2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into the Volvo lineup with its “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro look. The XC40 Recharge distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof, mirror caps, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, especially 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 AT4 trim had a distinct look with 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 featured four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale color combo. The AT4 had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details. The power-sliding center console and power-retractable assist steps added to the vehicle's convenience and luxury.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup. The base FWD T4 had a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The AWD T5 variant produced 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The electric Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring one electric motor per axle for a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The Recharge emphasized quiet and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. It also offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the Denali's 6.2-liter V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel economy that allowed up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon had a maximum towing capacity of 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 provided better handling and a smoother ride, though some bouncing was noted over rough pavement. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced ride quality and off-road capability.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge had the same passenger and cargo space as the gasoline models, but it was less spacious compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions included a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins due to the relocation of the Harman Kardon system's speakers to the dashboard. A wireless charging pad was optional, and a single USB-C port was standard, though second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered significantly improved third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. Cargo space behind the third row also increased 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 power-sliding center console revealed additional storage space, and the power-retractable assist steps made entry and exit easier. The pushbutton transmission controls took some getting used to but eventually became second nature.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system with Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge also had OTA update capability for both the infotainment system and other vehicle functions. It lacked a start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park with the key fob on their person.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The rear-seat media system included dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens compatible with various media formats. The power-sliding center console and hidden storage drawer added to the vehicle's convenience.

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition, reverse automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system. The Recharge model had a safety cage around the battery and a redesigned front crash structure.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety further. 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.