2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4's design was more in line with other EV crossovers, such as the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric, rather than traditional SUVs. Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced a bold, chrome-heavy design, especially evident in the Denali trim. The front of the Denali was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional chrome grille, giving it a commanding presence. The AT4 trim, aimed at off-road enthusiasts, featured unique front styling with a dark grille, skid plate, and 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 boasted four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle featuring the luxurious Teak/Light Shale color combo. The AT4 trim had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup made it the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, it offered a balanced and comfortable ride, with RWD providing better handling compared to its FWD rivals. The AWD version added more power and traction, making it quicker around town and on highways. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, 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 new 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 could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with the AT4 trim exclusively offering 4WD. The Yukon excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,400 pounds when properly equipped. The Denali trim, with its 6.2-liter V8, provided ample power and a hearty exhaust note. The redesigned Yukon featured independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and handling, though some bouncing was still noticeable over rough pavement.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than several EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console with limited storage space. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous shortcomings in third-row space with a redesign that increased legroom by over 10 inches, resulting in a more comfortable third row. Cargo space behind the third row also grew to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable assist steps for easier entry and exit. The pushbutton transmission controls, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen, required some acclimation but ultimately provided a modern touch.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most physical controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate, with smart-looking graphics and a choice between smartphone-like icons or a split-screen setup.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim included a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, offering a wealth of information, including safety aids and an off-road inclinometer. The standard infotainment system included a 10.2-inch touchscreen with 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 touchscreens, compatible with various media formats. However, the Bose audio system's sound quality was somewhat disappointing.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver is incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. 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 further 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.