.7 cubic feet of space, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These figures made the NX's storage capacity one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 GMC Yukon excelled in interior space, especially in the third row, which now offered 34.9 inches of legroom, up from 24.8 inches in previous models. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience. The power-sliding center console revealed additional storage space, and the power-retractable assist steps made entry and exit easier. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced the traditional gear shifter, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an upgrade to a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 15-inch multi-color head-up display on the Denali trim. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. The Denali trim included a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens. The system was compatible with various media formats, including laptops and gaming consoles.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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